Ready to hit the road? Enter your Arizona pick-up location (city or airport like PHX, Phoenix Sky Harbor) and dates above to see instant quotes. We work with all major car rental brands in Arizona (and many local ones) to bring you a huge selection. From economy cars for downtown Phoenix to SUVs for exploring Sedona’s backroads, you’ll find it here. Our booking system is user-friendly, filter by vehicle type, compare prices, and reserve in under 2 minutes. Most bookings require no prepayment, you can reserve now and pay later at pickup, with free cancellation if your plans change. In short, renting a car in Arizona is simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
From the painted deserts to the pine forests of northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon State is a land of stunning contrasts best explored by car. Our Arizona car rental guide is here to make your trip smooth and affordable. Whether you’re flying into Phoenix for business, road-tripping to the Grand Canyon, or cruising Route 66, we’ll help you find the perfect rental car at the perfect price. We blend competitive deals with local Arizona driving know-how, so you not only save money, but also drive with confidence on desert highways and mountain roads. Let’s get you on the road in the Grand Canyon State!
Our Arizona Car Rental Benefits
When you rent through AirportVanRental in Arizona, you get more than just a car, you get peace of mind and great value. Here’s what sets us apart:
Wide Selection & Top Brands: We partner with all the major rental companies in Arizona as well as trusted local agencies. That means you’ll see every car option in one search. Whether you need a compact car in Phoenix, a convertible for a Scottsdale cruise, or a 12-passenger van for a Grand Canyon tour, we’ve got you covered statewide.
Low Prices & Discounts: Finding a bargain is our specialty. Our system compares rates across 50+ suppliers to get you the lowest price. We highlight special deals, like “rent 3 days, get 1 free” weekend promos or free upgrade offers, and apply any eligible AAA, AARP, or other discounts automatically. You’ll often find exclusive Arizona rental deals here that you won’t get by walking up to the counter.
No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. Arizona rentals have taxes (around 8.6% state/county tax and airport surcharges), we show all of that upfront in your quote. No last-minute “energy fees” or surprise add-ons. If you’re planning a one-way rental from Arizona to another state, any drop-off fee is clearly shown as well so you can decide cost-effectively.
Flexible Rental Options: One-way trips? Unusual itineraries? No problem. Many Arizona locations (especially Phoenix) allow one-way rentals, so you could pick up in Phoenix and drop off in Las Vegas or Los Angeles if it fits your road trip. We’ll accommodate your itinerary rather than force you to return to the same spot. Some local offices even offer pick-up services or delivery within a certain range, just ask! We strive to make your rental as convenient as possible.
24/7 Support & Roadside Assistance: Booking with us means you have backup whenever you need it. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to help with any issues. Locked the keys in the car after hiking in Sedona? Need to extend your rental an extra day? We’ve got your back. Plus, all rentals come with roadside assistance, so if you get a flat tire on a lonely desert road, help is just a phone call away.
Trusted by Travelers: Thousands of customers rent with us in Arizona every year, and they’ve given AirportVanRental an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. We display real user reviews on our site (and include an aggregate rating schema for search engines), so you can book with confidence knowing you’re getting a top-rated service.
Today’s Best Arizona Car Rental Deals
(Here are a few sample deals available for Arizona. These refresh frequently, we update this list often to showcase recent low prices.)
Economy Car from $23/day, Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Ideal for city hops and great gas mileage for those Phoenix errands.
Midsize Sedan from $28/day, Example: Toyota Camry or similar. A comfortable ride for highway trips from Phoenix to Sedona or Tucson.
SUV (5-passenger) from $35/day, Example: Nissan Rogue or similar. Perfect for a family heading to Grand Canyon or navigating Flagstaff’s mountain roads.
Minivan from $49/day, Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar, seats 7. Great for group trips, say, taking the whole family to Lake Havasu or Monument Valley. Note: includes unlimited miles, so no worries about the long distances.
(Prices vary by date and availability. “From” rates are based on recent bookings in Arizona and include the base rate only, taxes and fees are extra. To get the current best price for your trip, run a quick search above!)
Driving in Arizona: Tips and Local Insights
Driving in Arizona is generally straightforward, but a few local insights can make your journey even smoother:
City Traffic & HOV Lanes: Phoenix’s freeways can get congested during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays). Build in extra time if you’re driving then. Phoenix and Tucson both have carpool (HOV) lanes on major highways, if you have 2+ people in the car, use them to zip by traffic. Also, be mindful of photo enforcement cameras at some intersections in Arizona (don’t speed up on that yellow light!).
Desert Driving & Heat: Arizona’s desert climate means very hot summers, especially in Phoenix and southern areas. Always travel with water in the car and never leave kids or pets unattended even for a minute. If you’re driving long stretches, ensure your vehicle’s coolant and tires are in good shape, heat can exacerbate engine or tire issues. Most rental cars are newer models with A/C, but it’s wise to park in the shade or use sunshades to keep the interior cooler.
Monsoon Storms & Dust: From July through September, Arizona experiences monsoon season. Sudden heavy rain can cause flash floods on roads, and dust storms (haboobs) can blow through the desert. If you encounter a dust storm and visibility plummets, pull completely off the road (exit if possible), turn off your lights, and wait it out. For rain, avoid crossing flooded washes; “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is the motto here. Most storms pass quickly, but always check weather forecasts if you’re driving long distances in summer.
