Getting to Sedona: Airports, Shuttles & Driving Directions

Quick Answer: The best way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and drive 2 hours north via I-17. Rent a car — you'll need one to explore Red Rock Country. If you can't drive, use the Groome Transportation shuttle ($53+ per person each way). Flagstaff (FLG) is closer but has limited flights; Sedona Airport (SDX) accepts only private planes.

Sedona doesn't have a commercial airport, and Uber/Lyft coverage is unreliable. Getting here right is the difference between a smooth trip and an exhausting one. This guide covers every option, distance, and cost.

Nearest Airports to Sedona

Airport	Code	Distance to Sedona	Drive Time	Notes
Phoenix Sky Harbor	PHX	119 miles	2 hours	Best for major airline flights
Flagstaff Pulliam	FLG	30 miles	45 minutes	Very limited flights (mostly Dallas)
Las Vegas Harry Reid	LAS	278 miles	4.5 hours	Best if pairing with the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas
Sedona Airport	SDX	In-town	5 minutes	Private aircraft only

From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) — The Standard Route

Route: I-17 North → Exit 298 → AZ-179 North → Uptown Sedona Distance: 119 miles Drive time: 2 hours (avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings — Phoenix traffic doubles the time)

Turn-by-turn:

1. Exit Phoenix Sky Harbor and head north on I-10 briefly, then merge onto I-17 North toward Flagstaff.
2. Continue 98 miles.
3. Take Exit 298 (McGuireville / Cornville) and turn LEFT onto AZ-179 North.
4. Continue 14 miles on AZ-179 through the Village of Oak Creek. You'll see Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte on your right.
5. AZ-179 ends at the intersection with AZ-89A — locals call this "the Y." Uptown Sedona is to your right.

Where to stop along the way:

• Rock Springs Cafe (Exit 242) — famous for pie, halfway rest stop
• Montezuma Castle National Monument (Exit 289) — ancient cliff dwelling, 15-min stop
• Sedona Vista Point (mile 20 on AZ-179) — your first jaw-drop view

From Flagstaff (FLG) — The Scenic Route

Route: I-17 South → Exit 337 → AZ-89A South through Oak Creek Canyon Distance: 30 miles Drive time: 45 minutes (spectacular scenery)

Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most beautiful drives in America. You'll descend 2,000 feet through switchbacks with towering red walls and Slide Rock State Park at mile 25. Do this drive during daylight — it's the scenic entry to Sedona.

From Las Vegas — The Road-Trip Route

Route: I-40 East to Williams, AZ → AZ-89 South → Oak Creek Canyon → Sedona Distance: 278 miles Drive time: 4.5 hours

Great option if you want to combine Vegas + Grand Canyon + Sedona. Stop in Williams, AZ for the Grand Canyon Railway and old Route 66 vibes.

Shuttle Options (If You Don't Want to Drive)

Groome Transportation (formerly Sedona-Phoenix Shuttle)

• Route: PHX Airport ↔ Sedona
• Cost: ~$53 per person one-way; ~$95 round-trip
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours (includes stops)
• Schedule: 8 daily departures
• Booking: groometransportation.com/sedona
• Stops in Sedona: Multiple pickup/drop-off points including major hotels

The most reliable shuttle. Book at least a few days ahead in peak season.

Sedona Shuttle & Uptown Trolley (Local — NOT airport)

The free Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday–Sunday to popular trailheads (Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Mescal, Little Horse, Dry Creek). It does NOT go to the airport. Use it once you're in town.

Private Car Service

Companies like Sedona Rides, Ace Xpress Sedona, and Verde Valley Transportation offer private car service from Phoenix. Expect $250–$450 one-way for a private sedan; more for SUVs or vans.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Sedona?

Yes, if you plan to hike, tour, or explore beyond Uptown. Sedona covers 18 square miles and the best trails, restaurants, and viewpoints are spread out. Uber and Lyft are unreliable — wait times of 30–45 minutes are common outside peak hours.

