How far is Glendale from Scottsdale?
Glendale is about 20 miles from Scottsdale by road — a drive of roughly 33 min in normal traffic via Loop 101 around the north Valley. Distance figures below come from live road-network routing between the two points; drive times are typical, and rush hours in Scottsdale add 15–45 minutes at peak.
The route between Glendale and Scottsdale
The trip runs AZ-51 North to Loop 101, then Loop 101 East across the north side of the Valley into Scottsdale.
Distance and drive-time snapshot
Distance: about 20 road miles between the two points. Typical drive time: 33 min in normal traffic. Add 15–45 minutes for metro rush hours around Scottsdale. Door-to-door from a specific address adds a few minutes on either end depending on your exact pickup and drop-off points.
Driving times to nearby cities
All figures below from the same live road-network routing (distances are road miles from Scottsdale, times are typical driving minutes in normal traffic):
| City | Distance from Scottsdale | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 11.6 miles | 21 min |
| Mesa, AZ | 11.1 miles | 20 min |
| Chandler, AZ | 18.4 miles | 26 min |
| Gilbert, AZ | 18.1 miles | 28 min |
| Glendale, AZ | 19.7 miles | 33 min |
Shuttle between Glendale and Scottsdale
Airport Shuttle of Phoenix runs private, door-to-door shuttle service on this corridor 24/7 — pickup at any address in Glendale, drop-off at any address in Scottsdale, flat rate, no surge pricing at any hour.
Fares on this corridor scale with your exact addresses and vehicle — enter your addresses in the booking tool for an instant flat quote, no surge at any hour. Round trips save 10% off each way.
Group travel on this corridor
Shuttle vans seat up to 8 with luggage, so a family or group traveling together pays one flat vehicle price, not per head — often beating per-person rideshare pricing on a corridor this long.
Why travelers book this route
Corridor trips like this one are our bread and butter: a fixed pickup time, a named driver, and a flat price quoted before you book. Business travelers use the ride as working time between cities; families book the van so luggage, car seats, and grandparents ride in one vehicle; airport connections get a buffered pickup time matched to the flight. Every completed trip is tracked, and the fare statistics on this page come from that same trip history — not from a rate table that nobody audits.
How Far Is Glendale from Scottsdale? The Quick Answer
Glendale, Arizona and Scottsdale, Arizona sit on opposite sides of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with Glendale in the West Valley and Scottsdale in the East Valley. The distance between the two cities is approximately 25 to 30 miles, depending on your starting and ending points, and the drive typically takes 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
The exact figure shifts based on where you begin and end your trip. Driving from downtown Glendale to Old Town Scottsdale covers roughly 28 miles, while a trip from the Westgate Entertainment District near State Farm Stadium to North Scottsdale can stretch closer to 35 miles. Because the two cities are separated by the entire city of Phoenix, there is no "shortcut" — every route crosses a significant portion of the metro area.
Below, we break down the driving distances, the best routes, what the trip is like at different times of day, and answers to the most common questions travelers ask about getting between these two popular Arizona cities.
Driving Distance Between Glendale and Scottsdale: Key Point-to-Point Routes
Because both cities are large, the "distance" depends heavily on which neighborhood you're traveling from. Here are the approximate driving distances for the most common trips between the two cities. All figures are estimates based on typical routing and may vary slightly with your chosen path.
| From (Glendale) | To (Scottsdale) | Approximate Distance | Typical Drive Time* | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Glendale (Historic Catlin Court area) | Old Town Scottsdale | ~28 miles | 35–50 minutes | Loop 101 |
| Westgate Entertainment District / State Farm Stadium | Old Town Scottsdale | ~30 miles | 35–50 minutes | Loop 101 |
| Downtown Glendale | Scottsdale Fashion Square area | ~27 miles | 35–50 minutes | Loop 101 |
| Arrowhead area (northern Glendale) | North Scottsdale | ~30–35 miles | 40–55 minutes | Loop 101 |
| Southern Glendale (near Grand Avenue) | South Scottsdale | ~25 miles | 35–45 minutes | Loop 101 / surface streets |
*Drive times reflect typical conditions. Rush-hour traffic in the Phoenix metro can significantly extend these estimates, particularly on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
The reason the distances cluster so tightly around the 25–35 mile range is geography: Glendale and Scottsdale sit roughly at the same latitude band across the metro area, with Phoenix between them. You're essentially driving west-to-east (or east-to-west) across the entire urban core.
Best Routes from Glendale to Scottsdale
There are three practical ways to make this drive. For most travelers, one clearly comes out ahead.
