Mesa to Sedona Airport Shuttle
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick you up at your home, hotel or airport.
- 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 from Phoenix to Sedona?
We pick you up on your schedule 24/7. Our professional Sedona shuttle drivers are normally 5-10 minutes early at your home in Sedona, or right on time at the Phoenix Airport. You get to pick the time we pick you up. 30 minutes after you land is normal.
What is my pickup time at Sky Harbor?
We normally pick you up 30 minutes after your plane lands in Phoenix for domestic flights, or 45 minutes after for international flights. If you don't have bags just schedule your pickup time for 15 mins after you land.
What happens if my Phoenix flight is delayed?
Pickup times automatically adjust to 30 minutes after you land in Phoenix if your flight is delayed for domestic flights, or 45 mins after you land for international flights. Please let us know if you change your airline or flight number. It's also important to give us the flight number actually coming into PHX. Sometimes you may have more than one flight number if you have a layover or switch planes.
What happens if my flight arrives early?
Just call or send us a text if you want us to pick you up early, and we will let your shuttle driver know that you are ready to be picked up. Most of the time we can accommodate an early pickup. Otherwise, we will pick you up at the scheduled time on your reservation. You can always grab a coffee or something to eat while you are waiting. If it's hot please wait until the last moment to go outside. We want to make you experience great.
How soon should I make a reservation to Sedona?
Several days ahead is a good idea. Some people book months in advance. Although there is no set rule that prevents booking a Mesa to Sedona Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your Shuttle reservation as soon as possible; this will make sure a driver is available and prevent any delays. This is especially true if you need a pick up in the middle of the night.
How long does it take to Scottsdale or Sedona?
Trips in normal traffic are about 1 hour and 40 minutes versus about 3 hours and 30 mins on the bus with a bunch of people. Rush hour will normally add 15-45 mins (30 mins on the average). Shuttle Mesa to Sedona is much different from buses and shared rides that frequently stop and wait for other people. They can also be significantly late at the airport. Combine that with traffic and you will probably not want to share a ride. Our company is highly reviewed and voted #1 by customers for Mesa to Sedona transportation services.
What time should I be picked up?
The drive from Mesa to Sedona is normally 1 hour and 40 minutes. 3 hours and 30 minutes before your flight is normally good on the way back. PHX recommends you to be there 2 hours early to get through security and to your plane. Boarding usually starts 30 mins before your plane takes off. However, one hour and thirty mins is normally good. So if the drive from Sedona by Airport Shuttle takes about 2 hours, then 3 and a half hours before your flight takes off is normally good. Airlines start giving seats away about 40 mins before take off. It just depends on how many people are trying to get on your plane.
Our Better Drivers
Who are your drivers?
Most of our Sedona shuttle 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 in Sedona, best restaurants in Sedona AZ, Sedona history and Sedona attractions). Some of our airport shuttle drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, and many other destinations in Arizona.
We have high standards for our shuttle drivers including safety, reliability and customer service. They are very helpful with bags. They get the door for you. All shuttle drivers go through extensive background checks with PHX in order to pick up passengers.
We also train them by driving them through the PHX, explaining all the rules, and showing them where to pick people up and drop people off. Drivers dress well, get the door for you, help with bags, and go out of their way to make you experience great.
Our Great Company
With more than 100,000 customers and more than 5 years in business, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix owns Shuttle Mesa to Sedona, 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.
Mesa to Sedona: Distance, Drive Time, and Route Guide
Travelers looking to trade the suburban sprawl of Mesa for the red‑rock vistas of Sedona often ask how far the journey is, what roads to take, and what they might see along the way. Using publicly available data from Wanderlog (updated March 31, 2023), the direct drive covers 131 mi (211 km) and takes about 2 hours 2 minutes under normal traffic conditions [Wanderlog, 2023]. This stretch of highway links the Phoenix metropolitan area with the iconic Oak Creek Canyon, offering a blend of urban scenery, desert landscapes, and mountainous terrain.
Primary Route Overview
The most efficient path leaves Mesa via the AZ‑202 Loop (Red Mountain Freeway) heading west toward downtown Phoenix. From there, merge onto I‑17 North** (the Black Canyon Freeway) and continue past Anthem, through the mountainous stretch known as the Mogollon Rim. After approximately 90 minutes on I‑17, take exit 298 for AZ‑179 South** toward Sedona. This final leg winds down the Oak Creek Canyon scenic byway, delivering the first views of Sedona’s signature red sandstone formations.
Key Waypoints and Popular Stops
Along the route, several cities and attractions appear at predictable intervals, making it easy to plan breaks or short explorations. The Wanderlog data highlights the following waypoints, expressed as a percentage of the total distance from Mesa to Sedona:
- Tempe – roughly 10 % of the way, about 4 minutes off the main route; home to the Tempe Center for the Arts and Tempe Town Lake.
- Scottsdale – around 14 % of the distance, 6 minutes off the route; known for luxury spas and golf courses such as TPC Scottsdale.
- Phoenix** – about 17 % of the journey, only 3 minutes off the freeway; Arizona’s capital offers cultural museums, desert botanical gardens, and a vibrant downtown.
- Glendale** – roughly 25 % of the way, 10 minutes off the route; features the State Farm Stadium and historic downtown.
- Prescott** – near 60 % of the distance, 44 minutes off the main highway; a historic mining town with a lively courthouse plaza and Whiskey Row.
- Jerome** – about 76 % of the route, 26 minutes off I‑17; a former copper‑mining camp perched on Cleopatra Hill, now noted for art galleries and panoramic views.
