Fountain Hills to Sedona Shuttle
Travelers leaving the quiet desert streets of Fountain Hills — whether from the McDowell Mountain Ranch area, the lakeside homes near Fountain Park, or the upscale neighborhoods around Eagle Mountain — can step directly into a private shuttle that heads north on Interstate 17. The route climbs out of the Valley of the Sun, passing the sprawling suburbs of Anthem and the historic mining town of Black Canyon City before reaching the high‑country junction where I‑17 meets State Route 179.
From that junction the shuttle follows SR‑179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, winding through the towering sandstone formations that define Sedona’s skyline. The drive covers roughly 87 miles as the crow flies, with the actual road distance a few miles longer. Door‑to‑door travel typically runs between 118 and 163 minutes, depending on traffic through the Phoenix metro area and seasonal conditions on the mountain pass.
Along the way the vehicle passes landmarks such as the Montezuma Castle National Monument turn‑off, the Verde River crossing near Camp Verde, and the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross perched above Oak Creek. Once in Sedona, drop‑off points include the Uptown arts district, the West Sedona shopping corridor, and the resort‑lined streets of Oak Creek Canyon.
Our drivers are familiar with the narrow switchbacks of SR‑179 and the occasional winter snow that can affect the higher elevations. They plan the departure time around your schedule, whether you need an early‑morning start to catch a Red Rock tour or a late‑afternoon return after a day of hiking.
If your inbound flight into Phoenix Sky Harbor is delayed, we monitor the arrival status and adjust the pickup accordingly, so you won’t be left waiting at the curb.
How long does the trip take?
Typical door‑to‑door travel time ranges from just under two hours to about two and a half hours, depending on traffic on I‑17 and weather on SR‑179.
What happens if my flight is late?
We track your flight in real time and shift the pickup window to match the new arrival time, ensuring a smooth transition from the airport to your destination.
Ready to book your private ride? Call (602) 626-9388 or reserve online. Use promo code ONLINE for 10 % off round‑trip reservations.
How Far Is It From Fountain Hills to Sedona?
If you’re planning a trip from Fountain Hills to Sedona, the first thing you’ll want to know is the distance. Most mapping services show the straight‑line (as‑the‑crow‑flies) distance as roughly 115–120 miles (≈ 185–195 km). The actual road distance depends on the route you choose, but you can expect a one‑way drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. That time can stretch to 3 hours or more during peak travel seasons, especially when Phoenix‑area commuters are heading north on I‑17.
Because Fountain Hills sits just east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the most common way to reach Sedona is to connect to the I‑17 corridor that runs north‑south through central Arizona. The drive offers a mix of desert vistas, high‑elevation pine forests, and dramatic red‑rock scenery as you approach Sedona.
The Most Scenic Drives: Route Options
Two primary route patterns dominate the journey from Fountain Hills to Sedona. Both have their own charm and trade‑offs in terms of time, traffic, and scenery.
Option 1 – AZ‑87 / AZ‑260 / I‑17 (Northern Loop)
- Start: Take Arizona State Route 87 (AZ‑87) north out of Fountain Hills. This highway is locally called the “Beeline Highway” and runs through the town of Mesa before continuing toward Payson.
- Mid‑leg: In Payson, switch onto AZ‑260 west. AZ‑260 climbs the Mogollon Rim, delivering sweeping views of the largest ponderosa‑pine forest in the United States.
- Final leg: At Camp Verde, AZ‑260 meets Interstate 17 (I‑17). Head south on I‑17 for about 30 miles to the Sedona exit (US 89A or US 179).
This route adds roughly 15–20 miles compared with the southern option, but it rewards travelers with a cooler climate once you rise above the desert floor and the chance to stop at places like the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center and the Montezuma Castle National Monument nearby.
Option 2 – US‑60 / I‑17 (Southern Loop)
- Start: From Fountain Hills, take AZ‑87 north to the US‑60 west interchange in Mesa.
- Mid‑leg: Follow US‑60 for a short stretch to the I‑10 east ramp, then merge onto I‑17 north at the Phoenix‑area junction.
- Final leg: Stay on I‑17 all the way to the Sedona exits (US 89A or US 179).
This path is slightly shorter in mileage and is the quickest option when traffic is light. However, you’ll stay on the freeway for most of the journey, which means fewer scenic pull‑offs before you reach the red‑rock country around Sedona.
Step‑by‑Step Driving Directions
Below is a concise, turn‑by‑turn guide for the northern loop (AZ‑87 → AZ‑260 → I‑17), which many travelers prefer for its scenery.
- Begin at Fountain Hills Town Center. Head north on AZ‑87 (Beeline Hwy). The road is a two‑lane highway with a 55 mph limit in most sections.
- Pass through Mesa. Stay on AZ‑87 as it becomes E Main St in downtown Mesa, then re‑enters the highway configuration after the US‑60 interchange.
- Continue north to Payson. After about 55 miles, you’ll reach the town of Payson (population ≈ 15,000). Keep an eye out for the historic Rimrock Mall on your left; you’ll turn right onto AZ‑260 west.
- Climb the Mogollon Rim. AZ‑260 winds upward through pine forest. The speed limit drops to 45 mph on the steeper grades. You’ll cross the Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forest boundary.
- Descend to Camp Verde. At the bottom of the rim, AZ‑260 meets I‑17 southbound. Take the ramp toward Flagstaff/Sedona.
- Travel south on I‑17. For roughly 30 miles, I‑17 passes through the Verde Valley. You’ll see the first red‑rock formations just before the Cornville exit.
- Exit toward Sedona. Choose either US‑89A west (via the historic Tlaquepaque area) or US‑179 south (the “Red Rock Scenic Byway”). Both lead into the heart of Sedona within a few miles.
Remember that speed limits on Arizona highways typically range from 65 mph (on I‑17) to 55 mph on rural two‑lane roads. Always check the latest road conditions with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) 511 system before you leave.
Must‑See Stops Along the Way
Even if you’re eager to reach Sedona, the route from Fountain Hills offers a handful of rewarding detours that can turn a simple drive into a mini‑adventure.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Mesa). Located just off AZ‑87, this 30,000‑acre preserve features desert trails and the iconic “Gateway to the Superstition Mountains.” Great for a quick stretch if you’re departing early.
- Fossil Creek (near Strawberry). A short side trip off AZ‑87 leads to one of Arizona’s “Wild and Scenic” rivers. The cool water and waterfalls are especially refreshing during summer.
- Mogollon Rim Visitor Center (Payson). Learn about the geological story of the rim and get current information on trail conditions. The center’s deck provides a panoramic view of the pine‑covered plateau.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde). This 20‑minute side trip showcases well‑preserved Sinagua cliff dwellings. The visitor center also has a small museum detailing Native American history.
- Red Rock State Park (just south of Sedona). If you exit I‑17 at US‑179, you’ll pass this park, perfect for a short hike to see the famous “Cathedral Rock” reflected in the creek.
Each of these locations is publicly documented on the official Arizona State Parks website or the National Park Service site, so you can verify details before your trip.
Transportation Options Compared
Not everyone wants to drive, and some travelers prefer a hands‑off approach. Below is a side‑by‑side comparison of the most common ways to go from Fountain Hills to Sedona. Costs are presented as estimates and can vary based on season, provider, and fuel prices.
| Option | Typical Travel Time | Key Advantages | Notable Drawbacks | Estimated One‑Way Cost* |
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