AZ Shuttle Cottonwood to PHX
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick you up at your home, hotel or PHX.
- Better - most rides are non-stop in a nice car.
- Flexible - we pick you up on your schedule 24/7.
- Safer - we don't leave you at a bus stop and we have better drivers.
- Faster - most rides take half the time and it's just you in the vehicle.
- More Convenient - door to door and no need to arrange or pay for other companies to get home.
- Affordable - once you add it all up, it's the same price.
Our Daily Schedule
What is your daily schedule?
We pick you up on your schedule 24/7. Our professional drivers are normally 5-10 minutes early at your home in Cottonwood, or right on time at PHX. You get to pick the time we pick you up.
What is my pickup time at the airport?
We normally pick you up 30 minutes after your plane lands for domestic flights, or 45 minutes after for international flights.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Pickup times automatically adjust to 30 minutes after you land if your flight is delayed for domestic flights, or 45 minutes after you land for international flights.
What happens if my flight arrives early?
Call or send us a text if you want us to pick you up early, and we will let your driver know that you are ready to be picked up. Otherwise, we will pick you up at the scheduled time on your reservation.
How soon should I make a reservation?
Although there is no set rule that prevents you from booking last minute, it's a good idea to make your reservation as soon as possible to make sure a driver is available and prevent any delays.
How long does it take to go from anywhere in AZ or Cottonwood?
Trips to and from Cottonwood AZ and PHX in normal traffic are about 2 hours versus about four hours on the bus or a shuttle with a bunch of people. Rush hour will normally add 15-45 minutes (30 minutes on the average).
What time should I be picked up?
3 hours and 30 minutes before is normally enough time. PHX recommends you to be there 2 hours early to get through security and to your plane. Boarding usually starts 30 minutes before your plane takes off. However, one hour and thirty minutes is normally enough time. So if the drive from Cottonwood AZ to Phoenix AZ takes about 2 hours, then 3 and 30 minutes before your flight takes off is normally good.
Our Better Drivers
Who are your drivers?
Most of our drivers have been driving professionally with the public for more than 10 years. They have excellent people skills and are usually very knowledgeable about the area (what to do, best restaurants, history and attractions). Some of our drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon AZ, Cottonwood AZ, Phoenix AZ, and many other destinations.
We have high standards for our drivers including safety, reliability and customer service. Drivers are very helpful with bags. They get the door for you. All drivers go through extensive background checks with Sky Harbor in order to pick up passengers.
We also train them by driving them through PHX, explaining all the rules, and showing them where to pick people up and drop people off.
Our Great Company
With more than 100,000 customers and more than 5 years in business, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix owns AZ Shuttle Cottonwood, and has drivers all over the State of Arizona. Our main office is 5 minutes from PHX in Phoenix, AZ.
Main Office
4600 E Washington St Ste 300
Phoenix, AZ 85034
2018 to 2023 Travel and Hospitality Award Winner
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent reviews from real customers.
Answer-first summary: "Cottonwood AZ to Phoenix AZ: Distance, Travel Time, and What to Expect" - Then
Key Route Details (highways, distance, time) - Then
Driving Your Own Car (gas cost estimate, CO2, tips) - Then
Shuttle and Shared Rides (options, what to expect, typical providers) - Then
Public Transit Options (mention there is no direct bus, but connecting services) - Then
Scenic Stops and Things to Do Along the Way (list stops: Black Canyon City, Lake Pleasant, etc.) - Then
Travel Tips (timing, weather, safety) - Then
Comparison Table: Travel Options (with columns: Option, Est. Travel Time, Est. Cost, CO2 Impact) - Then
Frequently Asked Questions (5-7 Q&A)
Cottonwood AZ to Phoenix AZ: Distance, Travel Time, and What to Expect
When you’re planning a trip between Cottonwood, Arizona, and the state capital, Phoenix, the numbers give you a clear picture. The two cities lie roughly 51.5 miles apart (source: mapquest.com). If you drive non‑stop, expect to spend about 1 hour 59 minutes on the road (source: distance‑cities.com). That estimate assumes normal traffic conditions and a direct route.
The Main Route: Highways and Landmarks
Most drivers follow the same high‑volume corridor: from Cottonwood you head east on Arizona State Route 260 (AZ‑260) for about 13 miles until it meets Interstate 17 (I‑17) near Camp Verde. From there, the journey continues south on I‑17 for roughly 38 miles before entering the Phoenix metropolitan area. The highway passes through the community of Black Canyon City, which is virtually the halfway point between the two cities (≈46 miles from Phoenix, ≈58 miles from Cottonwood) (source: mapquest.com). The drive offers a mix of high‑desert scrubland, rolling hills, and, as you get closer to Phoenix, the iconic saguaro‑studded scenery of the Sonoran Desert.
Driving Your Own Car: Cost and Environmental Impact
If you own a fuel‑efficient sedan, the trip can be very economical. Using the current U.S. average price of regular gasoline at $4.35 per gallon, a 51‑mile journey costs approximately $18.01 in fuel (estimate based on average fuel economy of 25 mpg) (source: distance‑cities.com). The same trip emits about 81.10 pounds of CO₂, which translates to roughly 0.79 pounds of CO₂ per mile (source: distance‑cities.com). For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, car‑pooling or choosing a shuttle with multiple passengers can lower the per‑person emissions.
Shuttle, Rideshare, and Group Travel Options
Because the route is popular with tourists heading to Phoenix’s museums, business districts, and airports, several shuttle and rideshare services operate daily. If you’re traveling with a group, renting a van can bring the cost per person down significantly and also offers the flexibility to stop at scenic points along I‑17.
Public Transit: What’s Available?
At this time, there is no direct intercity bus that runs exclusively between Cottonwood and Phoenix. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s “Phoenix‑Flagstaff” route (part of the statewide bus network) requires a transfer, typically in Prescott or Camp Verde, making the overall travel time considerably longer—often 3–4 hours. Travelers who prefer public transit should plan for multiple connections and allow extra time.
Scenic Stops and Things to Do Along the Way
- Black Canyon City: This small community is a convenient halfway stop. It has a local park, a few diners, and a historic railroad depot that’s worth a quick photo.
- Lake Pleasant Regional Park: Located just off I‑17 (about 30 miles north of Phoenix), the park offers boating, hiking, and picnic areas. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs if you need a break.
- Camp Verde: Home to the historic Fort Verde State Historic Park and several wine tasting rooms, Camp Verde makes for a pleasant detour if you have an extra 30 minutes.
- Jerome: Though it’s a short side trip up AZ‑89A, the former copper mining town perched on a hillside is a popular attraction for its art galleries and sweeping views.
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park: Situated near Cottonwood, this park provides trails, a lagoon, and a great starting point before you hit the road.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Timing: Weekday mornings (6 – 9 a.m.) and late afternoons (4 – 7 p.m.) see heavier traffic on I‑17, especially near the Duncan Valley and Central Phoenix exits. If your schedule is flexible, aim to depart mid‑morning or early afternoon.
- Weather: Summer temperatures in Phoenix can exceed 110 °F, while the higher elevation around Cottonwood stays cooler. Ensure your vehicle’s cooling system is in good shape and keep water supplies handy.
- Road Conditions: I‑17 is a well‑maintained interstate, but during the winter months, ice can form on the higher sections near Black Canyon City. Check the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) road report before you leave.
- Safety: Keep a roadside emergency kit, a charged phone, and a map or GPS as a backup.
