Phoenix to Cave Creek Airport Shuttle

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 Phoenix and Cave Creek, or right on time at Sky Harbor. 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 a Phoenix to Cave Creek Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your shuttle reservation as soon as possible to make sure a driver is available and prevent any delays.

How long does it take to go from Phoenix or Cave Creek?

Trips to and from Cave Creek in normal traffic are about 45 minutes versus an hour and a half 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?

2 hours and 15 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 Cave Creek to Phoenix takes about 2 hours, then 2 hours and 15 minutes before your flight takes off is normally good.

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Our Better Drivers

Who are your drivers?

Most of our 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, best restaurants, history and attractions). Some shuttle drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon, Cave Creek, Phoenix, and many other destinations.

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. Everyone goes 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 Phoenix to Cave Creek Shuttle, 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

Phone: (480) 710-3441


2018 to 2023 Travel and Hospitality Award Winner


Testimonials and Reviews

Excellent 5 Star Customer Reviews


Click here to read lots of excellent reviews from real customers.

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Driving Distance and Travel Time

The route from Phoenix to Cave Creek stretches about 32 miles (≈ 32.3 mi) of Arizona desert roadway. By car, the trip typically takes 47 minutes in normal traffic, with fuel costs estimated at $5‑$8 (source: Rome2Rio). If you hit rush‑hour congestion—generally adding 15‑45 minutes—the journey can approach 1 hour 15 minutes.

Quick‑Look Travel Options

Option Distance (mi) Est. Travel Time Est. At the Dreamy Draw area, you’ll merge onto State Route 101 (SR‑101) westbound, which circles the northern edge of the Valley. The final stretch enters Cave Creek Road (AZ‑SR‑101 continues as Cave Creek Road), leading directly into the town of Cave Creek.

Route Highlights

  • Start: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) area.
  • Key interchange: I‑17 & US‑60 (Superstition Mountains view).
  • Scenic stretch: The stretch of I‑17 north of Deer Valley Road offers panoramic desert vistas.
  • End: Cave Creek’s historic downtown, known for its western‑style galleries and cowboy‑themed shops.

For those who prefer a less‑urban path, you can also take AZ‑SR‑51 north to Peoria, then connect to US‑60 eastbound before heading north on I‑17. This alternative adds a few minutes but can avoid the heaviest downtown traffic.

Public Transit: Valley Metro Tram and Bus

Valley Metro operates the regional tram (light rail) and an extensive bus network that can get you from Phoenix to Cave Creek with a couple of transfers. The most straightforward public‑transit route involves:

  1. Tram: Board the Valley Metro tram at Washington/Central Ave (near downtown Phoenix) and ride to 19th Ave/Dunlap Ave (approx. 37 minutes, every 15 minutes).
  2. Taxi or Ride‑Share: From the 19th Ave/Dunlap station, catch a taxi to Cave Creek (≈ 30 minutes, $30‑$45).

Alternatively, you can take a Valley Metro bus (Line 7) from Greg Stanton (Central Station) to Deer Valley Rd & 7th St (≈ 1 hour, every 30 minutes), then hop in a taxi for the final leg. For early‑morning flights, a shuttle can be especially helpful, as they schedule pickups 30 minutes after domestic landings or 45 minutes after international arrivals.

Key Stops and Local Attractions Along the Way

While the drive is short, there are several worthwhile stops that make the journey part of the experience.

  • Desert Ridge Marketplace – A large shopping center at the junction of I‑17 and SR‑101. Great for a quick bite, coffee, or a last‑minute grocery run.
  • Anthem Community Park – A spacious park with walking trails, perfect for a short stretch if you’re traveling with kids.
  • Cave Creek Regional Park – About 5 minutes north of downtown Cave Creek, this 35‑acre park offers hiking, mountain‑biking trails, and desert wildlife viewing.
  • Historic Downtown Cave Creek – Home to western‑themed art galleries, cowboy‑style saloons, and local boutiques. A great place to grab a meal after arriving.
  • Spinato’s Pizza (in nearby Anthem) – A local favorite for a quick, hearty pizza if you’re hungry before reaching Cave Creek.

