To/From PHX: transit options
 

I am going to the U2 concert 5/22 arriving early eve. Concert at US Airways Center, which looks like about 4-5miles from PHX. It starts @ 7:30 if on time-U2 usually puts on 2 hr show more or less. I have a redeye return on AA dep 11:55. Have precheck so hopefully fast moving; also up in First if it makes any difference- I'll have no bags. Now it seems silly to me to rent a car as I'll pay for parking near center, but I want to make sure I make the flight. So beyond a taxi what are my options: uber/ rail?

You can very easily take the SkyTrain from T4 to the Metro Light Rail station at 44th St. and Washington. Hop on a train going westbound towards 19th Ave./Montebello, exit at 3rd St. and Washington, walk about a block South to the US Airways Center/Talking Stick Arena.

I would count on catching a cab for the reverse trip after the concert because I think you'll be time crunched. Assuming an on time start at 7:30, there will be one or two opening acts probably, that puts you at 8:30ish, another half hour or so to reset for U2 and you're looking at them taking the stage at 9.

The light rail here doesn't serve much but two of the places it does serve are the airport and the USAC.

As far as timing on the return if you can be on the train by 10pm then take light rail, otherwise cab. The light rail ride is about 15 minutes plus another 5-10 on the airport tram.

Edit: Also beware the Diamondbacks play the Cubs that night at Chase Field two blocks east of the USAC. Both stadiums share the same eastbound light rail stop. With the Cubs I would guess about 23,000-25,000 people will go to the game. So expect light rail to be packed.

Precheck may not save you either as they can shut it down somewhat early. Last week I was picking someone up in T4 and saw them close the Precheck line on the WN side about 6:15pm.

Edit #2 The Diamondbacks game is also a fireworks game, and they shoot them off right over the light rail tracks on Jefferson, so all road and rail traffic will be blocked on Jefferson between 5th St and 7th St during that time (if it's a normal 3hour game the fireworks should be between about 9:45 and 10:10ish).

I would just take an UberX. They're always on the ball, lots of drivers around here no matter what time of day/night. I have maybe taken 10 rides tops, so I'm not super expierenced, but every single time has been great.

I take it you'll be at sky harbor? Looks like an UberX would be $9 to $12 as of right now (no surge). ~5.2 miles. http://uberestimate.com/fare/cyvfwzh/

Enjoy your stay! Just starting to get warm

This is good advice. PHX is very close to downtown Phoenix and it'll be a straight shot after the game.

I'm probably stating the obvious, but make sure you stick with UberX/UberBlack, as regular Uber(and UberX vehicles without the proper credentials) is prohibited from picking up at Sky Harbor due to the contract with Yellow Cab. They can drop you off there, however.

I also wouldn't want to be riding the light rail after dark, but that's just me.