admin The Valley is laid out on a mile grid, so you’ll rarely get lost. You will, however, drive a lot. Here’s the local’s guide.
Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.
The grid
Major streets run every mile. In Phoenix, Central Avenue divides east from west addresses and Washington Street divides north from south. Avenues are west of Central; Streets are east. (Yes, 7th Avenue and 7th Street are two miles apart.)
Freeway names
| Freeway | Also called | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| I-10 | “The 10” | East–west through downtown; LA to Tucson |
| I-17 | Black Canyon Fwy | North to Flagstaff |
| SR-51 | Piestewa Fwy | Downtown to North Phoenix |
| Loop 101 | Agua Fria / Pima / Price | Ring around the core cities |
| Loop 202 | Red Mountain / Santan / South Mountain | East Valley loop and South Mountain bypass |
| Loop 303 | Far West Valley outer loop | |
| US-60 | Superstition Fwy | Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert east to Apache Junction |
Light rail & transit
Valley Metro Rail runs through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, connecting downtown, ASU and Tempe Town Lake, with the free PHX Sky Train link to Sky Harbor. Great for game days, concerts and airport trips. Valley Metro also runs buses and the Tempe Streetcar.
Airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is famously close to downtown. Phoenix–Mesa Gateway (AZA) is a handy East Valley alternative for some airlines.
Commute tips
- Live within a freeway or two of work and test the drive at rush hour.
- Low sun at sunrise and sunset is a real hazard on east–west roads.
- HOV lanes require two or more people (or a qualifying plate) during posted hours.
- Arizona is hands-free: holding your phone while driving is illegal.
- Dust storms and monsoon rain change everything; see Monsoon 101.
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