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Air Travel

Air Travel

Arizona, USA

Airports and Flights

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX

This is the main entrance for most travelers to Sedona, situated approximately 120 miles (about a 2-hour drive) south. PHX is a major hub airport, presenting wide-ranging flight choices and services. It offers direct flights from major U.S. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Dallas. International direct connections exist from global hubs including London, Toronto, and Mexico City.

PHX Features

  • Numerous major airlines and international carriers.
  • Diverse dining options and retail shops.
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport FLG

A smaller regional airport, about 25 miles (a 45-minute drive) north of Sedona. FLG features limited daily flights, mainly connecting through Phoenix (American Airlines). While closer, its limited flight options often make PHX a more practical choice. FLG chiefly sees service from American Airlines, offering connections to Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth.

FLG Features

  • Smaller airport with fewer flight options.
  • Limited dining and shopping options.
  • Basic services.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices to PHX show outstanding variation by season. Peak Popularity (Spring and Fall) generally sees higher rates. Booking 3-6 months ahead is a good idea. Shoulder and Low Seasons may yield more competitive prices.

Rental Car

Most popular option for flexibility. All major rental car companies are at PHX Rental Car Center. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.

Shuttle Services

Groome Transportation offers scheduled shuttles directly from PHX to various Sedona hotels. This option works well if driving is not your preference. Reservations come with a strong recommendation.

Transfer Options from Airports

From PHX to Sedona

  • Rental Car: Most popular and suggested. Accessible via a free airport shuttle.
  • Shuttle Services: Groome Transportation offers direct shuttles to Sedona hotels.
  • Private Car/Taxi/Rideshare: Available, yet notably more costly for the 2-hour drive.
  • Consider flight deals from Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

From FLG to Sedona

  • Rental Car: Available at FLG and convenient for the shorter drive.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Limited availability compared to larger cities. Pre-booking is a smart move.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Some Sedona hotels may offer private shuttles from FLG.
  • Shuttle Services: Groome Transportation also runs between Flagstaff and Sedona.

Airport Facilities

PHX International Airport

Offers a full range of facilities: diverse dining, numerous retail shops, comfortable lounges, and free Wi-Fi. The Rental Car Center is reachable by a dedicated shuttle system, making vehicle pickup and return simple.

FLG Pulliam Airport

A much smaller airport with limited facilities: a small terminal, basic services, and fewer dining and shopping options.

AirHelp

For flight disruptions, AirHelp assists passengers with compensation for delayed or canceled flights. (Note: Compensation usually applies to specific flight circumstances).

Land Transportation

Train and Bus Connections

No direct train service goes to Sedona. The closest Amtrak station is in Flagstaff, about 45 minutes north. Amtrak's Southwest Chief Route stops in Flagstaff. If arriving by train, separate transfer arrangements become necessary from Flagstaff to Sedona (rental car, taxi/rideshare, or Groome Transportation shuttle service). Greyhound also lacks direct service to Sedona; the closest station is in Flagstaff. Groome Transportation stands as a useful option for direct shuttle services between PHX (and FLG) and Sedona. This serves as a popular and comfortable way to travel between airports and Sedona without driving.

Land Transport Links

  • Amtrak Southwest Chief (Flagstaff station).
  • Greyhound (Flagstaff station).
  • Groome Transportation for airport shuttles.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving offers the most flexibility and convenience for exploring Sedona and its surrounding areas independently. You visit trailheads, scenic overlooks, and nearby towns at your own pace. A valid driver's license from your home country is needed. For non-U.S. Citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) finds recommendation and may be a consideration depending on your country of origin. A standard passenger car works for paved roads. For exploring unpaved forest roads or more adventurous routes, a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is a good idea.

Driving Notes

  • I-17 and local roads in Sedona generally show excellent condition. US-89A shows winding characteristics with steep grades.
  • Some forest service roads may be unpaved, rocky, and may call for high clearance or 4WD.
  • Observe wildlife, like deer and javelina, especially at dawn and dusk.

Driving Laws & Safety

Standard U.S. driving laws are in effect in Arizona. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are a must for all occupants. Handheld cell phone use while driving is not permitted; use a hands-free device. Posted speed limits warrant adherence, notably on winding or residential roads. Check with DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Road Safety Tips

  • During monsoon season (mid-July to mid-September), flash flooding calls for caution on roads that cross washes.
  • Avoid driving through flooded areas. "Turn Around, Don't Drown" is a local mantra.
  • Check road conditions with the Forest Service or local visitor center before attempting unpaved roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sedona does not apply here. As an inland desert environment, Sedona features no navigable waterways suited for public transportation via boat taxis or ferries.

Departure Information

  • No particular exit fees or taxes apply for departing from Sedona or U.S. Airports beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.
  • PHX: Arrive at least 2-3 hours prior to scheduled domestic flight departure; 3-4 hours prior to international flight departure. Allow extra time during peak travel seasons or early morning hours.
  • FLG: Typically arrive 1-1.5 hours prior to domestic flight departure.
  • Plan for enough time to refuel your rental car (if your agreement calls for it) and return the vehicle.
  • Then, take the shuttle from the rental car center to your airline terminal. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for this process at PHX.
  • For rental cars, a pre-paid fuel option might be worth considering to save time on departure day, though it frequently costs more per gallon.

Image Gallery

Airport Scenery

Images capture the gateways to Sedona, from major international hubs to regional airports that connect travelers to this unique destination.

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport terminal.
  • A rental car on a scenic road in Arizona.
  • A Groome Transportation shuttle bus.

Travel Essentials

Images demonstrating essential items for a comfortable and prepared trip to Sedona, highlighting practical gear and useful accessories.

  • A person wearing layers and a hat, ready for a Sedona hike.
  • Hiking boots on a rocky trail in Sedona.
  • A power adapter and various electronic devices.

Sun Protection

Image: A scenic view of a hiking trail with sun protection.

Stargazing

Image: A clear night sky over Sedona for stargazing.

Red Rock Pass

Image: A sign indicating "Red Rock Pass Required."

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transport

Sedona does not apply here. As an inland desert environment, Sedona features no navigable waterways suited for public transportation via boat taxis or ferries. None of these unique transport systems are in Sedona. Transportation mainly relies on roads.

Accessibility Services

Many hotels and resorts have ADA-compliant rooms and facilities. Some attractions, like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, present accessible pathways and parking. The Sedona Shuttle is ADA compliant, yielding accessible transport to trailheads.

  • ADA-compliant rooms and facilities exist at many hotels.
  • Accessible pathways and parking at some attractions.
  • The Sedona Shuttle is ADA compliant.

Specialty Vehicles

Jeep Rentals

Local companies specialize in Jeep rentals for self-guided off-road adventures. These vehicles handle rough terrain.

ATV/UTV Rentals

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rentals exist for use on specific designated trails.

Bicycle Rentals

Local shops have mountain bike and e-bike rentals (typically $60-$100+ per day, helmets usually included).

Note on Accessibility

Many of Sedona's natural attractions and hiking trails appear rugged, uneven, and not wheelchair accessible. Researching specific trail conditions and attraction accessibility before visiting, if mobility is a concern, makes sense.