These landmarks are all accessible from the main highway corridors, so you can easily incorporate a stop without adding significant travel time.

Travel Tips for a Stress‑Free Journey

  • Allow extra time for security. PHX recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. If you’re driving from Cave Creek to the airport, plan for about 2 hours 15 minutes of total travel to be safe.
  • Check traffic reports. Rush‑hour on I‑17 typically peaks between 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm. Use a navigation app for real‑time updates.
  • Pre‑book your shuttle if flying. Shuttle drivers usually monitor flight delays, adjusting pickup times automatically (30 min after domestic, 45 min after international).
  • Pack a small cooler. Summer temperatures in the desert can exceed 100 °F; staying hydrated is essential.
  • Know your parking. If you’re parking at PHX, consider the Economy Lot for lower rates, or use the Cell Phone Lot for quick drop‑offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Phoenix to Cave Creek?

The driving distance is roughly 32 miles (≈ 32.3 mi) (source: Rome2Rio). The trip by car takes about 47 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

What is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities?

Driving your own vehicle is the most economical option, with fuel costs estimated at $5‑$8. Public transit (tram + taxi) costs more but offers a car‑free alternative (source: Rome2Rio).

Can I take public transportation from Phoenix to Cave Creek?

Yes. You can ride the Valley Metro tram to 19th Ave/Dunlap and then take a taxi the rest of the way. The total travel time is about 1 hour 12 minutes (source: Valley Metro).

Is there a direct shuttle service?

Several companies, including Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, operate shared shuttles that run the Phoenix–Cave Creek route. These typically cost $55‑$75 per person and can be booked in advance (source: Airport Shuttle of Phoenix).

How long does a shuttle ride take?

In normal traffic, a shuttle takes roughly 45‑60 minutes. During rush hour, expect an additional 15‑45 minutes

Shuttle From Phoenix to Cave Creek AZ

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Pricing / Fares (Cave Creek)

How much does it cost to go from Phoenix or Cave Creek?

It depends on the addresses you enter and the number of people. Check rates by clicking any of the buttons above or below that say "Check Rates". There are different options under "Select Service" like "To Airport" or "From Airport" and "One Way" or "Round Trip". Choose the option called "Any Address" for non-airport transportation in between any two addresses in Arizona. Rates are total, not per person. Enter the promo code "ONLINE" for one way trips to save 10%, or book a round trip to save more both ways.

How do I get an accurate quote?

  • Step 1 - You can just type in the city to check rates, but we recommend entering the full address to get an accurate quote since we have special rates for certain zip codes and most pricing is mileage based. Feel free to call us if you have any questions. Once you fill in the addresses, click "View Rates".
  • Step 2 - We include pricing for Taxi, Airport Shuttle and Black Car Service, so you can compare costs and have more options. Choose the type of service you want with the correct number of passengers. Once a price comes up and you're happy, click "Reserve Now"
  • Step 3 - It's always a good idea to enter your name, cell phone and email to save your quote and automatically get a copy sent to your email. That way we can easily look up your quote by name when you call and finish up your reservation when you're ready. Just click "Continue"
  • Step 4 - The website won't actually book anything until you enter a credit or debit card on the final booking screen. You will automatically receive a confirmation email with all the details after you click "Confirm My Reservation".

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How do I save money?

Please enter the full address to get the most accurate rates between Phoenix and Cave Creek. Book a round trip and you'll receive 10% off each way. If it's a one way use promo code ONLINE to save 10%. This promo code is only valid on one way trips. If you're booking a round trip you automatically save 10% each way, so use discount code NONSTOP instead to receive a free upgrade to non-stop.

What are the benefits of using our service?

Door to door shuttle service is included on all our trips. Usually trips are non-stop in a nicer vehicle. We pick you up at your home anytime 24/7. We normally take you straight home, which is very different from other companies that leave you at a bus stop and stop and wait at intermediate points for hours. We also don't pack you in with 8-54 people you don't know and stop everywhere.

Does it cost anything to make changes to my reservation?

