Apache Junction to Scottsdale Shuttle

Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport Shuttle

Explore other routes: Apache Junction to Casa Grande Shuttle, Apache Junction to Chandler Shuttle, Apache Junction to Flagstaff Shuttle, Apache Junction to Gilbert Shuttle, Apache Junction to Glendale Shuttle.

Welcome to Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, where we pride ourselves on providing reliable and comfortable transportation from Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport. Our private door-to-door service ensures a smooth journey through the picturesque landscapes of Arizona, connecting you efficiently with your flights. Airport-bound riders can continue on the Apache Junction to PHX shuttle from the same pickup points.

Your Journey from Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport

The drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport covers approximately 22 miles in a straight line, though the road distance is slightly more. Travelers typically experience a door-to-door journey time ranging from 30 to 42 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The main connecting route for this trip is Loop 101, which offers a scenic drive through some of Arizona's most charming areas.

Starting your journey in Apache Junction, we'll navigate through the bustling town, passing by local businesses and residential neighborhoods. As we head towards Scottsdale Airport via Loop 101, you'll have the opportunity to admire the desert landscapes on either side of the highway. The airport itself is conveniently located just off the loop, with easy access to both Terminal A and Terminal B.

Why Choose Us?

• Private Service: Enjoy a one-on-one service tailored to your needs, ensuring you travel in comfort without sharing space with strangers.
• Professional Drivers: Our experienced drivers are committed to providing exceptional customer service and will ensure you arrive at the airport on time.
• Luxury Vehicles: Relax in our clean, modern vehicles equipped for a comfortable ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical drive time from Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport?

The typical door-to-door drive time from Apache Junction to Scottsdale Airport ranges from 30 to 42 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

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How early should I request pickup for my morning flight?

We recommend requesting pickup at least an hour before your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Can you accommodate luggage or large items?

Absolutely, our vehicles are equipped to handle standard luggage. For larger items or special requests, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

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What should I do if my flight is delayed at Scottsdale Airport?

In the event of a flight delay, simply contact us, and we will reschedule your pickup accordingly to ensure you are comfortably accommodated until your departure.

To book your ride with Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, call us at (480) 710-3441 or visit our website to reserve online. Use the promo code ONLINE for a 10% discount on round trips. We look forward to serving you!

Heading farther into the East Valley? We also operate the Phoenix to Scottsdale shuttle and the Apache Junction to Phoenix shuttle, both 24/7 door to door.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale: Distance, Drive Time, and Your Best Options

The trip from Apache Junction to Scottsdale covers roughly 26 miles of driving distance (about 32 miles point to point as the crow flies) and typically takes around 36 minutes by car outside of rush hour, according to route data published by Rome2Rio. You'll make the trip almost entirely on two major East Valley freeways: the US-60 Superstition Freeway and Loop 101 (the Pima Freeway).

That's the short answer. The longer answer depends on when you're traveling, whether you have a car, and where exactly in Scottsdale you're headed — the city stretches roughly 18 miles from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in the south to the Carefree Highway area in the north. This guide breaks down every way to make the trip, with realistic time and cost expectations, the driving route in detail, public transit options, and what to see along the way.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale at a Glance: All Your Options Compared

There are three practical ways to get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale: drive yourself, take a taxi or rideshare, or ride Valley Metro buses with a transfer in Tempe. Here's how they stack up. All costs below are estimates and can change with fuel prices, demand pricing, and fare updates — always check current rates before you travel.

Comparing ways to travel from Apache Junction to Scottsdale

Mode	Typical Duration (est.)	Estimated Cost (est.)	Best For	Key Drawback
Drive your own car	~36 minutes	Low; fuel plus any parking	Flexibility, luggage, groups	Weekday rush-hour congestion on US-60 and Loop 101
Taxi or rideshare	~36 minutes	Roughly $65–80 per Rome2Rio's published estimate; surge pricing can raise this	Door-to-door trips, no parking hassle	Highest cost of the three options
Valley Metro bus (Line 30 + Line 72)	~2 hours 4 minutes including transfer	Local bus fare; check current Valley Metro rates	Budget travelers without a car	No direct route; requires a transfer and long total travel time
Private shuttle or pre-booked car service	~40–50 minutes (varies with pickup and traffic)	Flat rate quoted at booking	Airport connections, scheduled pickups, groups with luggage	Must be reserved in advance

The bottom line: driving is both the cheapest and the fastest option, which is unusual for an intercity trip and a big reason most Apache Junction residents simply drive to Scottsdale. If you don't have a car, the bus combination works but will consume about two hours of your day each way.

