Light rail date nights
Key facts
| Light rail | 28 miles linking Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa |
|---|---|
| Rail fare | $2 a ride or $4 for a day pass |
| Tempe stations | 9, with trains about every 15 to 20 minutes |
| Streetcar | 14 stops along Mill and Ash, $1 a ride |
Parking near Mill Avenue can be a pain on busy nights. The light rail and streetcar make car-free dates easy, and they help with getting home safely too. Here are three ways to use them.
Start at Mill Ave and Third Street
Downtown Tempe's Mill Ave/3rd St station puts you a short walk from Mill Avenue and the lake. Tempe has 9 light rail stations, and fares are $2 a ride or $4 for a day pass, payable in the Valley Metro app. Meet at the station, then walk to dinner.
Source: Tempe Tourism: Valley Metro Rail and Tempe Streetcar, checked 9 November 2026
Ride the streetcar loop
The streetcar runs a three mile route along Mill and Ash avenues, every 15 to 20 minutes until midnight. Ride to the end and back, stopping for a drink or dessert on the way. A ride costs $1.
Source: Tempe Tourism: Valley Metro Rail and Tempe Streetcar, checked 9 November 2026
Take the train to the art festival
The fall Tempe Festival of the Arts fills Mill Avenue with more than 300 artist booths on December 4 to 6, 2026, and the spring festival runs March 12 to 14, 2027. It is a cash-free event. Arriving by rail saves you hunting for parking.
Source: Downtown Tempe: Tempe Festival of the Arts, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Is the Tempe Streetcar free?
No. Fares started in August 2025, and a regular ride is $1.
Can we get to the airport by rail?
Yes. The PHX Sky Train to Sky Harbor connects at the 44th St/Washington station, four stops west of Mill Ave/3rd St.
How late does the streetcar run?
Until midnight every day, starting at 6 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.
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