You can always change the date and time of your reservation at no cost. If you don't know the exact address in Cave Creek, you can enter the city for now to reserve it, and give us the full address later. If you don't know your flight number, you can estimate the time and update the flight number and time later via phone, email or text.

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Our Better Vehicles

What type of vehicle will pick me up?

We send an airport shuttle or SUV (4+ passengers) or a nice car (1-3 passengers) anytime and take you to or from any address in Arizona, not just PHX. Our vehicles are clean and newer. Most vehicles are luxury and full size. We have Mercedes Sprinters, Chrysler 300's, Lexus ES300 Hybrids, Lincoln MKZ's, and a variety of other vehicles to meet your needs.


Our Pickup Locations

Your Cave Creek shuttle picks up where it says Prearranged. If you are in a wheelchair, do not allow your attendant to leave you anywhere except Prearranged. The signs are easy to see and they are always at the outer curb. Sometimes security will send people to the wrong place, so it's better to follow the directions below. Sky Harbor also won't allow drivers to walk more than 15 feet away from their vehicle or wait, so good communication is essential. Turn on your cell phone and take it off of airplane mode, so your driver can call or text you. If you don't recognize the number, it's probably your driver.


Terminal 3 Prearranged is across the crosswalk from Door 6 and to the right, south side of the building.


Terminal 4 Prearranged is across the crosswalk from Door 3, north side of the building, first floor. The sign says "Prearranged Vehicles 3 NORTH".


To and From Any Address (One Way)

What kind of transportation services do you offer?

We offer a Phoenix to Cave Creek Shuttle, a shuttle from Cave Creek to Phoenix, and other types of Cave Creek transportation like black car and taxi. We customize our Cave Creek shuttle service to your needs by offering different options like shuttles, black car services, and taxi. We offer many types of vehicles, and different options to make your experience great.

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Things You Should Know

Does it make sense to take an Uber or Lyft?

Uber and Lyft drivers often cancel once they arrive in Phoenix or Cave Creek, because the app doesn't tell them where they are going until they arrive at your home. Usually they don't want to drive that far and not get paid to drive back, or they are unavailable to work for that long. This may result in you missing your flight after 2-3 of them cancel in a row, and they charge you $5 each time for the cancellation. You then try to contact Uber or Lyft over the next week to get a refund, and they don't even have a phone number.

Another thing to consider is that Uber and Lyft drivers are never interviewed, so you may get a depressed guy complaining about his life, a tiny car with no leg room or a creeper. Uber and Lyft also do not train their drivers and PHX is moderately confusing to most people, so they usually have no idea where to go.


How reliable is the Greyhound bus or an Arizona shuttle with a lot of people?

Other shuttle companies that do shared rides to Cave Creek and Phoenix will try to pick you up an hour or two earlier, but they make no promises about when you will actually get to Sky Harbor. If you're on a tight schedule, the shared ride option with Arizona shuttle or the Greyhound is probably not a good idea. Extra stops and scheduling with other passengers can either make you too early or potentially late. Even with great drivers, passengers can be unpredictable and end up making everyone miss their flight.

Cave Creek AZ is a residential area that is full of restaurants, shopping, and special events for the local community. One of the main attractions is the historic Frontier Town. Airport Shuttle of Phoenix can service all your driving needs to and from Cave Creek AZ.

The distance between Phoenix and Cave Creek AZ is 33.5 miles, which is approximately a 48 minute drive.

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Driving Distance and Travel Time

The route from Phoenix to Cave Creek stretches about 32 miles (≈ 32.3 mi) of Arizona desert roadway. By car, the trip typically takes 47 minutes in normal traffic, with fuel costs estimated at $5‑$8 (source: Rome2Rio). If you hit rush‑hour congestion—generally adding 15‑45 minutes—the journey can approach 1 hour 15 minutes.

Quick‑Look Travel Options

Option Distance (mi) Est. Travel Time Est. At the Dreamy Draw area, you’ll merge onto State Route 101 (SR‑101) westbound, which circles the northern edge of the Valley. The final stretch enters Cave Creek Road (AZ‑SR‑101 continues as Cave Creek Road), leading directly into the town of Cave Creek.