The Driving Route From Apache Junction to Scottsdale, Step by Step

Most drivers make this trip with a simple two-freeway pattern. Here's the standard route from central Apache Junction to Old Town Scottsdale or downtown:

1. Start on US-60 West (the Superstition Freeway). From virtually anywhere in Apache Junction, you'll funnel toward the Superstition Freeway, which begins near the junction of US-60, AZ-88, and the Superstition Mountains that give the area its name. You'll pass the massive bedtime-story silhouette of the mountains on your left as you head west, with landmarks like Goldfield Ghost Town and Lost Dutchman State Park behind you to the east.
2. Continue west past Power Road (AZ-Loop 202 access) and through Mesa. The US-60 crosses through the southern edge of Mesa, past shopping centers and the Mesa Golf Course area. This stretch is often the slowest part of the trip during morning and evening rush hours.
3. Take Loop 101 North (the Price Freeway/Pima Freeway). Merge onto the Loop 101 at its interchange with the US-60 in Tempe/Mesa. The 101 heads north along the Tempe–Mesa border, past Tempe Marketplace and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where you'll see Talking Stick Resort and the casino towers on the reservation land.
4. Exit for your Scottsdale destination. Common exits include Route 87 (the Beeline Highway continuation), McDowell Road, Thomas Road, Indian School Road, and Camelback Road — all of which run east–west through the heart of Scottsdale. For Old Town Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Fashion Square area, most drivers exit at Indian School Road or Camelback Road and head west toward Scottsdale Road.

South Scottsdale destinations near Tempe — the Tempe Marketplace–adjacent shops, or the Sky Harbor–commuter corridor — may make the trip shorter, while North Scottsdale near DC Ranch, Grayhawk, or Troon adds 15 to 25 minutes beyond the standard 36-minute estimate.

When to Avoid Driving: Traffic Patterns to Know

• Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.) can double your drive time, particularly on the US-60 through Mesa and the Loop 101 through Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Spring training season (February–March) brings Scottsdale Stadium crowds and Scottsdale's calendar of major events — Copperstate rodeo weekend, Barrett-Jackson, and the Waste Management Phoenix Open across town — that clog Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road.
• Weekend evenings mean heavy Old Town Scottsdale nightlife traffic, especially around Scottsdale Road and Drinkwater Boulevard.

Gas Consumption and Emissions for the Drive

Travelmath-style route calculators put the Apache Junction–Scottsdale drive at roughly 26 road miles. In a typical passenger vehicle getting 25–30 mpg, that's about one gallon of fuel each way, meaning fuel cost is a few dollars depending on current Arizona gas prices — far cheaper than any paid transport option. Carbon footprint is correspondingly modest for a solo driver, roughly in the range of 20–25 pounds of CO2 per one-way trip in an average gasoline car, and cut in half or better if you carpool.

Getting From Apache Junction to Scottsdale Without a Car

There is no direct bus between Apache Junction and Scottsdale. The public transit journey requires a transfer in the Tempe area and takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes total, according to Rome2Rio's published routing data. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Valley Metro Line 30 From Sossaman Road

Bus service operated by Valley Metro departs from the Sossaman Rd & Billings St station in Apache Junction. From there, Line 30 runs west along the University Drive corridor into Tempe, arriving at the University Dr & Rural Rd stop near Arizona State University's main campus. This leg takes about an hour of travel time, and the route runs roughly hourly, so timing your departure matters. Valley Metro customer service can be reached at +1 (602) 253-5000 to confirm current schedules and fares.

Step 2: Transfer to Line 72 North Into Scottsdale

At University Dr & Rural Rd, walk or connect north to the Rural Rd & Terrace Rd stop and board Line 72 northbound. This bus runs up Rural Road through Tempe and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community into Scottsdale, taking about 37 minutes and running roughly every 30 minutes. Alight at Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av, which puts you within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Civic Center, and Scottsdale Stadium, the spring-training home of the San Francisco Giants.

Total journey: about 2 hours 4 minutes including the transfer. It's the best car-free option available, but plan your day around it — the long duration is the trade-off for the low fare.

