Phoenix to Sedona: Drive Time, Shuttles, and the Best Route

Phoenix to Sedona is one of the most-searched drives in Arizona, and for good reason. In about two hours, you trade city traffic and saguaros for cool air and red rock. The drive is easy. But a few small choices, like which exit you take, when you leave and where you stop, decide whether you arrive relaxed or stuck behind a weekend crawl on I-17.

Here is everything you need to plan the trip, whether you are driving, riding a shuttle from Sky Harbor or coordinating a group arriving from different flights.

Phoenix to Sedona at a Glance

The Best Route: I-17 to Exit 298 and State Route 179

For most travelers, the fastest and most scenic way in is the simplest one.

1. Take I-17 north out of Phoenix toward Flagstaff for about 98 miles.
2. Exit at 298 for State Route 179, signed for Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.
3. Turn left onto SR 179 and follow it north about 15 miles into Sedona.

That last stretch is the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and it is one of the best entrances to any town in the country. Within minutes of leaving the interstate, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte rise up ahead of you.

Good to know: The first community you reach on SR 179 is the Village of Oak Creek, where Kokopelli Inn sits. Staying here means you check in before you hit the roundabouts and Uptown traffic farther north.

Alternative Route: Exit 287 Through Cottonwood

You can also leave I-17 at Exit 287 (SR 260), head west toward Cottonwood, then take SR 89A north into West Sedona. It is a little longer but useful if you want to stop in Old Town Cottonwood or detour up to the historic mining town of Jerome. It is also a solid backup if SR 179 is backed up.

Stops Worth Making on the Drive

The drive is short enough to do straight through, but these stops are worth a few minutes.

• Sunset Point Rest Area (Exit 252): About an hour north of Phoenix. Clean restrooms and wide views across the Bradshaw Mountains. On busy weekends, the ramps can back up, so skip it if you are short on time.
• Rock Springs Café (Black Canyon City): A roadside stop famous for its pies. Grab a slice now or pick up a whole pie for the hotel.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument (near Camp Verde): An 800-year-old cliff dwelling just off I-17, about 15 minutes before the Sedona exit. The paved loop is short and stroller-friendly. Admission is $10 per adult 16 and older, and kids are free.

Getting From Phoenix Sky Harbor to Sedona Without a Car

Groome Transportation Shuttle

Groome Transportation (formerly Arizona Shuttle) runs scheduled shared shuttles between Phoenix Sky Harbor and Sedona, including a stop in the Village of Oak Creek at the Holiday Inn Express, 6176 AZ-179. The ride to the Village of Oak Creek takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the departure.

Getting from the shuttle stop to Kokopelli Inn: Kokopelli Inn is located at 6465 AZ-179, a short distance from the Holiday Inn Express shuttle stop. Guests can arrange a local taxi or rideshare for the final transfer. Groome also lists Kokopelli Inn among its hotel drop-off locations, so ask about direct hotel drop-off when booking. Availability and any additional fees should be confirmed in advance.

• Book ahead. Most Groome stops require reservations.
• Find it at PHX. Terminal 2 is closed. Follow the inter-city shuttle signs at Terminal 3 or Terminal 4.
• Arrive early. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Plan for delays. Allow extra time if your flight arrives late, and arrange your final transfer before traveling.

Private Car Service

For families or groups with lots of luggage, a private car or Sprinter van from Sky Harbor is the most comfortable option. It costs more, but it goes door to door on your schedule.

Rental Car

If you plan to visit trailheads, take day trips or explore beyond town, a rental car gives you the most flexibility. Trailheads, wineries and scenic drives are spread out, and Sedona is easiest to explore by car.

Rideshare

Getting a rideshare from Phoenix to Sedona is usually possible. Getting one back from Sedona can be harder, especially early in the morning. Book your return transportation in advance.

When to Drive (and When to Avoid I-17)

I-17 is the only fast road between Phoenix and northern Arizona, so traffic stacks up quickly.

• Avoid Friday afternoons northbound and Sunday afternoons southbound, when weekend traffic peaks.
• Leave early in the morning for the smoothest drive and the best light on the red rocks when you arrive.
• Watch holiday weekends. Thanksgiving, Christmas week and New Year's bring heavy traffic in both directions.
• Check road conditions at az511.gov before you leave, especially during winter storms.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• Pack layers. It can be 70°F in Phoenix and 50°F in Sedona on the same winter afternoon.
• Fill up before the climb. Gas is available along the way, but stations get sparse in a few stretches north of Phoenix.
• Drink water. The elevation gain and dry air can catch first-time visitors off guard.
• Plan your parking. Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass. See our Sedona trailhead parking and Red Rock Pass guide.
• Coordinating a group? Pick one meeting point near SR 179 so everyone arrives at the same place, even if they come on different flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona? About 2 hours for roughly 116 miles via I-17 and SR 179. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours on busy weekends and holidays.

Is there a shuttle from Phoenix airport to Sedona? Yes. Groome Transportation runs scheduled shuttles from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Reservations are required.

What is the most scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona? I-17 to Exit 298, then State Route 179. This last 15 miles is the Red Rock Scenic Byway, with views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

Can you do Sedona as a day trip from Phoenix? Yes, but it is a long day with about four hours of driving. Most visitors find one or two nights lets them hike early, catch sunset and avoid the worst traffic.

Arrive Easy. Start at Bell Rock.

The best Phoenix to Sedona trips end the moment you leave the interstate. Kokopelli Inn Sedona sits right on State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, the first stop on the Red Rock Scenic Byway and just minutes from the Bell Rock trailheads.

Pull in, park free and settle in before the Uptown traffic. Our rooms come with free high-speed Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker. In the morning, enjoy a small continental breakfast. In the evening, gather around the outdoor fire pit. Traveling with a group or your pet? We are set up for both.

Plan your arrival today.

Check Availability or call us at 928-399-4756 for group blocks.