Getting around Tempe from The Westin Tempe

The Westin Tempe sits at 11 E SEVENTH STREET in downtown Tempe, within a few minutes' walk of Mill Avenue and Arizona State University. You can get around by walking to nearby attractions, by Valley Metro light rail and streetcar, or by rideshare/taxi; the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.
In this guide
- Getting to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Walking and on-site arrival details
- Walking distances to nearby attractions
- Public transit: light rail, streetcar and local buses
- Getting around by car, rideshare and taxis
- On-site amenities that help you get around or plan your day
- Day trips and regional transport options
Getting to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 4.1 miles from The Westin Tempe. The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, so most guests use rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
If you prefer transit, take the Valley Metro light rail (A Line) from Sky Harbor — trains connect the airport terminals to downtown Tempe stations that put you within a short walk of the hotel.
- Rideshare or taxi: direct door-to-door service; commonly used for faster transfers.
- Light rail (Valley Metro A Line): connects PHX to downtown Tempe; get off at a Mill Avenue-area station and walk to the hotel.
- No on-site airport shuttle is provided by The Westin Tempe.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Direct, recommended for luggage or off-hours |
| Valley Metro Light Rail | Public option from PHX to downtown Tempe; short walk to hotel |
| Hotel Shuttle | Not available |

Walking and on-site arrival details
The Westin Tempe’s address is 11 E SEVENTH STREET, Tempe, AZ 85281. A 24-hour front desk handles check-in and guest assistance; check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
Only valet parking is available on-site (there is a daily fee and height restrictions). The property is cashless and requires a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Front desk: 24 hours.
- Check-in/check-out: 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM.
- Parking: valet only (daily fee; in/out privileges).
- Payment: no cash accepted — major credit cards and contactless payments only.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| ID at check-in | Photo ID and credit card required |
| Valet parking | Daily fee; height restrictions; in/out privileges |
| Cash policy | Property is cashless |

Walking distances to nearby attractions
The hotel is in downtown Tempe, within easy walking distance of Arizona State University and the Mill Avenue District. Several arts and event venues and lakefront recreation are also walkable or a short rideshare away.
Walking times can vary by pace and exact starting point, but the hotel lists the following nearby spots as short walks.
- Mill Avenue District — about a 1-minute walk.
- Arizona State University Tempe campus — about a 3-minute walk.
- Tempe Beach Park / Tempe Town Lake — roughly a 10-minute walk to the lakefront Beach Park area.
- Desert Financial Arena and Grady Gammage — about a 10-minute walk.
| Destination | Typical walk time (hotel guidance) |
|---|---|
| Mill Avenue District | 1 minute |
| Arizona State University | 3 minutes |
| Tempe Beach Park / Tempe Town Lake | 10 minutes |
Public transit: light rail, streetcar and local buses
Downtown Tempe is served by the Valley Metro light rail (A Line) and the Tempe streetcar; both provide affordable links across Phoenix, Sky Harbor, and parts of Mesa. A local bus stop is also very close to the hotel.
Fares are separate from hotel charges; a single light rail ride and day-pass options are available through Valley Metro. Check Valley Metro for current fares and schedules before you travel.
- Valley Metro Light Rail (A Line): connects Tempe, Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Phoenix, and Mesa.
- Tempe Streetcar: connects key Mill Avenue stops and links with light rail at Mill Avenue/3rd Street.
- Local buses: a bus stop is roughly 250 feet from the hotel entrance.
| Transit | Why use it |
|---|---|
| Valley Metro Light Rail | Fast, frequent link to PHX and downtown Phoenix |
| Tempe Streetcar | Short hops along Mill Avenue and nearby neighborhoods |
| Local bus | Covers local routes not served by rail |
Getting around by car, rideshare and taxis
If you plan to drive or rent a car, be aware The Westin Tempe’s on-site parking is valet-only and carries a daily fee; height restrictions may apply. For many downtown trips, rideshare or short taxi rides are quicker than parking in congested event periods.
Rideshare drivers can drop off and pick up at the hotel; expect higher demand (and surge pricing) during ASU events and downtown nightlife hours.
- Valet parking only — on-site; daily fee applies.
- Rideshare/taxis: convenient for door-to-door travel and airport transfers.
- If attending ASU events, allow extra transfer time for traffic and pickup delays.
| When to choose | Best option |
|---|---|
| Quick airport transfer with luggage | Rideshare / taxi |
| Exploring central Tempe and Mill Avenue | Walk or streetcar |
| Driving farther out (day trips) | Rental car |
On-site amenities that help you get around or plan your day
The Westin Tempe has a 24-hour front desk that can help with local directions, arranging taxis, and general neighborhood info. The hotel also provides complimentary access to the 24/7 Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio and rooftop pool and Skysill Rooftop Lounge on the 18th floor.
There is no full-service spa on property; rooms have spa-inspired bathrooms. Cup of Joe Market Café serves Starbucks and grab-and-go items if you need a quick start before exploring.
- Guest services: front desk available 24/7 for directions and transportation help.
- Fitness: Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio with Peloton bikes — open 24/7 and complimentary for guests.
- Pool & rooftop bar: Skysill Rooftop Lounge and rooftop infinity pool on the 18th floor (hours vary; pool hours may be limited by weather).
| Amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio | Open 24/7; Peloton bikes; complimentary for guests |
| Skysill Rooftop Lounge & Pool | 18th-floor rooftop; pool hours and rooftop bar hours vary |
| Cup of Joe Market Café | Starbucks and grab-and-go, morning hours |

Day trips and regional transport options
The Westin Tempe is a convenient base for regional drives: Sedona is commonly visited as a roughly 2-hour drive, and the Grand Canyon rim is typically a 3.5–4.5 hour drive depending on traffic and route. The hotel can help with directions but does not operate excursion shuttles.
If you prefer organized trips, consider local tour operators or rental-car day trips; plan for desert heat in summer and check driving times carefully.
- Sedona: commonly cited as about a 2-hour drive north from Tempe.
- Grand Canyon (South Rim): commonly cited around 3.5–4.5 hours by car from Tempe.
- Local tour operators and car rentals are the usual way to visit regional destinations from Tempe.
| Destination | Typical drive time |
|---|---|
| Sedona | About 2 hours |
| Grand Canyon (South Rim) | About 3.5–4.5 hours |
| Phoenix Zoo / Desert Botanical Garden | Around 20–35 minutes by car |