Taxis, Rideshares, and Private Shuttles

A taxi from Apache Junction to Scottsdale runs an estimated $65–80 based on Rome2Rio's published figures, with the trip taking about 36 minutes. Rideshare pricing varies more — it can dip below that estimate in quiet periods but surge well above it during bar close, spring training games, or special events in Old Town.

For travelers connecting through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or needing a guaranteed pickup time, a pre-booked Phoenix airport shuttle or private car service eliminates the uncertainty. Flat-rate quoting means the price you're given at booking is the price you pay, which matters when rideshare surge pricing can triple a fare without warning.

Where to Stay: Hotels in Scottsdale and Apache Junction

Scottsdale has an enormous lodging inventory — more than 3,100 hotels and accommodation options are listed for the city in Rome2Rio's database, ranging from budget chains along the Loop 101 corridor to five-star resorts in Paradise Valley-adjacent Camelback Corridor and North Scottsdale. Popular areas to consider:

• Old Town Scottsdale — walkable restaurants, galleries, and nightlife near the Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av bus stop, ideal if you arrive by transit.
• The Camelback Road and Fashion Square area — upscale shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square and quick access to Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon trailhead.
• North Scottsdale (DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Troon) — resort golf courses and quieter desert settings, but 20+ minutes farther from Apache Junction.

If you're based in Apache Junction instead, lodging clusters near the US-60 and Superstition Mountain views put you close to Lost Dutchman State Park, the Apache Trail (AZ-88), and Canyon Lake — a great home base if outdoor recreation is your priority. Our related guides cover Apache Junction to Phoenix airport transfers and Mesa to Scottsdale transportation if your plans extend across the East Valley.

What to See Between Apache Junction and Scottsdale

One of the underrated pleasures of this route is the scenery. Heading west from Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon — a jagged volcanic range tied to the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Before you even reach the freeway, Goldfield Ghost Town offers a restored 1890s mining-town experience, and Lost Dutchman State Park provides trailhead access into the mountains.

Mid-route in Tempe, the Loop 101 passes Tempe Marketplace and the border of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, home to Talking Stick Golf Club and OdySea Aquarium. Once in Scottsdale, highlights within minutes of the route include McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West just off Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, and the trailheads at Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak for panoramic views of the valley — with the entire Phoenix metropolitan area, including downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor, visible to the west on clear days.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale: Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Apache Junction from Scottsdale?

The straight-line distance between the two cities is about 32 miles, while the driving distance is approximately 26 miles, per Rome2Rio's route data. Actual mileage varies by a few miles depending on your exact starting point and Scottsdale destination.

How long does it take to drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Approximately 36 minutes under normal conditions, using the US-60 West and Loop 101 North route. Allow 50–70 minutes during weekday rush hours or major Scottsdale event weekends.

Is there a direct bus from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

No. Valley Metro requires a transfer in the Tempe area: take Line 30 from Sossaman Rd & Billings St to University Dr & Rural Rd, then Line 72 from Rural Rd & Terrace Rd to Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av. Total time is roughly 2 hours 4 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Driving is the cheapest option, with fuel costs estimated at only a few dollars each way for a typical car. The Valley Metro bus combination is the cheapest car-free option, while a taxi runs an estimated $65–80 for the one-way trip.

Where does the bus from Apache Junction to Scottsdale drop off?

Valley Metro buses on this route arrive at the University Dr & Rural Rd stop for the first leg and terminate at Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av, in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale near the Scottsdale Civic Center and Scottsdale Stadium.

Can I drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Yes — it's the most popular option. The route follows US-60 West through Mesa to Loop 101 North, with convenient exits at McDowell, Thomas, Indian School, and Camelback roads serving Scottsdale's main districts.

How do I get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale without a car?

The best car-free option is the Valley Metro bus combination described above (Line 30 plus Line 72), taking about 2 hours 4 minutes. Confirm current schedules and fares with Valley Metro at +1 (602) 253-5000 or at valleymetro.org, since frequencies can change with seasonal service updates.

From Phoenix to Casa Grande

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Pricing / Fares

How much does it cost?

It depends on the addresses you enter and the number of people. Check rates by clicking any of the buttons above or below that say "Check Rates". There are different options under "Select Service" like "To Airport" or "From Airport" and "One Way" or "Round Trip". Choose the option called "Any Address" for non-airport transportation in between any two addresses in Arizona. Rates are total, not per person. Enter the promo code "ONLINE" for one way trips to save 10%, or book a round trip to save more both ways.