Maybe not, if:

• You're staying at a full-service resort (Enchantment, L'Auberge) and only doing the resort + Uptown
• You're on an all-inclusive tour package
• You're staying 1–2 nights and taking Jeep tours only

Best rental car pickup locations:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
• Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (limited fleet)
• Enterprise has a Sedona location, but usually cheaper to rent from PHX

Vehicle type: A standard sedan is fine. You do not need a 4×4 unless you want to drive Broken Arrow, Schnebly Hill, or Dry Creek Road yourself. Most trailheads have paved or well-graded access.

Uber & Lyft in Sedona

Both are available, but not reliable:

• Wait times: 15–45 minutes at any time
• Coverage: Uptown and West Sedona are fine; Boynton Canyon or Village of Oak Creek are hit-or-miss
• Cost: 50–100% higher than Phoenix rates

Don't rely on rideshare for time-sensitive things like Jeep tour pickups or dinner reservations.

Driving to the Grand Canyon from Sedona

If you're combining trips:

• Grand Canyon South Rim: 114 miles / 2.5 hours via Flagstaff and I-40 W to AZ-64 N
• Grand Canyon East Entrance (via Desert View): ~140 miles / 3 hours — the scenic route with Sunset Crater and Wupatki along the way
• Grand Canyon North Rim: 205 miles / 4.5 hours (closes mid-October through mid-May)

What About the Sedona Airport (SDX)?

Located on the mesa in the middle of town, Sedona Airport is for private aircraft only. There are no commercial flights. However:

• The airport is home to a great restaurant (Mesa Grill) with the best sunset views in town.
• Guidance Aviation and other operators offer scenic helicopter tours from here.
• The Airport Mesa Overlook (right next to the runway) is Sedona's most popular sunset viewpoint.

Distances From Sedona to Nearby Attractions

Destination	Distance	Drive Time
Phoenix (city)	116 miles	2 hours
Grand Canyon South Rim	114 miles	2.5 hours
Flagstaff	30 miles	45 minutes
Jerome, AZ	32 miles	45 minutes
Prescott, AZ	60 miles	1.5 hours
Las Vegas	278 miles	4.5 hours
Meteor Crater	100 miles	1.5 hours
Petrified Forest	145 miles	2.5 hours
Antelope Canyon (Page)	165 miles	3 hours
Monument Valley	205 miles	4 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

What airport should I fly into for Sedona? Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is your best option — the widest flight selection and 2-hour drive to Sedona. Flagstaff (FLG) is closer but has very limited flights.

How long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona? 2 hours in normal traffic. Add 30–60 minutes for Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings when Phoenix residents flood I-17 heading north or returning south.

How much does the shuttle from Phoenix to Sedona cost? Groome Transportation charges about $53 per person one-way or $95 round-trip. Private car service runs $250–$450 one-way.

Do I need a car in Sedona? Yes, unless you're doing a fully packaged resort trip. Sedona's attractions are spread across 18+ square miles and rideshare is unreliable.

Is the Oak Creek Canyon drive safe? Yes — it's a well-maintained scenic road with guardrails through the switchbacks. Take your time; there are frequent pullouts for photos and slower drivers.

How do I get around Sedona once I'm there? Rent a car for full flexibility. Use the free Sedona Shuttle (Thu–Sun) for popular trailheads. The Uptown Trolley covers Uptown. Uber/Lyft work but are slow.

Can I take a train to Sedona? No direct train service. Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops in Flagstaff — take a shuttle or drive from there.

Should I stop in Flagstaff on my way? Yes if you have time — Flagstaff is a fun college mountain town with a walkable historic downtown, great food, and easy access to the Grand Canyon or Snowbowl skiing in winter.

Related Guides

• Best Time to Visit Sedona: Month-by-Month Guide
• The Perfect Sedona Itinerary: 1, 2 & 3-Day Plans
• Sedona Red Rock Pass & Parking Guide
• Best Day Trips from Sedona (Grand Canyon, Jerome & More)

Plan Your Trip

Book shuttles, rentals, and lodging through SedonaPassport.com — everything you need to get here and get out on the trails.