Route Highlights

  • Start: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) area.
  • Key interchange: I‑17 & US‑60 (Superstition Mountains view).
  • Scenic stretch: The stretch of I‑17 north of Deer Valley Road offers panoramic desert vistas.
  • End: Cave Creek’s historic downtown, known for its western‑style galleries and cowboy‑themed shops.

For those who prefer a less‑urban path, you can also take AZ‑SR‑51 north to Peoria, then connect to US‑60 eastbound before heading north on I‑17. This alternative adds a few minutes but can avoid the heaviest downtown traffic.

Public Transit: Valley Metro Tram and Bus

Valley Metro operates the regional tram (light rail) and an extensive bus network that can get you from Phoenix to Cave Creek with a couple of transfers. The most straightforward public‑transit route involves:

  1. Tram: Board the Valley Metro tram at Washington/Central Ave (near downtown Phoenix) and ride to 19th Ave/Dunlap Ave (approx. 37 minutes, every 15 minutes).
  2. Taxi or Ride‑Share: From the 19th Ave/Dunlap station, catch a taxi to Cave Creek (≈ 30 minutes, $30‑$45).

Alternatively, you can take a Valley Metro bus (Line 7) from Greg Stanton (Central Station) to Deer Valley Rd & 7th St (≈ 1 hour, every 30 minutes), then hop in a taxi for the final leg. For early‑morning flights, a shuttle can be especially helpful, as they schedule pickups 30 minutes after domestic landings or 45 minutes after international arrivals.

Key Stops and Local Attractions Along the Way

While the drive is short, there are several worthwhile stops that make the journey part of the experience.

  • Desert Ridge Marketplace – A large shopping center at the junction of I‑17 and SR‑101. Great for a quick bite, coffee, or a last‑minute grocery run.
  • Anthem Community Park – A spacious park with walking trails, perfect for a short stretch if you’re traveling with kids.
  • Cave Creek Regional Park – About 5 minutes north of downtown Cave Creek, this 35‑acre park offers hiking, mountain‑biking trails, and desert wildlife viewing.
  • Historic Downtown Cave Creek – Home to western‑themed art galleries, cowboy‑style saloons, and local boutiques. A great place to grab a meal after arriving.
  • Spinato’s Pizza (in nearby Anthem) – A local favorite for a quick, hearty pizza if you’re hungry before reaching Cave Creek.

These landmarks are all accessible from the main highway corridors, so you can easily incorporate a stop without adding significant travel time.

Travel Tips for a Stress‑Free Journey

  • Allow extra time for security. PHX recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. If you’re driving from Cave Creek to the airport, plan for about 2 hours 15 minutes of total travel to be safe.
  • Check traffic reports. Rush‑hour on I‑17 typically peaks between 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm. Use a navigation app for real‑time updates.
  • Pre‑book your shuttle if flying. Shuttle drivers usually monitor flight delays, adjusting pickup times automatically (30 min after domestic, 45 min after international).
  • Pack a small cooler. Summer temperatures in the desert can exceed 100 °F; staying hydrated is essential.
  • Know your parking. If you’re parking at PHX, consider the Economy Lot for lower rates, or use the Cell Phone Lot for quick drop‑offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Phoenix to Cave Creek?

The driving distance is roughly 32 miles (≈ 32.3 mi) (source: Rome2Rio). The trip by car takes about 47 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

What is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities?

Driving your own vehicle is the most economical option, with fuel costs estimated at $5‑$8. Public transit (tram + taxi) costs more but offers a car‑free alternative (source: Rome2Rio).

Can I take public transportation from Phoenix to Cave Creek?

Yes. You can ride the Valley Metro tram to 19th Ave/Dunlap and then take a taxi the rest of the way. The total travel time is about 1 hour 12 minutes (source: Valley Metro).

Is there a direct shuttle service?

Several companies, including Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, operate shared shuttles that run the Phoenix–Cave Creek route. These typically cost $55‑$75 per person and can be booked in advance (source: Airport Shuttle of Phoenix).

How long does a shuttle ride take?

In normal traffic, a shuttle takes roughly 45‑60 minutes. During rush hour, expect an additional 15‑45 minutes