How do I get an accurate quote?

• Step 1 - Just type in the city to check rates, but we recommend entering the full address to get an accurate quote since we have special rates for certain zip codes and most pricing is mileage based. Feel free to call us if you have any questions. Once you fill in the addresses, click "View Rates".
• Step 2 - We include pricing for Taxi, Airport Shuttle and Black Car Service, so you can compare costs and have more options. Choose the type of service you want with the correct number of passengers. Once a price comes up and you're happy, click "Reserve Now"
• Step 3 - It's always a good idea to enter your name, cell phone and email to save your quote and automatically get a copy sent to your email. That way we can easily look up your quote by name when you call and finish up your reservation when you're ready. Just click "Continue"
• Step 4 - The website won't actually book anything until you enter a credit or debit card on the final booking screen. You will automatically receive a confirmation email with all the details after you click "Confirm My Reservation".

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How do I save money?

Please enter the full address to get the most accurate rates between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Book a round trip and you'll receive 10% off each way. If it's a one way use promo code ONLINE to save 10%. This promo code is only valid on one way trips. If you're booking a round trip you automatically save 10% each way, so use discount code NONSTOP instead to receive a free upgrade to non-stop.

What are the benefits of using our service?

Door to door service is included on all our trips. Usually trips are non-stop in a nicer vehicle. We pick you up at your home anytime 24/7. We normally take you straight home, which is very different from other companies that leave you at a bus stop and stop and wait at intermediate points for hours. We also don't pack you in with 8-15 people you don't know and stop everywhere.

Does it cost anything to change my reservation?

You can always change the date and time of your reservation at no cost. If you don't know the exact address, you can enter the city for now to reserve it, and give us the full address later. If you don't know your flight number, you can estimate the time and update the flight number and time later via phone, email or text.

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Our Better Vehicles

What type of vehicle will pick me up?

We send a airport shuttle (4+ passengers) or a nice car (1-3 passengers) anytime and take you to or from any address in Arizona, not just PHX. Our vehicles are clean and newer. Most vehicles are luxury and full size. We have Mercedes Sprinters, Lincoln Navigators, Chrysler 300's, Lexus ES300 Hybrids, Lincoln MKZ's, and a variety of other vehicles to meet your needs.

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• U.S. Route 60 (US‑60) – Known locally as the Superstition Freeway, US‑60 is the fastest east‑west artery connecting Apache Junction with Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix. It runs roughly 45 miles from Apache Junction to its junction with Interstate 10 (I‑10) near Phoenix. The highway is a four‑ to six‑lane divided freeway with a speed limit of 65 mph in rural sections and 55 mph in urban stretches (source: ADOT).
• Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) – Loop 101 is a peripheral freeway that circles the Phoenix metro area.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale: Distance, Drive Time, and Your Best Options

The trip from Apache Junction to Scottsdale covers roughly 26 miles of driving distance (about 32 miles point to point as the crow flies) and typically takes around 36 minutes by car outside of rush hour, according to route data published by Rome2Rio. You'll make the trip almost entirely on two major East Valley freeways: the US-60 Superstition Freeway and Loop 101 (the Pima Freeway).

That's the short answer. The longer answer depends on when you're traveling, whether you have a car, and where exactly in Scottsdale you're headed — the city stretches roughly 18 miles from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in the south to the Carefree Highway area in the north. This guide breaks down every way to make the trip, with realistic time and cost expectations, the driving route in detail, public transit options, and what to see along the way.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale at a Glance: All Your Options Compared

There are three practical ways to get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale: drive yourself, take a taxi or rideshare, or ride Valley Metro buses with a transfer in Tempe. Here's how they stack up. All costs below are estimates and can change with fuel prices, demand pricing, and fare updates — always check current rates before you travel.

Comparing ways to travel from Apache Junction to Scottsdale

Mode	Typical Duration (est.)	Estimated Cost (est.)	Best For	Key Drawback
Drive your own car	~36 minutes	Low; fuel plus any parking	Flexibility, luggage, groups	Weekday rush-hour congestion on US-60 and Loop 101
Taxi or rideshare	~36 minutes	Roughly $65–80 per Rome2Rio's published estimate; surge pricing can raise this	Door-to-door trips, no parking hassle	Highest cost of the three options
Valley Metro bus (Line 30 + Line 72)	~2 hours 4 minutes including transfer	Local bus fare; check current Valley Metro rates	Budget travelers without a car	No direct route; requires a transfer and long total travel time
Private shuttle or pre-booked car service	~40–50 minutes (varies with pickup and traffic)	Flat rate quoted at booking	Airport connections, scheduled pickups, groups with luggage	Must be reserved in advance

The bottom line: driving is both the cheapest and the fastest option, which is unusual for an intercity trip and a big reason most Apache Junction residents simply drive to Scottsdale. If you don't have a car, the bus combination works but will consume about two hours of your day each way.

