Show Low to Sedona Shuttle
Travelers heading from the pine‑covered streets of Show Low to the red‑rock vistas of Sedona can rely on a private door‑to‑door shuttle that follows the most direct highway corridor in northern Arizona. The journey covers roughly 107 miles as the crow flies, with the actual road distance a little longer as the route climbs onto Interstate 17 northward past the Mogollon Rim, then descends onto State Route 179 through Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona’s Uptown and West Sedona neighborhoods.
Typical door‑to‑door drive time ranges between 146 and 201 minutes, depending on traffic through Flagstaff and seasonal weather on the canyon switchbacks. Our drivers are familiar with the I‑17 to SR‑179 transition, the occasional construction zones near the Flagstaff Mall area, and the narrow, winding sections of SR‑179 that require careful navigation around tour buses and cyclists.
Pickup can be arranged at any address in Show Low — whether you’re staying near the historic downtown, the Pinetop‑Lakeside resort corridor, or at Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) for connecting flights. Drop‑off points in Sedona include hotels along Highway 89A, the Sedona Airport (SDX) for private aviation, and popular resort zones such as the Village of Oak Creek.
Because the route traverses the Coconino National Forest, passengers often spot elk near the Rim, and in winter the higher elevations of I‑17 can see snow that adds a few minutes to the trip. Our vehicles are equipped for all‑season travel, and the drivers monitor real‑time road conditions to choose the safest pace.
How long does the shuttle take from Show Low to Sedona?
Expect a travel window of roughly two and a half to three and a half hours door‑to‑door, with the exact duration set by current traffic on I‑17 and weather on SR‑179.
Where will the driver meet me in Show Low?
We coordinate a precise pickup address — hotel lobby, private residence, or Show Low Regional Airport terminal — and confirm the exact location the day before departure.
What happens if my flight into Phoenix is delayed and I need a later pickup?
We track incoming flights and adjust the scheduled pickup time accordingly; the driver will wait until you are ready to depart.
Ready to book your private ride? Call (602) 626-9388 or reserve online. Use promo code ONLINE for 10 % off round‑trip reservations.
Show Low to Sedona: Travel Guide
Traveling between Show Low and Sedona crosses diverse Arizona landscapes, from the high‑country pine forests of the Mogollon Rim to the iconic red‑rock vistas of Oak Creek Canyon. This guide consolidates the most reliable public information on distance, travel times, transport options, costs, scenic stops, and safety tips to help you choose the best way to make the trip.
Quick Answer: Cheapest and Fastest Way
According to current route data, driving is both the cheapest and fastest method for traveling from Show Low to Sedona. These figures are estimates based on average fuel consumption and prevailing gas prices.
Distance and Route Overview
The driving distance between Show Low and Sedona is roughly 272 kilometers (about 170 miles). The primary highway is AZ‑260 heading west from Show Low, merging onto AZ‑89A through Oak Creek Canyon before arriving in Sedona. Alternate routes using US‑60 and AZ‑87 exist but add mileage and time.
Along AZ‑260, travelers should note a 40‑mile stretch without services between the towns of Strawberry and Heber‑Overgaard. The last reliable fuel stop before entering this zone is the Shell station at Heber‑Overgaard (mile marker ~330). Logging trucks frequently use AZ‑260, especially near McNary, and typically travel at reduced speeds of 45 mph on steep grades. Useful when time is limited and a car is unavailable.
*Cost figures are estimates based on publicly available fare ranges and fuel price averages; actual expenses may vary.
Driving Details: Step‑by‑Step
- Depart Show Low on AZ‑260 West toward Heber‑Overgaard.
- Pass through the forested corridor; watch for logging trucks and wildlife crossings (elk, deer, black bear).
- At mile marker ~295, consider a stop at the Mogollon Rim Vista Point for a panoramic view.
- Continue past the Rim; the road descends into Oak Creek Canyon, a designated scenic byway with switchbacks and numerous overlooks.
- Merge onto AZ‑89A South** through the canyon; this stretch offers iconic red‑rock formations.
- Arrive in Sedona via AZ‑89A, following signs to downtown or specific attractions.
Gas prices as of 2025 average $3.50 per gallon near Sedona and $3.30 per gallon in Show Low. A typical sedan achieving 25 mpg will need roughly 11 gallons for the 272 km trip, aligning with the fuel‑cost estimate range provided above.
Shuttle and Bus Alternatives
For travelers without a car, several regional operators provide scheduled shuttle service between Show Low and Sedona. Journeys typically involve a transfer in either Flagstaff or Phoenix, resulting in a total travel time of about 6 hours and 7 minutes. While more expensive than driving, shuttles eliminate the need for navigation, fuel stops, and vehicle wear.
When booking, verify pickup locations in Show Low (often at the Show Low Municipal Airport or local hotels) and drop‑off points in Sedona (commonly at the Sedona Transportation Center or major hotels). Luggage allowances vary; most providers accommodate two standard bags plus a carry‑on.
Flight and Composite Routes
Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) offers limited commercial flights, primarily to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). A typical itinerary might be:
- Flight Show Low → Phoenix (≈1 h 15 m)
- Ground transfer Phoenix → Sedona via shuttle or rental car (≈2 h)
- Total door‑to‑door time ≈ 3 h 30 m, depending on flight schedules and ground‑transport connections.
Although flying can reduce ground travel time, the added steps of airport transit, security, and possible layovers often make the overall duration comparable to or longer than driving. Costs fluctuate with airline pricing and seasonal demand.
Attractions and Stops Along the Route
The drive itself is a highlight, offering numerous opportunities to experience Arizona’s natural beauty.
- Cathedral Rock: Located in the Coconino National Forest about 1 mile west of AZ‑179 and 2 miles south of the “Y” intersection of AZ‑179 and AZ‑89A in uptown Sedona. Its summit reaches 4,967 feet (1,514 m) and is a popular hiking and photography spot.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross: A our team Catholic chapel built between 1954 and 1956 into the red‑rock buttes of Sedona, also within the Coconino National Forest.
- Mogollon Rim Vista Point (mile 295): Offers a sweeping 200‑mile view on clear days; ideal for a quick rest and photo opportunity.
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway: Features numerous pull‑outs, picnic areas, and trailheads; the road climbs from approximately 4,350 feet in Sedona to over 7,000 feet near the Rim.
- Hidden Gems: Colcord Canyon (FR 95) provides solitude and ancient ruins; Walnut Canyon near Winslow is a short detour with well‑preserved cliff dwellings.
- Forest Lakes: The Coconino National Forest contains over 40 lakes, many stocked with rainbow trout, offering fishing and picnicking opportunities.
Travelers interested in geology will notice the transition from basaltic lava flows of the Mog