No Tolls: Good news, Arizona currently has no toll roads. You won’t need to worry about toll passes or fees while driving within the state. (If you venture into California, Nevada, or Utah, keep in mind those places might have tolls or paid express lanes, but in Arizona you’re in the clear.)
Mountain Roads & Altitude: In northern Arizona and high-elevation areas (Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim, etc.), expect steep grades and winding roads. Use lower gears when descending steep hills (like coming down I-17 from Flagstaff to Phoenix) to avoid overheating your brakes. In winter, these areas can get snow, main highways are plowed, but if you plan to ski at Snowbowl or visit the Flagstaff area in January, consider renting an AWD vehicle. Also, at high altitudes, your car’s engine might feel a bit less powerful (and you might feel short of breath too!). Take it easy and enjoy the scenery.
Border Checks: If you drive in far southern Arizona (near the Mexico border), you might encounter Border Patrol checkpoints on certain highways (for example, on I-19 north of Nogales or on I-8 approaching Yuma). They’ll usually just ask if you’re a U.S. citizen and wave you through, it’s routine. Keep your ID (and passport, if you’re an international traveler) accessible just in case.
Scenic Road Trip Ideas in Arizona
One of the best things about renting a car is the ability to embark on epic Arizona road trips. Here are a few itinerary ideas to get you started (and yes, we have an interactive road trip map on this page so you can visualize these routes!):
Grand Canyon & Red Rocks (5–6 days): Start in Phoenix and drive north to Sedona, where you can marvel at the red rock formations and artsy town vibe. Continue to Flagstaff (perhaps stop at Slide Rock State Park on the way). From Flagstaff, head to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim and spend a day or two exploring one of the world’s natural wonders. On the return, take Route 66 through Williams and stop by Prescott or Jerome for Old West charm before looping back to Phoenix.
Southern Arizona Explorer (3–4 days): Begin in Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city with a vibrant desert backdrop. Drive east to Kartchner Caverns for an underground adventure, then south to the wild west town of Tombstone (catch a gunfight reenactment at the O.K. Corral). Continue to Bisbee, an eclectic former mining town now known for its arts scene and quirky architecture. Loop back west through Patagonia (a bird-watcher’s paradise) and up to Tucson. This journey showcases Arizona’s high desert, history, and culture in one sweep.
Route 66 Road Trip (4–5 days): Fly into Las Vegas (neighboring Nevada) or Phoenix and head toward Arizona’s stretch of historic Route 66. Kick off in Kingman with a visit to the Route 66 Museum, then drive east to Seligman, a town that inspired Pixar’s Cars. Continue to Flagstaff for a night (don’t miss the Lowell Observatory for some stargazing). From Flagstaff, detour north to Monument Valley on the AZ/UT border for iconic movie-like landscapes (you’ll recognize the view!). End your trip in Page to see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon’s famous slot canyon light beams. This trip is all about classic Americana and breathtaking scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Arizona’s roads are generally well-maintained and routes are well-marked. In cities like Phoenix, the grid system and freeways are straightforward (just watch out for heavy traffic at rush hour). In rural areas, roads are wide open, just keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as distances between services can be large. Driving is on the right-hand side, and rules are standard for the U.S. (right on red is allowed after a stop, unless signed otherwise; seat belts required, etc.). One thing to note: Arizona drivers often move a bit fast on highways (speed limits are 75 mph on some interstates). Stay in the right lane if you prefer a slower pace. If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll likely find Arizona driving easy and enjoyable, especially with the stunning scenery along the way.
You’re already on the right track by using our site! To maximize savings: 1) Book early. Rates often rise as the pickup date nears, especially for winter and event weekends, so reserve your car as soon as your travel dates are set (you can always cancel free if plans change). 2) Compare locations. Sometimes renting at Phoenix’s airport is pricier due to fees, check if a nearby city location or a different airport (like Tucson) has better rates for your trip. 3) Consider different car sizes. If everyone’s booking SUVs for a holiday, economy cars might drop in price (or vice versa). We show all categories so you can pick a bigger car on sale if it’s cheaper than a small one that day. 4) Use discounts. We automatically factor in available coupons and membership rates, but if you’re a AAA or AARP member, have frequent flyer programs, etc., look out for those options. 5) Avoid under-25 fees if you can, drivers under 25 incur surcharges, so if you have a 25+ traveler in your group who can rent, use them as the primary driver to save. By following these tips and comparing the deals we show, you’ll snag a great Arizona rental deal.
No, Arizona does not have toll roads or toll bridges. You can drive freely without worrying about toll fees or transponders. The only thing you might encounter is paid express lanes in other states if you drive out of Arizona, but within Arizona, you’re toll-free. This is a nice perk that saves you money and hassle on your Arizona road trip.
In Arizona (as in most U.S. states), you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Renters ages 21-24 will incur a “young driver” surcharge (usually around $25 per day) and might be limited to certain vehicle classes. Once you’re 25 or older, you can rent at the normal rates with full selection. (A few states like New York and Michigan allow rentals at 18, but Arizona is not among them, 21 is the standard minimum here.)