Phoenix to Payson Airport Shuttle
Round Trips Save You 10% Payson to Phoenix shuttle
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 Payson, or right on time at Sky Harbor. You get to pick the time we pick you up. Heading further up Highway 260 toward Star Valley or Payson? See our Star Valley shuttle page for the same flat-rate, door-to-door 24/7 service.
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?
You can always 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. 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 Payson Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your reservation as soon as possible to make sure a driver is available and prevent any delays.
How long does it take from PHX or Payson AZ?
Trips from Payson in normal traffic are about an hour and 30 minutes versus about three hours on the bus or a shuttle with a bunch of people. Rush hour in Phoenix will normally add 15-45 minutes (30 minutes on the average).
What time should I be picked up?
3-3.5 hours before your flight is normally enough time. PHX recommends you be there 2 hours early to get through security and find 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 Payson and Phoenix takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, then 3 hours before your flight takes off is normally good.
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 of our drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon 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 many years in business since 2015, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix owns Phoenix to Payson 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
2018 - 2023 Travel and Hospitality Award Winner
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent Phoenix to Payson Shuttle reviews.
Phoenix to Payson: Complete Travel Guide
Overview of the Route
The journey from Phoenix, Arizona to Payson, Arizona covers a distance of approximately 88 miles according to MapQuest measurements (MapQuest). Travelers typically follow State Route 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, which is noted in traveljee.com as the primary road connecting the two cities (traveljee.com). The route passes through desert terrain before entering the higher elevations of the Mogollon Rim region, offering a change in landscape as you approach Payson.
Driving Directions and Time Estimates
Driving from Phoenix to Payson takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes when traveling the 87.6-mile distance, as reported by MapQuest (MapQuest). This estimate assumes normal traffic conditions and does not account for potential delays due to weather or construction. The traveljee.com guide notes that the drive can be completed in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, covering approximately 90 miles via State Route 87 (traveljee.com). Fuel expenses for this trip are estimated to range from $15 to $23 for a one‑way journey, depending on vehicle efficiency and current fuel prices (MapQuest). Alternative estimates from traveljee.com suggest a fuel cost of $15 to $25 for the same leg (traveljee.com).
Shuttle Service Options
For travelers who prefer not to drive, shuttle services provide a door‑to‑door alternative. The fastest shuttle option reported by Rome2Rio takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs between $123 and $128 one way (Rome2Rio). Another set of estimates from traveljee.com places shuttle travel time at approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with a price range of $50 to $80 one way (traveljee.com). A specific operator, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, lists a ticket price of $102 for a journey that lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, and provides contact details including phone number +1-480-710-3441 and email airportshuttlephoenix@gmail.com (traveljee.com). These services typically pick up passengers from locations such as Sky Harbor International Airport and drop them off in central Payson.
Comparison of Travel Modes
| Mode | Duration (estimate) | Cost (estimate) | Key Advantages | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle | 1h 42m – 2h (MapQuest, traveljee.com) | $15 – $25 fuel (MapQuest, traveljee.com) | Flexibility to stop, scenic drive on State Route 87 | Requires a car, driver fatigue on longer trips |
| Fastest Shuttle | 1h 30m (Rome2Rio) | $123 – $128 one way (Rome2Rio) | Shortest travel time among shared options | Higher cost, limited to scheduled departures |
| Standard Shuttle | 2h 30m – 3h (traveljee.com) | $50 – $80 one way (traveljee.com) | More affordable, door‑to‑door service | Longer travel time, possible multiple stops |
| Airport Shuttle of Phoenix | 1h 20m (traveljee.com) | $102 one way (traveljee.com) | Direct service from Sky Harbor to Payson | Specific operator, requires advance booking |
Cost Breakdown for Driving
When calculating the expense of driving, the primary variable is fuel consumption. MapQuest indicates that the cheapest way to get from Phoenix to Payson is to drive, with fuel costs falling between $15 and $23 for the trip (MapQuest). Traveljee.com offers a slightly broader estimate, suggesting that fuel may cost anywhere from $15 to $25 depending on the vehicle’s miles per gallon and current fuel prices (traveljee.com). These figures do not include tolls, as there are none on State Route 87, nor do they factor in vehicle wear and tear, parking fees in Payson, or potential food and beverage purchases along the way. For a round‑trip, simply double the one‑way fuel estimate to approximate the total fuel expense.
Best Times to Travel
Travel times can fluctuate based on seasonal traffic patterns and weather conditions. The drive along State Route 87 is generally smooth during weekdays outside of rush‑hour periods in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Summer months may bring higher temperatures, which can affect vehicle performance and increase the need for hydration stops. Winter travel occasionally encounters snow or ice at higher elevations near the Mogollon Rim, potentially slowing progress. Shuttle services operate on fixed schedules, so checking the latest timetables from providers such as Airport Shuttle of Phoenix is recommended to ensure availability, especially during holiday weekends when demand may rise.
Notable Points Along State Route 87
State Route 87, also referred to as the Beeline Highway, is the main arterial road linking Phoenix to Payson (traveljee.com). As you leave Phoenix, the highway traverses the Sonoran Desert landscape, characterized by saguaro cacti and desert flora. Approaching the town of Globe, the road begins to ascend, offering views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Continuing north, the route climbs toward the Mogollon Rim, where the environment transitions to pine forests and cooler temperatures. These natural changes are part of the scenic appeal of the drive and are frequently mentioned in travel guides that highlight the route’s diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the driving distance between Phoenix and Payson?
- The distance is approximately 88 miles, as measured by MapQuest (MapQuest).
- How long does it take to drive from Phoenix to Payson?
- MapQuest reports a travel time of about 1 hour and 42 minutes for the 87.6‑mile drive (MapQuest). Traveljee.com notes that the journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and weather (traveljee.com).
- What is the estimated fuel cost for driving this route?
- Fuel expenses are estimated to range from $15 to $23 one way according to MapQuest (MapQuest). Traveljee.com provides a similar range of $15 to $25 for fuel costs (traveljee.com).
- Are there shuttle services available from Phoenix to Payson?
- Yes. The fastest shuttle option takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs between $123 and $128 one way (Rome2Rio). Alternative estimates place shuttle travel time at 2.5 to 3 hours with fares ranging from $50 to $80 one way (traveljee.com). Airport Shuttle of Phoenix offers a specific service priced at $102 for a 1 hour and 20 minute trip (traveljee.com).
- Is flying a practical option for getting from Phoenix to Payson?
- There are no commercial airports in Payson that offer regular passenger flights from Phoenix, so flying is not a viable direct option for this route.
- Which highway should I follow to get from Phoenix to Payson?
- Travelers should take State Route 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, which connects the two cities (traveljee.com).
- What landmarks or natural features will I see along the way?
- The route passes through Sonoran Desert scenery with saguaro cacti, ascends toward the Mogollon Rim, and enters pine forest areas as elevation increases, offering a noticeable change in landscape.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best way to travel from Phoenix to Payson depends on individual priorities such as budget, time constraints, and desire for flexibility. Driving offers the lowest cost and the ability to explore the landscape at your own pace, with fuel expenses estimated between $15 and $25 one way. Shuttle services provide a convenient alternative for those without a vehicle, with travel times ranging from 1 hour and 30 minutes for the fastest option to up to 3 hours for more economical services, and corresponding price variations. Regardless of the mode selected, traveling along State Route 87 presents a scenic transition from desert to forest, making the journey itself part of the experience.
