In operation since the tail end of 2008, the 26-mile Valley Metro Light Rail stretches from 19th Ave. and Dunlap Ave. in upper-central Phoenix to downtown Mesa and offers quick access to downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona State University, Mill Avenue in Tempe and plenty more along the way. The line takes around 85 minutes to ride from end to end, 30 minutes to arrive in downtown Phoenix from Dunlap, and 40 minutes to arrive in downtown Phoenix from downtown Mesa.

Below we provide a map of the route, stations and nearby Park & Ride locations. Click on a station icon to see any major nearby attractions, and then keep reading to learn the cost and operating hours.

Cost to ride

Single ride: $2 All-Day Pass: $4 People ages 6-18, seniors, those with disabilities and Medicare cardholders can get a reduced price of $1 per ride and $2 for an all-day pass. Click here for more fare options. You can purchase tickets to ride the light rail at a platform, at nearby stores — Bashas', Circle K, Corner Store, Food City, Fry's Food, PL$ Check Cashers, Safeway, 7-Eleven and Walgreens — or online, although they cost more and can take more than a week to arrive by mail. The light rail ties in closely with the Valley Metro bus system, which makes it easy to continue your journey to places the light rail doesn't go. In fact, the all-day pass — or any other pass besides a single ride pass — works for the bus as well.

Light rail hours

Weekdays

Hours: 4:40 a.m. to Midnight
First trip: 4:40 a.m.
Last trip: 11 p.m.
Frequency: 12 minutes between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and 20 minutes all other hours

Weekends and Holidays

Saturday Hours: 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. (Sunday)
First trip: 5 a.m.
Last trip: 2 a.m. (Sunday)
Frequency: 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., and 20 minutes all other hours

Sunday and Holiday Hours: 5 a.m. to midnight
First trip: 5 a.m.
Last trip: 11 a.m.
Frequency: 20 minutes

For a detailed schedule by station, visit Valley Metro's timetable page.