The Driving Route From Apache Junction to Scottsdale, Step by Step

Most drivers make this trip with a simple two-freeway pattern. Here's the standard route from central Apache Junction to Old Town Scottsdale or downtown:

1. Start on US-60 West (the Superstition Freeway). From virtually anywhere in Apache Junction, you'll funnel toward the Superstition Freeway, which begins near the junction of US-60, AZ-88, and the Superstition Mountains that give the area its name. You'll pass the massive bedtime-story silhouette of the mountains on your left as you head west, with landmarks like Goldfield Ghost Town and Lost Dutchman State Park behind you to the east.
2. Continue west past Power Road (AZ-Loop 202 access) and through Mesa. The US-60 crosses through the southern edge of Mesa, past shopping centers and the Mesa Golf Course area. This stretch is often the slowest part of the trip during morning and evening rush hours.
3. Take Loop 101 North (the Price Freeway/Pima Freeway). Merge onto the Loop 101 at its interchange with the US-60 in Tempe/Mesa. The 101 heads north along the Tempe–Mesa border, past Tempe Marketplace and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where you'll see Talking Stick Resort and the casino towers on the reservation land.
4. Exit for your Scottsdale destination. Common exits include Route 87 (the Beeline Highway continuation), McDowell Road, Thomas Road, Indian School Road, and Camelback Road — all of which run east–west through the heart of Scottsdale. For Old Town Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Fashion Square area, most drivers exit at Indian School Road or Camelback Road and head west toward Scottsdale Road.

South Scottsdale destinations near Tempe — the Tempe Marketplace–adjacent shops, or the Sky Harbor–commuter corridor — may make the trip shorter, while North Scottsdale near DC Ranch, Grayhawk, or Troon adds 15 to 25 minutes beyond the standard 36-minute estimate.

When to Avoid Driving: Traffic Patterns to Know

• Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.) can double your drive time, particularly on the US-60 through Mesa and the Loop 101 through Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Spring training season (February–March) brings Scottsdale Stadium crowds and Scottsdale's calendar of major events — Copperstate rodeo weekend, Barrett-Jackson, and the Waste Management Phoenix Open across town — that clog Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road.
• Weekend evenings mean heavy Old Town Scottsdale nightlife traffic, especially around Scottsdale Road and Drinkwater Boulevard.

Gas Consumption and Emissions for the Drive

Travelmath-style route calculators put the Apache Junction–Scottsdale drive at roughly 26 road miles. In a typical passenger vehicle getting 25–30 mpg, that's about one gallon of fuel each way, meaning fuel cost is a few dollars depending on current Arizona gas prices — far cheaper than any paid transport option. Carbon footprint is correspondingly modest for a solo driver, roughly in the range of 20–25 pounds of CO2 per one-way trip in an average gasoline car, and cut in half or better if you carpool.

Getting From Apache Junction to Scottsdale Without a Car

There is no direct bus between Apache Junction and Scottsdale. The public transit journey requires a transfer in the Tempe area and takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes total, according to Rome2Rio's published routing data. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Valley Metro Line 30 From Sossaman Road

Bus service operated by Valley Metro departs from the Sossaman Rd & Billings St station in Apache Junction. From there, Line 30 runs west along the University Drive corridor into Tempe, arriving at the University Dr & Rural Rd stop near Arizona State University's main campus. This leg takes about an hour of travel time, and the route runs roughly hourly, so timing your departure matters. Valley Metro customer service can be reached at +1 (602) 253-5000 to confirm current schedules and fares.

Step 2: Transfer to Line 72 North Into Scottsdale

At University Dr & Rural Rd, walk or connect north to the Rural Rd & Terrace Rd stop and board Line 72 northbound. This bus runs up Rural Road through Tempe and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community into Scottsdale, taking about 37 minutes and running roughly every 30 minutes. Alight at Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av, which puts you within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Civic Center, and Scottsdale Stadium, the spring-training home of the San Francisco Giants.

