Getting to Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is located in Tempe, Arizona, and is the largest public research university in the United States. With over 90,000 students, faculty, and staff, ASU is a bustling campus that requires easy access for commuters and visitors. One of the most important aspects of traveling to ASU is finding the closest airport. Fortunately, there are two airports that serve the Phoenix metropolitan area: Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Sky Harbor International Airport: The Closest to ASU
Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest airport to ASU, located approximately 7 miles northwest of the university. As the largest and busiest airport in Arizona, Sky Harbor serves over 44 million passengers annually. The airport has three terminals and offers flights from over 100 airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: An Alternative Option
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located approximately 20 miles southeast of ASU in Mesa, Arizona. While it is further away than Sky Harbor, it is still a convenient option for travelers. The airport serves over 1.5 million passengers annually and offers flights from Allegiant Air, Swoop, and WestJet. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway is a smaller airport with one terminal, making it easier to navigate than Sky Harbor.
Distance Comparison between Sky Harbor and Gateway
The distance between Sky Harbor International Airport and ASU is approximately 7 miles, which means that it takes around 15-20 minutes to drive between the two locations. In contrast, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is approximately 20 miles southeast of ASU, which means that it takes around 25-30 minutes to drive between the two locations. While Sky Harbor is closer to ASU, the difference in travel time is not significant, making Phoenix-Mesa Gateway a viable option for those who prefer a smaller airport.
Transportation Options from Sky Harbor to ASU
Getting from Sky Harbor International Airport to ASU is easy, thanks to various transportation options. The airport is conveniently located near major highways and offers several transportation services, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars. The Valley Metro Rail also provides service from Sky Harbor to ASU via the light rail. The light rail runs 24/7 and takes approximately 25-30 minutes to reach ASU.
Transportation Options from Gateway to ASU
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport offers several transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars. However, there is currently no direct public transportation available from the airport to ASU. Passengers can take the Valley Metro bus from Gateway to the Superstition Springs Transit Center and transfer to another bus to reach ASU. Alternatively, passengers can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the university.
Driving Directions from Sky Harbor to ASU
To reach ASU from Sky Harbor International Airport, take the 202 Loop East and exit at either Rural Road or McClintock Drive. Both exits lead directly to the university. The drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Driving Directions from Gateway to ASU
To reach ASU from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, take the 202 Loop West and exit at either Rural Road or McClintock Drive. Both exits lead directly to the university. The drive takes approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public Transportation from Sky Harbor and Gateway to ASU
As mentioned earlier, the Valley Metro Rail provides service from Sky Harbor to ASU via the light rail. The light rail runs 24/7 and takes approximately 25-30 minutes to reach the university. Passengers can purchase tickets at the airport or at any light rail station. Alternatively, passengers can take the Valley Metro bus from Gateway to the Superstition Springs Transit Center and transfer to another bus to reach ASU. Passengers must purchase a ticket before boarding the bus.
Ride-Sharing Services from Sky Harbor and Gateway to ASU
Both Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport offer ride-sharing services, including Uber and Lyft. Passengers can use the airport’s designated pick-up areas to request a ride. The cost of the ride varies depending on the distance and time of day.
Parking Options at ASU for Commuters
ASU offers several parking options for commuters, including hourly parking, daily parking, and permit parking. Hourly parking is available at various locations throughout the campus, while daily parking is available at the Apache Boulevard Structure and the Rural Road Structure. Permit parking is available for students, faculty, and staff who need to park on campus regularly.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Option for Travel to ASU
In conclusion, Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest airport to ASU and offers several transportation options, while Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is a viable alternative for those who prefer a smaller airport. Regardless of which airport you choose, there are various transportation options available to reach ASU, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, and rental cars. Additionally, ASU offers several parking options for commuters who need to park on campus regularly.
