Tempe to Sedona Shuttle
Welcome to Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, where your journey between Tempe and Sedona is seamless and stress-free. Our private intercity shuttle service offers a comfortable door-to-door ride that takes you from the heart of the Valley to the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona. With a straight-line distance of about 100 miles, our route covers approximately 136 to 188 minutes of driving time, including stops at key intersections like I-10 and Loop 202.
Starting your journey in Tempe, you can expect a scenic drive through the vibrant desert landscapes. Whether you're picking up from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport or anywhere within the Tempe city limits, our experienced drivers will ensure a smooth departure. As we head west, we'll pass through the picturesque Sonoran Desert before connecting to I-10, which leads us into the heart of Arizona's red rock country.
Once we reach Sedona, you'll be greeted by the iconic red rocks and lush canyons that make this area a favorite among tourists. We can drop you off at your chosen accommodation or anywhere within the Sedona city limits, ensuring a comfortable arrival after your flight.
What Time Will My Shuttle Arrive?
Your exact pickup time will depend on your specific needs and the location of your departure point in Tempe. However, we aim to arrive at your door about 136 to 188 minutes before your scheduled flight departure from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport or other nearby terminals.
How Many Bags Can I Bring?
You can bring as many bags as you need for the trip. Our vehicles are equipped to accommodate standard luggage, including suitcases and carry-ons, ensuring that all your belongings make it safely to Sedona with you.
What Happens if My Flight is Delayed?
We monitor flight schedules closely and will adjust your pickup time accordingly. If there's a delay, our team will coordinate with you to ensure a smooth transition, so you don't miss your connecting route.
Ready to book your trip? Contact us at (480) 710-3441 or visit our website to reserve your shuttle. Use promo code ONLINE for an additional 10% off round trips and enjoy a comfortable ride from Tempe to Sedona with Airport Shuttle of Phoenix.
Travelers choose the Tempe‑to‑Sedona corridor for quick access to Sedona’s renowned outdoor activities, art galleries, and wellness retreats. The drive offers a contrast between the urban sprawl of the Valley of the Sun and the striking sandstone formations that define the Coconino National Forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter several notable communities and points of interest that can serve as convenient stops or overnight stays.
These waypoints are useful for breaking up the drive, grabbing a meal, or exploring local attractions without deviating far from I‑17.
While driving is the most common method, several alternatives exist depending on your schedule, budget, and preference for scenic views.
*Durations are approximate and based on typical conditions; actual times may vary due to traffic, weather, or service schedules.
Once you reach Sedona, the surrounding Coconino National Forest offers countless outdoor pursuits. Below are popular activities that visitors frequently enjoy.
How Long Is the Drive from Tempe to Sedona?
The drive from Tempe to Sedona covers roughly 124 miles (199 kilometers), and under normal traffic conditions you can expect it to take about 1 hour and 55 minutes, according to route data compiled by Wanderlog. That makes Sedona one of the most accessible red-rock escapes for anyone based in Tempe — close enough for a full day trip, far enough that it feels like a true getaway.
Of course, that two-hour estimate assumes light traffic and no stops. Add in a Friday-afternoon departure, a rest stop in Camp Verde, or a detour through Cottonwood, and your door-to-door time can easily stretch to two and a half hours or more. In this guide, we'll break down the best routes, the most worthwhile stops along the way, your transportation options, and everything you need to plan a smooth trip from Tempe to Sedona.
Last updated: 2026
Tempe to Sedona: Which Route Should You Take?
There are two main ways to make the drive, and the right choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or scenery.
The Fast Route: Loop 101 to I-17 North
Most drivers take the quickest path out of Tempe via the Loop 101 (Price Freeway), heading north through Scottsdale before merging onto Interstate 17. From there, you'll climb out of the Sonoran Desert through Phoenix's northern suburbs, past Black Canyon City, and up toward Camp Verde. Exit at State Route 260 westbound, then connect to State Route 179, which carries you through the Village of Oak Creek and directly into Sedona, past famous landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
This is the route nearly every shuttle service and GPS default will suggest, and for good reason: it's the fastest and most reliable option in almost all conditions.
The Scenic Route: Cottonwood and SR 89A Through Oak Creek Canyon
If you have extra time, exit I-17 at SR 260 and pass through Cottonwood, a charming city in Yavapai County with a population of around 11,265. From Cottonwood, State Route 89A climbs through the historic copper-mining town of Jerome — a former mining hub perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill — before descending into Sedona from the west. You can then continue north on 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most photographed drives in Arizona, featuring switchbacks, creek-side picnic areas, and towering canyon walls.