Option 1: Loop 101 (The Preferred Route)
Loop 101 is a freeway that arcs around the northern edge of the Phoenix metro area, and it's almost always the fastest and most straightforward route between Glendale and Scottsdale. From Glendale, you'll pick up Loop 101 heading north and east; the freeway transitions through several named segments as it crosses the northern Valley, eventually curving down into Scottsdale on the east side.
The beauty of this route is its simplicity: you essentially stay on one freeway the entire way. If you're headed to North Scottsdale — home to areas like the Scottsdale Airpark and the upscale shopping and dining corridors along the Loop 101 corridor — you can simply take exits as they appear without ever leaving the freeway. To reach Old Town Scottsdale or central Scottsdale, you'll exit and head south on surface streets such as Scottsdale Road or Hayden Road.
Keep in mind that Loop 101 is one of the busiest freeways in the state. It serves major destinations including the Westgate Entertainment District and State Farm Stadium on the Glendale end, so expect heavy traffic on event days — especially before and after stadium events and arena games.
Option 2: Grand Avenue and Surface Streets Through Central Phoenix
US 60 (Grand Avenue) runs diagonally northwest out of downtown Phoenix toward Glendale. From Grand Avenue, you can cut southeast into central Phoenix and connect to routes like State Route 51, which runs north-south through the middle of the city and empties out near the Arcadia neighborhood, just west of Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain. From the northern end of SR-51, surface streets like McDowell Road or Thomas Road carry you east into Scottsdale.
This route covers fewer total miles than the Loop 101 loop around the top of the Valley, but it involves more freeway changes, more surface-street driving, and more stoplights. It occasionally makes sense if your origin and destination are both on the southern edges of the two cities, but for most trips, the Loop 101 wins.
Option 3: I-10 Through Downtown Phoenix
Interstate 10 passes through downtown Phoenix and can be used for trips between southern Glendale and southern Scottsdale. The typical pattern is I-10 east into downtown, then connecting to SR-51 north or continuing toward Tempe and approaching Scottsdale from the south via Loop 202 or surface streets like Camelback Road or Indian School Road. Like the Grand Avenue route, this involves more merging and more exposure to downtown Phoenix congestion, so it's generally a secondary choice.
Route Comparison at a Glance
| Route | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop 101 | Most trips, especially to North Scottsdale | One freeway, predictable routing, serves both cities' main corridors | Heavy traffic at rush hour and event times |
| US 60 / SR-51 combination | Trips between southern Glendale and central/eastern Scottsdale | Fewer total miles on paper | Multiple freeway changes, surface streets, stoplights |
| I-10 through downtown | Southern Glendale to South Scottsdale or Tempe-adjacent areas | Direct access to downtown Phoenix en route | Downtown congestion, longest practical drive times |
How Long Does the Drive Really Take?
The 30-to-45-minute estimate holds up in off-peak conditions, but Phoenix-area traffic is a real variable worth planning around.
Rush Hour Considerations
Weekday mornings (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and late afternoons (roughly 4–6:30 p.m.) see significant congestion on both Loop 101 and the central Phoenix freeways. During these windows, a trip that takes 35 minutes at midday can stretch past an hour. If your schedule allows, traveling mid-morning or early afternoon is the most comfortable window.
Event Traffic in Glendale
Glendale's sports and entertainment district is one of the busiest traffic zones in the state on event days. State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, hosts regular-season games each fall and winter and has hosted Super Bowls, while the neighboring Desert Diamond Arena hosts concerts and events. The Westgate Entertainment District draws large crowds year-round for dining and entertainment. On stadium event days, the Loop 101 corridor through Glendale experiences heavy congestion before and after events — if you're traveling from Scottsdale to a game or concert, build in extra time; if you're leaving Glendale during an event, expect delays near the stadium area even if you're not attending.
Winter Tourism Season
Scottsdale's population swells during the winter "snowbird" season and major events like the Barrett-Jackson auction week and spring training (the San Francisco Giants hold spring training at Scottsdale Stadium, and the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick complex, spring home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, sits at the southern edge of Scottsdale). Roads in and around Scottsdale get noticeably busier from January through March, which can add time to the final leg of your trip.
What's Worth Knowing About Each City Before You Go
Glendale Highlights
Glendale's main draws cluster in two areas. Historic Downtown Glendale, including the Catlin Court Historic District, is known for its antique shops, boutique stores, and walkable, tree-lined blocks — it's especially popular during the holiday season, when the area leans into its reputation as "Arizona's Antique Capital" with seasonal festivities. Several miles north, the Westgate Entertainment District offers restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues adjacent to State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena.