Total journey: about 2 hours 4 minutes including the transfer. It's the best car-free option available, but plan your day around it — the long duration is the trade-off for the low fare.

Taxis, Rideshares, and Private Shuttles

A taxi from Apache Junction to Scottsdale runs an estimated $65–80 based on Rome2Rio's published figures, with the trip taking about 36 minutes. Rideshare pricing varies more — it can dip below that estimate in quiet periods but surge well above it during bar close, spring training games, or special events in Old Town.

For travelers connecting through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or needing a guaranteed pickup time, a pre-booked Phoenix airport shuttle or private car service eliminates the uncertainty. Flat-rate quoting means the price you're given at booking is the price you pay, which matters when rideshare surge pricing can triple a fare without warning.

Where to Stay: Hotels in Scottsdale and Apache Junction

Scottsdale has an enormous lodging inventory — more than 3,100 hotels and accommodation options are listed for the city in Rome2Rio's database, ranging from budget chains along the Loop 101 corridor to five-star resorts in Paradise Valley-adjacent Camelback Corridor and North Scottsdale. Popular areas to consider:

• Old Town Scottsdale — walkable restaurants, galleries, and nightlife near the Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av bus stop, ideal if you arrive by transit.
• The Camelback Road and Fashion Square area — upscale shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square and quick access to Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon trailhead.
• North Scottsdale (DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Troon) — resort golf courses and quieter desert settings, but 20+ minutes farther from Apache Junction.

If you're based in Apache Junction instead, lodging clusters near the US-60 and Superstition Mountain views put you close to Lost Dutchman State Park, the Apache Trail (AZ-88), and Canyon Lake — a great home base if outdoor recreation is your priority. Our related guides cover Apache Junction to Phoenix airport transfers and Mesa to Scottsdale transportation if your plans extend across the East Valley.

What to See Between Apache Junction and Scottsdale

One of the underrated pleasures of this route is the scenery. Heading west from Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon — a jagged volcanic range tied to the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Before you even reach the freeway, Goldfield Ghost Town offers a restored 1890s mining-town experience, and Lost Dutchman State Park provides trailhead access into the mountains.

Mid-route in Tempe, the Loop 101 passes Tempe Marketplace and the border of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, home to Talking Stick Golf Club and OdySea Aquarium. Once in Scottsdale, highlights within minutes of the route include McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West just off Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, and the trailheads at Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak for panoramic views of the valley — with the entire Phoenix metropolitan area, including downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor, visible to the west on clear days.

Apache Junction to Scottsdale: Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Apache Junction from Scottsdale?

The straight-line distance between the two cities is about 32 miles, while the driving distance is approximately 26 miles, per Rome2Rio's route data. Actual mileage varies by a few miles depending on your exact starting point and Scottsdale destination.

How long does it take to drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Approximately 36 minutes under normal conditions, using the US-60 West and Loop 101 North route. Allow 50–70 minutes during weekday rush hours or major Scottsdale event weekends.

Is there a direct bus from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

No. Valley Metro requires a transfer in the Tempe area: take Line 30 from Sossaman Rd & Billings St to University Dr & Rural Rd, then Line 72 from Rural Rd & Terrace Rd to Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av. Total time is roughly 2 hours 4 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Driving is the cheapest option, with fuel costs estimated at only a few dollars each way for a typical car. The Valley Metro bus combination is the cheapest car-free option, while a taxi runs an estimated $65–80 for the one-way trip.

Where does the bus from Apache Junction to Scottsdale drop off?

Valley Metro buses on this route arrive at the University Dr & Rural Rd stop for the first leg and terminate at Scottsdale Rd & Highland Av, in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale near the Scottsdale Civic Center and Scottsdale Stadium.

Can I drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?

Yes — it's the most popular option. The route follows US-60 West through Mesa to Loop 101 North, with convenient exits at McDowell, Thomas, Indian School, and Camelback roads serving Scottsdale's main districts.

How do I get from Apache Junction to Scottsdale without a car?

The best car-free option is the Valley Metro bus combination described above (Line 30 plus Line 72), taking about 2 hours 4 minutes. Confirm current schedules and fares with Valley Metro at +1 (602) 253-5000 or at valleymetro.org, since frequencies can change with seasonal service updates.