Best for: Phoenix visitors, Arizona travelers, anyone flying into PHX and heading to Sedona
The trip from Phoenix to Sedona is approximately 117 miles, and most visitors start it at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes just under two hours, though the time of day and how you choose to travel all affect what that journey actually looks like. This guide covers every realistic transportation option between Phoenix and Sedona, along with what to know about getting around once you arrive.
Most visitors choose their route to Sedona based on more than distance alone. Some want the flexibility to stop at overlooks and hiking areas along the way, while others prefer avoiding the drive altogether once traffic leaving Phoenix and winding roads approaching Sedona begin slowing the trip down.
Driving is the most common option and gives the most flexibility once in Sedona. Many trailheads and parking areas require a Red Rock Pass, available for $5 per day or $15 per week. Trailheads, viewpoints, and restaurants are spread far enough across town that having a vehicle makes the visit considerably easier to navigate.
Several companies run shared shuttle services from PHX to Sedona. Fares range from $60 to $100 per person, one-way. Departure times are fixed, so flexibility is limited. This option works well for solo travelers or pairs staying in central Sedona who do not plan to explore the surrounding terrain independently.
Ridesharing apps operate from PHX and can cover the 117-mile route. Fares tend to be higher than standard city airport pickups due to the distance, and surge pricing applies during peak periods. The return from Sedona, which has a smaller driver pool than Phoenix, can carry longer wait times and higher pricing than travelers expect when booking the outbound trip.
The ride from Phoenix to Sedona in a private vehicle operates on fixed pricing confirmed at booking and a scheduled pickup rather than real-time availability. For early-morning departures or late arrivals at PHX when rideshare availability drops, a pre-booked vehicle could reduce the variability introduced by app-based options during those hours.
Public transportation in Sedona is limited. Independent transportation remains the easiest way to reach most trailheads, restaurants, and scenic areas.
Peak traffic from Phoenix: Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings northbound sees the highest volume. Southbound traffic back toward Phoenix increases most heavily on Sunday evenings. Midweek travel runs consistently more smoothly in both directions.
Fuel: Options between Cordes Junction and Sedona on I-17 are limited. Fill up before leaving the Phoenix metro area.
Montezuma Castle National Monument: A short detour near Camp Verde off I-17, this 1,000-year-old cliff dwelling requires about an hour to visit and sits directly along the route north from Phoenix.
Weather: Sedona sits at over 4,000 feet and experiences genuine winter conditions from December through February, including occasional snow and ice on the approach roads. Summer temperatures in town regularly reach the mid-90s, making early morning the most comfortable window for outdoor activity.
The best way to get from Phoenix to Sedona depends on your schedule, budget, and how much flexibility you want once you arrive. Comparing transportation options before departure usually makes the trip smoother, especially on weekends, at airport arrivals, and during peak tourism periods.