Scottsdale Highlights
Old Town Scottsdale is the city's historic and entertainment heart, featuring Southwestern art galleries, restaurants, shops, and nightlife, all within a walkable downtown grid. Nearby, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest shopping malls in the Southwest. North of Old Town, the city stretches toward McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a large protected desert area with an extensive trail network popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Scottsdale is also well known for its concentration of resorts and spas, particularly in the Camelback Road and Indian Bend corridor areas.
Getting Between Glendale and Scottsdale Without a Car
Public transit options for this particular trip are limited. Valley Metro operates the region's bus system and light rail, but the light rail line does not directly serve either downtown Glendale or Scottsdale. A trip by public transit between the two cities generally requires multiple bus transfers and can take well over an hour and a half each way — workable for patient travelers, but not efficient.
For most visitors, the practical options are driving, rideshare, or a prearranged shuttle. Rideshare trips between the two cities are straightforward but can carry surge pricing during stadium events and peak hours — check your app for a real-time estimate. A prearranged airport shuttle or private car service offers fixed, quoted pricing and door-to-door service, which many travelers prefer for cross-valley trips with luggage or for getting to events without worrying about event-day parking.
Planning Tips for the Glendale–Scottsdale Trip
- Check the event calendar first. A Cardinals home game, an arena concert, or a major Scottsdale event can transform a routine 40-minute drive into a much longer ordeal. Look up event schedules for your travel date before you lock in plans.
- Use a live navigation app. Loop 101 conditions change quickly, and apps like Google Maps or Waze will route you around incidents in real time.
- Pad your time in winter. January through March is peak season across the Valley. Add buffer time to anything with a hard arrival deadline, including flights and event start times.
- Fill the gas tank in Glendale or Scottsdale. The stretch of Loop 101 between the two cities is lined with development on both ends, but you don't want to hunt for fuel while navigating unfamiliar freeway exits.
- Consider the time of day for photos and views. If you're driving toward Scottsdale in the early morning, the sun rises behind Camelback Mountain and the McDowell range — a striking backdrop on a clear day. Heading west in the late afternoon, you'll face the setting sun over the West Valley, so sunglasses are a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Glendale from Scottsdale in miles?
Approximately 25 to 30 miles for the most common trips between the two cities, with some northern-point-to-northern-point routes reaching the mid-30-mile range. The distance from downtown Glendale to Old Town Scottsdale is roughly 28 miles by road.
How long does it take to drive from Glendale to Scottsdale?
Expect 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. During weekday rush hours, major Glendale stadium events, or the busy winter tourist season, the drive can extend to an hour or more. Off-peak midday trips are usually on the shorter end of the range.
What is the best route between Glendale and Scottsdale?
Loop 101 is the standard route for nearly all trips. It connects Glendale's Westgate and stadium area directly across the northern Valley and delivers you into Scottsdale with a single freeway drive. Routes through central Phoenix via US 60 and SR-51 or I-10 exist but involve more transitions and typically more congestion.
Is there public transportation between Glendale and Scottsdale?
Public transit is available through Valley Metro buses, but there is no direct light rail connection between the two cities. Bus trips generally require multiple transfers and take significantly longer than driving. Most travelers choose a car, rideshare, or shuttle service for this route.
How far is Glendale from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport compared to Scottsdale?
Sky Harbor sits in the geographic middle of the Valley, between the two cities. Glendale is roughly 15 to 20 miles from the airport depending on your starting point, while Scottsdale is roughly 12 to 20 miles from the airport depending on which part of the city you're headed to. If you're flying in and heading to one city, the airport is a convenient central reference point — and a trip from Sky Harbor to either city is shorter than the Glendale-to-Scottsdale run itself.
Can I visit Glendale and Scottsdale in the same day?
Absolutely. With a 30-to-45-minute drive separating them, many visitors base themselves in one city and day-trip to the other. A common approach is spending the morning hiking or exploring Scottsdale's Old Town and resort areas, then heading west for an evening event at Westgate or dinner in Historic Downtown Glendale. Just plan the return drive around event traffic if there's something scheduled at the stadium or arena.
Is the drive between Glendale and Scottsdale scenic?
It's a classic Sonoran Desert urban drive. While most of the route is developed freeway corridor, you'll have clear views of the Valley's mountain landmarks on a good-visibility day — including Camelback Mountain near the Scottsdale side and the west-side peaks on the Glendale end. For a more scenic alternative once you're off the freeway, Camelback Road and McDowell Road cross the Valley east-west and pass through some of the metro area's most attractive desert-resort neighborhoods.