Getting around · Sedona · United States
Getting around Sedona
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Terrydarc, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Sedona is spread along two highways, SR 89A and SR 179, which meet at a roundabout called the Y. Most visitors drive, but trailhead parking is limited and traffic builds on weekends, so the free trailhead shuttle and early starts help a lot. Yes.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Car
- Airports
- PHX, FLG
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
- Travel pass
- Red Rock Pass
Ways to get around
Car
A car is essential for most trips, from trailheads to Oak Creek Canyon and day trips. Expect queues at the Y roundabout and along SR 179 on busy weekends.
Display a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass when parking at national forest trailheads that require one.
Bus
The free Sedona Shuttle runs from park-and-ride lots to several of the busiest trailheads, including Cathedral Rock and the Devil's Bridge area. Verde Lynx buses link Sedona with Cottonwood.
Walking
Uptown and Tlaquepaque are walkable, and some hotels have trail access, but distances between areas are long.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Lyft operate but drivers can be scarce, especially early in the morning and late at night; book ahead with a local taxi for trailhead pickups.
Cycling
E-bike rentals are popular for paved paths and some trails; mountain biking on Sedona's slickrock trails is world-renowned but technical.
Tickets and passes
Red Rock Pass
A daily, weekly or annual pass for parking at many Coconino National Forest trailheads; America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
From the airport
Most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), about 190 km and 2 hours away by car, with scheduled shuttle vans to Sedona. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), about 50 km north through Oak Creek Canyon, has a few daily flights. Sedona's own small airport is used mainly for scenic flights.
Do you need a car?
Yes. Trailheads, Oak Creek Canyon and day trips all need a car, although the free shuttle can replace driving to several of the busiest trailheads.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon South Rim | About 2 hours 15 minutes by car | Car via Flagstaff, or an organised tour |
| Jerome | About 45 minutes by car | Car via Cottonwood |
| Montezuma Castle National Monument | About 30 minutes by car | Car via I-17 |
| Flagstaff | About 45 minutes by car | Car through Oak Creek Canyon |
| Verde Canyon Railroad | About 40 minutes by car to Clarkdale | Car to Clarkdale, then heritage train |
| Meteor Crater | About 1 hour 15 minutes by car | Car via Flagstaff and I-40 |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Sedona?
Yes. Trailheads, Oak Creek Canyon and day trips all need a car, although the free shuttle can replace driving to several of the busiest trailheads.
+How do you get from the airport to Sedona?
Most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), about 190 km and 2 hours away by car, with scheduled shuttle vans to Sedona. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), about 50 km north through Oak Creek Canyon, has a few daily flights. Sedona's own small airport is used mainly for scenic flights.
+What is the best way to get around Sedona?
Car: A car is essential for most trips, from trailheads to Oak Creek Canyon and day trips. Expect queues at the Y roundabout and along SR 179 on busy weekends.