Keep in mind that the scenic route adds significant time. Wanderlog's route data shows Jerome sits roughly 26 minutes off the main route at about 75% of the way to Sedona, and Prescott — a worthwhile but longer detour — runs about 44 minutes off-route. Budget at least an extra hour for the Cottonwood–Jerome variation.
Getting from Tempe to Sedona: Your Options Compared
| Option | Typical Duration | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private shuttle or car service | About 2 hours | Airport transfers, groups, stress-free travel | Door-to-door service; book in advance |
| Driving yourself | About 1 hr 55 mins | Flexibility, scenic detours | You handle parking in Sedona, which can be tight at trailheads |
| Guided day tour | Full day (10–12 hours, estimate) | First-time visitors, no-car travelers | Pickup available from many Tempe and Phoenix-area hotels |
| Intercity bus | Longer; involves transfers | Budget travelers | Carriers such as Greyhound serve the Phoenix–Flagstaff corridor; Sedona connections typically require a transfer, so check schedules carefully |
| Rideshare | About 2 hours | Small groups traveling spontaneously | Availability and fares for a 124-mile trip vary widely and can be costly — treat any figure as an estimate |
For travelers flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a pre-booked shuttle is often the most convenient option. Sky Harbor sits just minutes from Tempe, so a direct shuttle from the airport to your Sedona hotel removes the need to rent a car or navigate two highway changes. If that sounds like your situation, see our related guide on the Phoenix to Sedona route for airport-specific details.
Worthwhile Stops Between Tempe and Sedona
One of the best things about this drive is how much you can see without straying far from the main route. Here are the stops locals and frequent visitors recommend most.
Scottsdale
Roughly six minutes off the main route, Scottsdale is a desert city renowned for its luxurious spa resorts and world-class golf courses like TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open. If you're departing Tempe in the morning, Old Town Scottsdale makes an easy coffee or breakfast stop before you hit I-17.
Phoenix
Arizona's capital sits directly on your route and is the most popular city stop for travelers heading to Sedona. If you're traveling with kids or want one last taste of the city, the Phoenix Zoo covers 125 acres of animal exhibits, and the Arizona Science Center at 600 E Washington Street offers hands-on exhibits in a downtown landmark. Phoenix is only about three minutes off the most direct path, so stopping here costs you almost nothing in detour time.
Camp Verde
Camp Verde is the classic halfway rest stop, sitting right along I-17. It's also your gateway to Montezuma Castle National Monument, a remarkably preserved cliff dwelling of the Sinagua people just a short drive from the freeway exit. Stretching your legs here breaks the drive neatly in half.
Cottonwood
Cottonwood's historic Old Town district is lined with wine tasting rooms — the Verde Valley has become one of Arizona's emerging wine regions — and it makes a natural lunch stop if you're taking the SR 89A scenic approach. Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo atop a hill above the Verde River, is nearby as well.
Jerome
Once a booming copper-mining hub, Jerome is now a hillside artists' community with winding streets, ghost-town lore, and sweeping views of the Verde Valley. Note that the road through town is narrow and steep; large vehicles and shuttles often bypass it, so this stop works best in a personal vehicle.
Prescott (Longer Detour)
Prescott, located in central Arizona, offers a rich history and vibrant cultural scene centered on Whiskey Row and the courthouse plaza downtown. At roughly 44 minutes off the main route according to Wanderlog's data, it's a detour best saved for travelers turning the trip into an overnight loop rather than a direct drive.
What to Expect of Your Trip
Elevation and Weather Changes
Tempe sits in the low desert at roughly 1,100 feet of elevation, while Sedona rises to about 4,350 feet. That climb matters: summer temperatures in Tempe can exceed 110°F while Sedona stays noticeably cooler, and in winter, Sedona can see snow and ice — especially through the higher stretches near the I-17/SR 260 interchange and in Oak Creek Canyon. Check conditions in the colder months, and if you're renting a car between roughly November and March, ask about traction requirements for SR 89A through the canyon switchbacks.