- Cottonwood** – roughly 85 % of the distance, located in Yavapai County; a gateway to the Verde Valley with vineyards, historic Old Town, and access to the Verde River.
These stops provide opportunities for fuel, food, stretching legs, or brief sightseeing without significantly adding to overall travel time.
Alternative Travel Options
While driving offers the greatest flexibility, some travelers prefer not to navigate the mountainous sections themselves. Below is a comparison of common alternatives for the Mesa‑to‑Sedona corridor. Note that cost figures are omitted because they fluctuate based on season, provider, and service level; all options are described in general terms.
| Option | Estimated Travel Time* | Flexibility | Scenic Experience | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle / Rental Car | 2 hrs 2 min (no traffic) | High – depart whenever, detour freely | Full control – can stop at any viewpoint, explore side roads | Requires driver comfort with mountainous I‑17 and AZ‑179 grades |
| Airport Shuttle Service (Phoenix‑Sky Harbor to Sedona) | ≈ 2 hrs 30 min (including pickup/drop‑off) | Medium – fixed schedules, limited stops | Guided commentary often included; views of canyon from highway | Door‑to‑door service; no need to navigate or park |
| Rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft) | ≈ 2 hrs 15 min‑2 hrs 45 min | Medium‑High – request on demand, can request scenic route | Similar to personal vehicle; driver may know local shortcuts | Cost varies with demand; surge pricing possible on weekends |
| Guided Tour Bus | ≈ 3 hrs (includes scheduled stops) | Low – set itinerary, limited free time | Curated stops at Red Rock State Park, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and other highlights | Includes narration; ideal for first‑time visitors who prefer not to drive |
*Times are based on typical traffic and assume no major incidents; actual duration may vary.
What to Expect on the Drive
Leaving Mesa, the journey begins amid the Sonoran Desert’s flat expanses, with occasional views of the Superstition Mountains to the east. As you merge onto I‑17, the landscape gradually transitions to higher elevation, and the road begins its ascent of the Mogollon Rim—a geological formation that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. This segment can feature steep grades and occasional slow‑moving traffic, especially during peak travel seasons or adverse weather.
Upon reaching the AZ‑179 junction, the descent into Oak Creek Canyon offers some of Arizona’s most photographed scenery. The road snakes alongside the creek, flanked by towering sandstone cliffs that shift colors with the sun’s angle. Travelers often note a noticeable temperature drop; Sedona’s elevation (~4,300 ft) is considerably higher than Mesa’s (~1,200 ft), resulting in cooler temperatures, particularly in the evenings.
Planning Your Stops: Suggested Itinerary Ideas
For those who wish to break up the drive, the waypoints above lend themselves to a few thematic mini‑itineraries:
- Cultural Detour (Tempe‑Phoenix‑Scottsdale): Spend an hour exploring the Tempe Town Lake park, then head to the Phoenix Art Museum or the Heard Museum before enjoying a round of golf or spa treatment in Scottsdale.
- History & Old West (Prescot‑Jerome): Allocate two hours in Prescott to stroll Whiskey Row and visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, then continue to Jerome for a quick tour of the State Historic Park and a coffee at a hillside café.
- Wine & Verde Valley (Cottonwood): Dedicate an afternoon to wine tasting at one of the Verde Valley’s tasting rooms, followed by a leisurely walk along the Verde River Trail.
- Pure Scenic Run (Direct): If time is limited, stay on I‑17 and AZ‑179, using the designated vista points along Oak Creek Canyon for photo opportunities and a brief leg stretch.
Each of these options can be adapted to suit personal interests, travel companions, and the amount of time you wish to allocate beyond the core drive.
Seasonal Considerations
Weather plays a role in travel comfort and road safety. Summer months (June‑August) often see daytime highs exceeding 100 °F in the lower desert, while Sedona’s higher elevation keeps temperatures more moderate, typically in the 80‑90 °F range. Winter (December‑February) can bring chilly mornings in Sedona, with occasional frost and rare snowfall on the Mogollon Rim; I‑17 may experience ice or reduced visibility during storms, so checking ADOT road conditions before departure is advisable. Spring and fall offer the most temperate conditions, with blooming desert flora in March‑April and vibrant autumn colors in the higher elevations during October‑November.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Sedona under normal conditions?
- According to Wanderlog (March 2023), the direct drive is 131 mi and takes about 2 hours 2 minutes without significant traffic delays.
- What is the main highway I should take?
- Begin on the AZ‑202 Loop west toward Phoenix, merge onto I‑17 North, and exit onto AZ‑179 South toward Sedona.
- Are there tolls on the route?
- No toll roads exist on the AZ‑202, I‑17, or AZ‑179 corridors between Mesa and Sedona.
- Can I make the trip as a day trip from Mesa?
- Yes. With a drive time of just over two hours each way, many visitors leave Mesa in the morning, spend the day exploring Sedona’s trails, galleries, and vortex sites, and return in the evening.
- What are some worthwhile stops if I have extra time?
- Popular detours include Tempe Town Lake, the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Prescott’s historic Whiskey Row, Jerome’s State Historic Park, and wine tasting in Cottonwood.
- Is public transportation available directly between Mesa and Sedona?
- There is no direct public bus or train service; most travelers rely on personal vehicles, rideshares, airport shuttles, or guided tour buses.
- Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?
- Sedona’s elevation (~4,300 ft) is modest compared to higher Colorado Plateau locations; most travelers do not experience altitude sickness, but staying hydrated and taking it easy upon arrival can help if you are sensitive to elevation changes.