WillTravel

I have an 8.5-hour layover in Phoenix.

I am thinking that I will take light rail and go to the Heard Museum.

My concern is that from Google Maps, I can see there's a 5-minute walk to transfer stations at 44th Street. Ordinarily this is perfectly fine, but I see Phoenix will be at 106F. Is this walk above ground and unshaded? I'll have luggage - is it all stairs, or are there elevators and escalators?

I'm actually not so worried when I read that the forecast is for 106, but I know that Phoenix has lately had 115-120F temperatures.

Alternatively, how much is a taxi ride?

Is there a convenient place to get a late lunch/early dinner near the Heard Museum (again with minimal exposure to heat and sun by walking)?

bigtyke

a 5 minute walk if you are verrrry slow.

DebitNM

Can you check your bags through to final destination or is this carry on that you will schlepp?

WillTravel

Yes, I have to carry my laptop and purse around at minimum, and I will likely have a carry-on bag too (if I don't want to pay $25).

patandhank

If you schlepping bags I would opt for a cab. Especially if you're not used to our heat. I just used this estimator:

http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.p...o=Heard+Museum

which shows you're fare would be approximately $20. Worth it to be out of the heat.

The museum has its own small café.

WillTravel

Hmmm - that might even make me want to check my luggage for $25 and just be able to forget about it so I can better enjoy my time in Phoenix.

JerseyGirlinAZ

If you dress for the weather (ie light clothing, sunscreen, bring water) and are in relatively good health, then you can do the 5-minute walk.

dbdurand

If you carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun you will feel cooler and won't need to mess around with sunscreen. My wife and I do this when visiting hot climate areas.

WillTravel

This was a super-easy trip from the airport. I kept my duffel bag and laptop with me, but there were lockers at the museum so I held them there while I enjoyed the museum, its cafe, and its courtyards. This was a perfect layover. That said, it was only about 95F, so that's a lot different than dealing with 120F.