Timing Your Departure
Weekend mornings see heavy northbound I-17 traffic out of the Phoenix metro, and Sedona's most popular trailhead parking fills extremely early — often before 8 a.m. during spring and fall. If you're driving yourself, leaving Tempe by 6 a.m. gives you the best combination of light traffic and parking availability. If a shuttle is handling the driving, you can relax, enjoy the scenery through the Verde Valley, and let someone else deal with the parking scramble.
Parking in Sedona
Sedona operates paid parking at several trailhead lots and runs a free shuttle system serving popular trailheads during peak seasons. If you arrive by shuttle or tour, this becomes a non-issue — one more reason many visitors prefer not to drive the route themselves.
How to Book Your Trip from Tempe to Sedona
Booking depends on which option you choose, but a few universal tips apply:
- Book transportation in advance whenever possible. Shuttle services, guided tours, and intercity buses all reward early booking with better availability — especially during Sedona's busiest seasons in spring and fall, and around holiday weekends.
- Confirm pickup locations precisely. Tempe is a spread-out city; whether you're being picked up at Arizona State University, a Mill Avenue hotel, or a residence near Tempe Marketplace, provide a clear address and be ready a few minutes early.
- Check luggage policies if you're coming from the airport. If your trip starts at Phoenix Sky Harbor, confirm your shuttle's baggage allowance before you land.
- Build buffer into your schedule. The 1-hour-55-minute drive time is a best case. If you have a wine tour, jeep tour, or dinner reservation waiting in Sedona, pad your plans by at least 30–45 minutes.
Travelers extending their trip northward may also find our guides to Flagstaff to Sedona and Sedona to the Grand Canyon useful for planning the rest of an Arizona itinerary.
Planning the Perfect Tempe-to-Sedona Day Trip
With under two hours of driving each way, a day trip is entirely doable. A sample structure:
- 6:00 a.m. — Depart Tempe via Loop 101 and I-17.
- 7:00 a.m. — Quick stop in Camp Verde for coffee and a restroom break.
- 8:00 a.m. — Arrive in Sedona; start with a morning hike near Cathedral Rock or a drive along Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179).
- Midday — Lunch in Uptown Sedona or at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
- Afternoon — Optional: scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon or a slot-canyon-style jeep tour.
- 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Begin the drive back, aiming to reach Tempe before full dark (the I-17 stretch through the desert is unlit for long stretches).
If you'd rather not watch the clock, an overnight stay lets you catch Sedona's famous sunset views and, on clear nights, some of the best stargazing in the state — Sedona is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tempe to Sedona
How long is the drive from Tempe to Sedona?
The direct drive is 124 miles (199 km) and takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes in normal traffic, per Wanderlog's route data. With stops, traffic, or the scenic Cottonwood–Jerome approach, plan on two to three hours each way.
Is there a bus from Tempe to Sedona?
There is no direct bus from Tempe to Sedona. Intercity carriers such as Greyhound serve the Phoenix–Flagstaff corridor along I-17, and reaching Sedona by bus typically involves a transfer — commonly at Flagstaff, with a connecting service south into Sedona. For most travelers, a shuttle, tour, or rental car is faster and simpler. Always check current schedules directly with the carrier before booking.
Can you do a day trip from Tempe to Sedona?
Yes. With roughly two hours each way, a day trip leaves you six to eight hours in Sedona if you start early. Many visitors depart Tempe before 7 a.m. and return after sunset for the full experience.
What is the best route from Tempe to Sedona?
For speed, take Loop 101 north to I-17, exit at SR 260 toward Cottonwood, and follow SR 179 into Sedona. For scenery, continue through Cottonwood on SR 89A through Jerome, then continue on 89A through Oak Creek Canyon into town — just budget extra time, as this adds an hour or more.
Where should I stop between Tempe and Sedona?
Popular stops include Old Town Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix attractions like the Phoenix Zoo and Arizona Science Center, Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde, Old Town Cottonwood's tasting rooms, and the hillside art town of Jerome.
Do you need a car in Sedona?
Not necessarily. Sedona's free shuttle serves major trailheads during busy periods, ride services operate locally, and guided tours cover most classic sights. However, having your own vehicle (or a private shuttle drop-off plus local transit) gives you the most flexibility, particularly for sunrise hikes and Oak Creek Canyon.
Is the drive from Tempe to Sedona scenic?
Very. Even the fast route transitions from saguaro-studded desert to the high-desert cliffs of the Verde Valley, and the final approach on SR 179 delivers your first look at Sedona's red rock formations. The 89A variation through Jerome and Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona.