Travel Guide North America USA Western United States Arizona Flagstaff
Flagstaff is located in the north of Arizona on the Colorado Plateau, at approximately 7,000 feet (2,150 metres) above sea level. On historic Route 66, Flagstaff provides easy access to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Cooler than the south of the state with a varied ecosystems and terrain, Flagstaff is an excellent base for hikers, campers and mountain bikers.
The Grand Canyon is what most draws people to Flagstaff. The National Park is approximately 75 miles (120 kilometres) to the north, and Flagstaff is one of the most common places that visitors to the park stay.
Other nearby outdoor attractions include:
Route 66, known as the "Mother Road" was decommissioned years ago, but still remains prominent in the American psyche as an important part of their heritage. Despite the highway no longer officially existing, many areas of the road remain a "historic route", including the stretch that passes through the Flagstaff between Barstow, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. In early September, the city hosts an annual event, Route 66 Days, to highlight its connection to the famous highway.
As a semi-arid highland desert, Flagstaff has mild weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer, the temperatures are up in the high 20 °C, with temperatures in the low-teens and single digits in the winter. Snow does fall during the winter, but with 283 days without precipitation a year, large accumulations of snow are not common.
Air travel is available through Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (IATA: FLG, ICAO: KFLG, FAA LID: FLG), located just south of the city. In general, this is a general aviation airport, but there is some scheduled service from nearby locations, including Phoenix by US Airways Express and Los Angeles via Horizon Air.
The Southwest Chief, operated by Amtrak, travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, stopping en route in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is located at the northern end of Interstate 17, which runs down to Phoenix. Interstate 40 runs through the city, travelling westbound to Barstow, California and eastbound to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Route 66 runs parallel to I-40.
Bus service is provided by Greyhound, and also by other companies.
Route 66 provides the main east-west route through the city, running parallel to the I-40. Historic Flagstaff can be found between Beaver Street and Agassiz Street, running north from the Route 66 up to Elm Ave, and includes the Santa Fe depot, which now serves as the Amtrak train station.
Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.
For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.
Local bus service is provided by Mountain Line. Fares are $1.00 per trip, or $3.00 for a daily pass.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubeau Hostel | 19 West Phoenix St Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | Hostel | 91 |
| Grand Canyon International Hostel | 19 So. San Francisco Street Flagstaff AZ 86001 | Hostel | 89 |
| Rodeway Inn-Downtown | 122 W route 66 | Hotel | 67 |
| Travelodge NAU Conference Center/Downtown | 990 W. Route 66 | Hotel | 81 |
| Americana Inn-Route 66 Flagstaff | 2650 E Route 66 | Hotel | 57 |
| Econo Lodge University | 914 S. Milton Rd Flagstaff | Hotel | 63 |
| Motel 6 Flagstaff | 2010 E Butler Avenue | Hotel | - |
See also International Telephone Calls
The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. UPS stores can be found dotted throughout the city and will accept packages to be shipped by other carriers as well. Though you may pay a premium there, there is usually little or no line in these stores. This is a good alternative since, depending on time of day and the season, post offices can become fairly crowded. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.
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