Getting around Scottsdale from The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Arriving from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

Most guests travel between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa by rental car, rideshare, taxi or prebooked airport shuttle. Drive time varies with traffic; expect roughly 26–40 minutes depending on time of day and route. Photo: 0

• Airport options: rental car at the airport, rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft), taxi, or the hotel-arranged shuttle (confirm availability and schedules with the hotel).
• PHX has the PHX Sky Train to Valley Metro Rail, but the light rail does not extend into Scottsdale — that makes direct public-rail service from the airport to the resort impractical.
• If you prefer a private transfer, reserve a car service in advance; verify pickup locations and any additional fees.

On-site transport: shuttle, parking and walking

The mandatory daily resort fee includes shuttle service to Kierland Commons; ask the concierge or front desk for pick-up locations and hours. Kierland Commons is about a 1–3 minute walk from the resort, and Scottsdale Quarter is an easy walk as well. Photo: 44

The resort offers both self-parking and valet parking for a daily surcharge; rates have varied by source, so confirm current amounts with the hotel at check-in.

If you plan short trips to nearby shops and restaurants, walking plus the shuttle are usually the most convenient choices.

• Shuttle to Kierland Commons included with resort fee — good for short shopping/dining trips.
• Self-parking and valet parking available on site (daily surcharge applies).
• Walking distances: Kierland Commons ~1 min walk; Scottsdale Quarter ~10–15 minute walk (depending on route).

Pools, resort features and getting between venues

The resort campus is large with several pool complexes, restaurants and event spaces; allow a few extra minutes to walk between distant points (for example, between ballrooms and the Adventure Water Park). Photo: 39

If you want to move quickly across property or have mobility needs, ask the concierge about accessible routes and any available assistance. The property is wheelchair accessible and provides accessible parking, ramps and elevators.

• Adventure Water Park (lazy river, waterslide, FlowRider) and the Aguamiel adults-only pool are on-site amenities; check daily opening times at the front desk.
• On-site dining venues (Faro & Brag, Indigo Poolside Bar & Grill, Brittlebush Bar & Grill, Ritual Market & Coffee, Luma Lounge & Bar, Antidote) are all within walking distance around the resort.
• For group moves to meeting rooms or events, allow extra time — the resort has many ballrooms and meeting spaces across the grounds.

Getting to nearby attractions: drives, rideshare and shuttles

Kierland Commons is adjacent and an easy walk; other nearby spots like Scottsdale Quarter, TPC Scottsdale, Penske Racing Museum, and WestWorld are short drives. For places beyond walking distance, rideshare or driving are the most convenient options because Scottsdale has limited rail service. Photo: -1

If you plan to visit Old Town Scottsdale, the Musical Instrument Museum, OdySea Aquarium or Talking Stick Resort Casino, expect short to medium drives — Old Town is typically about a 20-minute drive from the Kierland area depending on traffic.

• Nearby walkable destinations: Kierland Commons (shops and restaurants); Scottsdale Quarter (about a 10–15 minute walk).
• Short drives: TPC Scottsdale, Penske Racing Museum, WestWorld of Scottsdale — generally 5–15 minutes by car.
• Longer day trips: Sedona (~2 hours), Grand Canyon South Rim (3.5–4 hours) — best done with a rental car or a guided tour.

Public transit, trolleys and alternatives

Scottsdale does not have a Valley Metro light-rail stop; the Phoenix-area light rail serves Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa but not Scottsdale, so public transit options are primarily buses, local shuttles and the Scottsdale Trolley. Photo: -1

Valley Metro buses serve parts of Scottsdale but coverage is more limited than in larger cities; check current Valley Metro routes and schedules before relying on them for specific trips.

• Scottsdale Trolley: a local shuttle that links entertainment and shopping areas — verify current routes and hours locally.
• Valley Metro buses operate in the region; maps and schedules are available on the Valley Metro website.
• Waymo One and other rideshare options operate in Metro Phoenix and may serve Scottsdale as an alternative to taxis.

Car rental, parking and driving tips

Renting a car is recommended if you want flexibility for day trips (Sedona, Grand Canyon) or to explore the wider Phoenix area; the hotel has on-site parking for self-park and valet. Photo: -1

If you drive, plan routes around peak commuter times; confirm current on-site parking rates and valet policies at check-in as published rates have varied by source.

• Reserve a rental car in advance during peak season (Jan–Apr) when demand is higher.
• Confirm self-parking and valet rates with the front desk — published amounts have varied across sites.
• If you plan frequent short trips to Kierland Commons, walking or the included shuttle is often faster than moving a car on and off property.

Accessibility and family considerations

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is wheelchair accessible across public areas, with accessible rooms available (for example: Room, Resort View (Mobility/, Tub) and Room, Resort View (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr)). The resort also lists a pool access ramp and accessible parking. Photo: -1

The property is family-friendly: on-site family facilities include the Adventure Water Park and the Westin Family Kids Club for ages 4–12. For quieter adult time, the Aguamiel adults-only pool is restricted to guests 18 and older.

• Request accessible routes or elevators at the front desk if you need assistance moving between widely spaced areas on property.
• Families should check activity schedules (Kids Club, pool hours) at the concierge so you can plan transfers between pools, meals and events.
• Spa and adults-only pool access require guests to be 18 or older; ask spa staff about day-pass rules if you’re booking just spa access.