8 Incredible Day Trips From Phoenix You Can Take With a Shuttle
Want to make the most of your time in Phoenix without the headache of renting a car or navigating unfamiliar highways? Good news—there are unforgettable day trips you can take directly from the Phoenix airport with reliable shuttle transportation. Whether you’re craving natural wonders, historic towns, spa escapes, or scenic adventures, we’ve rounded up the top 8 day trips from the Valley of the Sun that are easy, fun, and shuttle-friendly.
In this guide, we break down where to go, what to see, and how Airport Shuttle of Phoenix can get you there with comfort and peace of mind—no GPS or group coordination stress required.
🚗 Why Day Trips From Phoenix Are So Popular in 2024
Phoenix is centrally located in the heart of Arizona, which makes it the perfect launchpad for short scenic getaways within 60 to 240 minutes of Sky Harbor International Airport. With skyrocketing rental car prices and crowded tour buses post-pandemic, more travelers are opting for private or group shuttles for customized travel experiences in the Grand Canyon State.
Airport Shuttle of Phoenix offers trusted, insured, comfortable rides that let you explore top destinations without lifting a finger—or dealing with high-mileage driving through desert terrain.
Now, let’s map out your next adventure.
1. 🌄 Sedona: Red Rock Country and Soulful Vibes
**Distance from PHX:** ~2 hours
**Why Go:** Red sandstone formations, spiritual energy vortexes, world-class hiking
**Top Attractions:** Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Sedona offers bucket-list scenery with a small town artsy feel. Ideal for couples, spiritual seekers, and photographers. Your shuttle can pick you up from Phoenix Airport and drop you off at trailheads or your spa hotel—worry-free.
🟢 Perfect for: Solo travelers, girls’ weekends, scenic photography trips
✳ Shuttle Tip: Book round-trip with pickup times staggered in case you want to stay longer!
2. 🏜️ Jerome: America’s Most Vertical Ghost Town
**Distance from PHX:** ~2 hours
**Why Go:** Haunted hotels, eclectic art shops, rich mining history
**Top Attractions:** Jerome Grand Hotel, Gold King Mine Museum, art galleries
Once a copper mining town of 15,000+ people, Jerome was reborn as an artist haven and ghost hunter’s paradise. Its steep hillside layout demands a rideshare or shuttle if you don’t love tight turns and uphill parking.
🟢 Perfect for: History buffs, ghost tour enthusiasts, quirky couples’ getaways
✳ Shuttle Tip: Ideal for small groups – use a Sprinter Van to enhance space & fun.
3. ⛲ Tucson: Desert Vibes and Cultural Adventures
**Distance from PHX:** ~2 hours
**Why Go:** Authentic Mexican cuisine, botanical gardens, desert museums
**Top Attractions:** Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson Studios, Downtown Arts District
Arizona’s “second city” has a fiery charm and loads of culture. Walkable neighborhoods and biking paths make it easy to explore after your shuttle drops you off near Santa Cruz River Park or downtown.
🟢 Perfect for: Foodies, couples, college family visits (U of A)
✳ Shuttle Tip: Door-to-door drop-off near University of Arizona or entertainment districts.
4. 🔭 Flagstaff and Lowell Observatory
**Distance from PHX:** ~2.25 hours
**Why Go:** Sky-gazing in clean mountain air, historic Route 66
**Top Attractions:** Lowell Observatory, Walnut Canyon, Snowbowl ski lifts (summer view rides)
Cooler temperatures and pine-covered scenery offer a dramatic contrast to Phoenix’s heat. Great for science or nature fans who want to breathe fresh air and explore Arizona’s high country without altitude driving.
🟢 Perfect for: Stargazers, families, hikers
✳ Shuttle Tip: Bring layers anytime of year; temps can be 30°F cooler than Phoenix.
5. 🧖♀️ Scottsdale Spa & Golf Retreats
**Distance from PHX:** ~30–40 minutes
**Why Go:** Luxury resorts, golf courses, fine dining, desert spas
**Top Attractions:** Talking Stick Resort, Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain
Whether you’re prepping for a business retreat or winding down post-flight, Scottsdale’s posh spas and resort scenes are ideal for pampering. Avoid Uber surge pricing and ride in style instead.
🟢 Perfect for: Corporate retreats, luxury travelers, bachelorettes
✳ Shuttle Tip: Group booking discounts make this a no-brainer.
6. 🚂 Verde Canyon Railroad
**Distance from PHX:** ~2 hours 15 minutes (to Clarkdale)
**Why Go:** Scenic wilderness train ride through the Sycamore Canyon
**Top Attractions:** Railcars with wine tastings, rare eagles, photo ops
This is Arizona’s most relaxing rail adventure—where scenery meets serenity. Park your stress at the curb and take a comfortable shuttle ride to the depot, then let the Verde Canyon Railroad take it from there.
🟢 Perfect for: Couples, retirees, photographers
✳ Shuttle Tip: Request cooler storage or snack packs for guest riders—perfect for longer trips.
7. 🌵 Apache Trail’s Historic Loop (Canyon Lake)
**Distance from PHX:** ~1.5 hours
**Why Go:** Scenic drives, boat cruises, Goldfield Ghost Town
**Top Attractions:** Dolly Steamboat Cruise, Superstition Mountains
This winding historic stagecoach route east of Phoenix delivers old Arizona charm. Let a professional driver handle switchbacks while you relax and enjoy dramatic desert landscapes.
🟢 Perfect for: Families, out-of-state visitors, photographers
✳ Shuttle Tip: Bring sunscreen and water even in winter—it stays dry out there!
8. 🏜️ Montezuma Castle + Verde Valley Wine Experience
**Distance from PHX:** ~1.75 hours
**Why Go:** Native ruins + wine in one day—need we say more?
**Top Attractions:** Montezuma Castle National Monument, Page Springs Cellars, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Combine history, nature, and wine sampling on this day trip that's equal parts educational and indulgent. A shuttle gives your group safe and legal transport so the wine pours freely.
🟢 Perfect for: History lovers, couples, weekend travelers
✳ Shuttle Tip: Ask about our wine tour upgrade—includes cooler, music, and extra room!
🧳 Why Take a Shuttle, Not a Rental?
- No insurance worries
- No navigation stress
- Group-friendly + easier for parking
- Local driver insights + suggestions
- Avoid surprise gas, parking, or toll fees
- Full comfort with luggage storage
Our customers consistently say their travel days were smoother and more relaxing when they booked with Airport Shuttle of Phoenix—even when exploring far from the terminal.
Skip the stress of maps, apps, and missed exits. Explore Arizona in comfort and style with a professionally driven shuttle made just for you or your group.
🌄 Planning a Sedona trip or Flagstaff escape?
🚐 Book your airport shuttle to your next Arizona destination today!
👉 [Reserve Your Ride Today](https://airportshuttleofphoenix.com/reserve)
Arizona is so much more than Phoenix, and you don’t need a rental car to experience the magic. Whether you’re venturing into red rock country or relaxing at a luxury spa, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix connects you directly to your destination—safely, affordably, and stress-free.
📖 Want to uncover more travel secrets? You’ll love these:
- [Why Fall is the Best Time to Visit Northern Arizona](/fall-travel-northern-arizona-guide)
- [Phoenix Airport to Sedona: What First-Time Visitors Must Know](/phoenix-to-sedona-shuttle-tips)
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