Getting Around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale

Getting Around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale can be tricky. The buzz of entertainment activity makes it glamorous and exciting. But, the high density of traffic, businesses, and people — working, living, and playing here — makes for challenging driving and parking. Here are some tips for getting around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale that are fast, safe and fun.

The excitement and glitz of Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale draws us there. There are many choices to see, be seen and do fun and essential activities.

Especially during the cool season, add arts, equine and other events, like spring training, and the farmers market, plus our other winter sport — road work — and it can be a hassle getting around Downtown and Old Town.

When you just want to get there fast, here are fun and smart tips for getting around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale that won’t harsh your mellow.

Walking in Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale

If you’re a walker, you can definitely get your steps in and see the sites up close in Downtown and Old Town. This is a great option if you live here or you’re staying in a resort, hotel or motel nearby — and it’s not too hot outside. We have an amazing trail system you can hit here too. And here’s a post to see our public art and galleries, plus the trails for serious trekking.

Parking in Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale

If you’re driving in from somewhere else in Scottsdale, the airport or another city, parking in Downtown and Old Town is challenging.

As Downtown and Old Town continue to densify, parking is a big issue. Public parking is growing scarce, while paid and valet parking can be expensive, depending on your budget.

Private Parking in Scottsdale

Thankfully, many shopping and dining areas like Fashion Square have both valet and free parking in structures at this time, but they can fill up fast and have time limits. Many office buildings have parking lots and structures too for your ease in getting around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale.

When parking in front of small businesses with parking lots or spaces nearby, make sure you’re not parking in reserved spaces. It might look at first glance like a parking lot has free public parking. But many businesses have parking permits affixed to cars for their tenants and employees. Look for signs!

Scottsdale Public Parking Map

The City of Scottdale’s Public Parking has many different locations:

Scottsdale Public Parking Rules, Tickets and Fines

Be aware of rules, fees — or free parking, and time limits in Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale. When you seek street or public parking lots, make sure you pay attention to all signs, to avoid a parking ticket. Fines are steep and impossible to squirm out of. Take it from moi, adding $55 to the price of a Scottsdale coiffure is no fun!

If driving is your preferred way of getting around Downtown and Old Town for shopping, business, dining or services, I suggest going early in the day to score the best parking spots. Give yourself extra time to see what’s available. You might be able to get a primo 2 or 3-hour space!

If you park in a public metered or free parking spot with time limits, set a timer on your phone or timepiece, so you remember to feed the meter or move your car before you get a parking ticket.

You might get lucky and park in front of your destination. But if not, here’s a Pro Tip: take a picture of your car and your surroundings, in case you can’t exactly remember where you parked. If you still forget, ask someone for help to find your car.

Don’t expect Scottsdale’s Police or City Court to have sympathy for expired parking meters or parking sign limits. They don’t and won’t. The cops who issue tickets always show up and the judge has zero tolerance.

Alternatives to Driving to Downtown and Old Town

If you’re visiting at a busy time, aren’t a walker, have a well-heeled event, accessibility considerations, or just don’t want the hassle, there are lots of other options to get around Downtown and Old Town.

Leave the Driving to a Ride-Share Service

Think about leaving the driving to a ride-share service like LYFT.

Public Transportation in Scottsdale

Public Transportation in Scottsdale is available in 3 different options: Scottsdale’s FREE Trolley on Weekdays. And their partnership with Valley Metro’s Bus System and Paratransit Program to serve disabled persons and seniors [Formerly Dial-a-Ride].

Scottsdale’s FREE Trolley on Weekdays

Another great option weekdays is Scottsdale’s FREE Trolley.

The Trolley currently runs Monday – Friday, from 5:45 AM – 7:45 PM. Check the link and study the 3 transit maps to learn the best routes for your trips.

‘Scottsdale’s trolley system connects riders to entertainment, shopping, dining, schools, parks, libraries, community centers and more. The trolley offers three fixed routes with connections to Valley Metro Transit and the Tempe Orbit.’ [Source: City of Scottsdale]

The Trolley runs as far North as Hayden Road and Northsight Blvd. and as far South as Continental Dr./Roosevelt St.

The Trolley’s Western boundary is roughly 68th St. And, its Eastern boundaries are Miller and Hayden Roads, plus 92nd St.

Valley Metro Bus Service

Valley Metro Transit Service is our Phoenix metro bus and other mass transit services that runs along side the Trolley, in terms of routes, but with more flexible hours and for nominal fees. Valley Metro has a mobile app.

Taking the Trolley or public buses are good options for getting around Scottsdale and points beyond. Our bus stops and transit centers are adequate, with some being nice.

But, be mindful of the suspicious people and activities that bus stops and transit centers attract. Use your best judgment and call 911 if you’re concerned. Here’s link to Valley Metro’s Safety Page.

I ride a Valley Metro Express bus downtown to my job with the state. It’s a great option, but I keep my eyes open at Mustang Transit Center where I hop on and debark.

Scottsdale Paratransit for Seniors Disabled Persons

Valley Metro provides Paratransit Services to serve seniors and disabled person with a variety of transit services to serve their needs conveniently and affordably.

Scottsdale Limo Services

If you are planning a large or special event in Downtown or Old Town Scottsdale, a Limo, party bus or car service makes great sense. Travel safely and in style, adding to the fun with ease. Here are a few options to help you choose:

• Scottsdale Party Bus and Limo
• Scottsdale Car Service
• Arizona Black Tie Limos and Transportation
• Scottsdale Limo Company
• Scottsdale Sedan and Limo Service
• Mirage Limousines

Getting a DUI in Scottsdale

A Word About Too Much Fun — DUI

If you go to Scottsdale for a good time that includes cocktails and/or other party additives, please don’t drive or ride anything under your own power. A good time can go south fast. Make a good decision and good memories. Scottsdale DUI laws are rigorously enforced. You don’t want to get caught by the notorious Saturation Patrol. Or get hurt or hurt someone else.

Other Ways to Cruise — Golf Carts, Bikes, e-Bikes and Scooters

Golf cart taxis are abundant, and e-bike and scooter rentals also abound for the young and invincible.  Hotels may also have bikes, like the Scott Resort and Bespoke Inn.

Here’s my post about Resorts, including hotels and motels in Downtown and Old Town, to find the perfect temporary home base for your visit.

A helmet for your pretty head’s a good idea, although not required, and here’s are tips for bike, e-bike and scooter trails and rules.

With bike-sharing and e-scooters abundant in Scottsdale, here are other sure bets for rentals, tours, and trendy, fun ways for getting around Downtown and Old Town. And, you’ll get helpful, knowledgable service with smiles.

• JoyRidesAZ – Golf Cart Transport Old Town
• Quick Silver Transportation
• Old Town Scooters
• E-Bike Tours & Rentals of Scottsdale
• Rides N Motion – ebike sales and rentals
• PEDALJETZ – ebikes for sale, rental, and tours
• Pedego Electric Bikes Scottsdale
• Arizona Party Bike – Scottsdale
• Segway of Scottsdale Tours

Wrapping Up

That’s the lowdown on getting around Downtown | Old Town Scottsdale— there’s so much to see and do. Now go have some good, safe, hassle-free fun! See you there!

Note: I have no experience with the services I’ve listed here, except Valley Metro — they are suggestions only.