Flying into Phoenix? You've got two airports to choose from: Sky Harbor (PHX) — Arizona's busiest airport — or Mesa Gateway (AZA) — the budget airline hub 30 miles east. Which one actually saves you money on car rentals?
We compared prices, convenience, and total cost to help you decide. Spoiler: the "cheaper" airport isn't always cheaper.
The Quick Answer
| Factor | Sky Harbor (PHX) | Mesa Gateway (AZA) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Passengers | 48 million | 1.8 million |
| Rental Car Options | All major + P2P | Limited counters |
| Average Daily Rate | $45-65/day (counter) $35/day (ItWhip) |
$50-70/day (counter) $35/day (ItWhip) |
| Wait Time | 30-60 min (shuttle + line) | 15-20 min |
| Distance to Phoenix | 4 miles | 30 miles |
| Best For | Most travelers | Budget airlines (Allegiant/Spirit) |
Sky Harbor (PHX): The Full Picture
Pros:
- 4 miles from downtown Phoenix — central location
- Every major rental company on-site
- More flight options and airlines
- P2P rentals with free curbside delivery (skip the shuttle entirely)
Cons:
- Rental Car Center requires a shuttle ride (10-15 min)
- Long lines during peak seasons (spring training, holidays)
- Counter prices often $10-20/day higher than online quotes
- Fees add up: taxes, airport surcharges, fuel charges
The PHX Rental Counter Reality
Here's what they don't tell you: that "$35/day" quote you saw online? At the PHX rental counter, expect:
- Airport concession fee: 11.11%
- Customer facility charge: $5.50/day
- Tourism tax: 3.25%
- Fuel service charge if you don't return full
Your $35/day rental becomes $55+/day real fast.
Mesa Gateway (AZA): The Budget Alternative
Pros:
- Smaller airport = less chaos
- Cheaper flights on Allegiant and Spirit
- Faster through security and pickup
- Great for East Valley destinations (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler)
Cons:
- Limited rental options at the airport
- 30+ miles from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
- Fewer flight times and destinations
- If your flight is delayed, you're stuck in the desert
The Hidden AZA Costs
Flying into Mesa Gateway to "save money" can backfire:
- Fewer rental cars = less competition = higher prices
- 30-mile drive to Phoenix adds gas costs
- If staying in Scottsdale, you're 40+ miles away
- Limited counter hours — miss your window and you're stranded
The Real Cost Comparison
Let's do the math for a 5-day rental:
Traditional Counter Rental
| Cost | PHX | AZA |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate (5 days) | $225 | $250 |
| Taxes & fees | $85 | $75 |
| Insurance upsell | $75 | $75 |
| Gas to Phoenix | $0 | $15 |
| Total | $385 | $415 |
ItWhip P2P Rental
| Cost | PHX | AZA |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate (5 days @ $35) | $175 | $175 |
| Service fee | $25 | $25 |
| Insurance (included) | $0 | $0 |
| Airport delivery | Free | Free |
| Total | $200 | $200 |
Bottom line: With P2P rentals, it doesn't matter which airport you fly into — you get the same price with free curbside delivery at both.
When to Choose Each Airport
Choose Sky Harbor (PHX) if:
- You're staying in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or Glendale
- You want the most flight options
- You're renting a car anyway (central location saves time)
- You're here for business or a short trip
Choose Mesa Gateway (AZA) if:
- You found a significantly cheaper flight ($100+ savings)
- You're staying in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, or Queen Creek
- You're visiting for Cubs spring training at Sloan Park
- You value a quieter, faster airport experience
The ItWhip Advantage: Same Price, Both Airports
Here's the secret: with peer-to-peer car rental, the airport debate disappears.
- Free curbside delivery at PHX and AZA — no shuttle, no line
- Same $35/day starting price regardless of airport
- $1M insurance included — no upsells
- Local hosts who know the Valley
- MaxAC™ certified — guaranteed cold AC (critical in Phoenix summers)
Skip the rental counter chaos entirely. Your car meets you at arrivals, pre-cooled and ready to go.
Ready to Book?
Browse cars available at both Phoenix airports. Free delivery, no lines, no surprises.
Sky Harbor (PHX) Cars → Mesa Gateway (AZA) Cars →FAQ
Is Mesa Gateway really cheaper than Sky Harbor?
For flights, sometimes — especially on Allegiant and Spirit. For car rentals, PHX often has more competition and better deals. With P2P rentals like ItWhip, prices are the same at both airports.
How far is Mesa Gateway from Scottsdale?
About 40 miles (45-60 minutes depending on traffic). Sky Harbor is only 15 miles from Scottsdale.
Do rental companies deliver to Mesa Gateway?
Traditional companies have limited presence at AZA. ItWhip offers free curbside delivery at both airports.
Which airport is better for spring training?
Depends on which team! Cubs fans: Mesa Gateway is closest to Sloan Park. Dodgers/White Sox fans: Sky Harbor is more central for Camelback Ranch in Glendale.