Transitioning from the red rock landscapes of Sedona to the urban sprawl of Phoenix is a straightforward journey covering 116.8 miles. You can comfortably complete this trip in about 1 hour and 54 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $23 on fuel for the trek through the Desert Southwest. Navigating the route involves a blend of State Route 89A, the Prescott–Flagstaff Highway, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Because the entire route is within the same region, the climate remains relatively consistent, though you will notice the elevation change as you head south. It is a practical, efficient connection between two of Arizona's most significant hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
57.8 miles from Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway
52.9 mi
52m
Black Canyon Freeway
35.3 mi
38m
Red Rock Scenic Byway
14.4 mi
25m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
5.8 mi
5m
North Black Canyon Highway
3.2 mi
3m
North 1st Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Papago Freeway
0.6 mi
<1m
West Roosevelt Street
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 52.9 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sedona, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 89A
253 ft·4 sec·North State Route 89A
2
Continue on AZ 89A
333 ft·11 sec·North State Route 89A
3
Continue on AZ 89A
0.2 mi·35 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
177 ft·2 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
5
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·50 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
6
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
69 ft·0 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
7
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi·58 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
92 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
9
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
10
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
107 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
11
Continue on AZ 179
1.4 mi·3 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
12
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
80 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
13
Continue on AZ 179
0.4 mi·57 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
14
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
112 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
15
Continue on AZ 179
2.9 mi·6 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
16
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
81 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
17
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
18
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
94 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
19
Continue on AZ 179
0.2 mi·22 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
20
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
100 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
21
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·36 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
22
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
108 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
23
Continue on AZ 179
7.0 mi·9 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
24
Take the exit onto AZ 179
0.2 mi·21 sec·AZ 179
Exit 298Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
25
Merge onto I 17
53 mi·52 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
26
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
29
Continue on I 17
25 mi·28 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 200AToward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, TucsonUse the slight left lane.
32
Merge onto I 10
0.6 mi·41 sec·Papago Freeway
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 144AToward 7th AvenueUse the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Downtown Cultural/Sport FacilitiesUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
35
Turn straight onto North 7th Avenue
445 ft·16 sec·North 7th Avenue
36
Turn left onto West Roosevelt Street
0.5 mi·1 min·West Roosevelt Street
37
Turn right onto North 1st Avenue
29 ft·0 sec·North 1st Avenue
38
Keep slight right at fork onto North 1st Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 1st Avenue
39
Turn left onto West Adams Street
0.1 mi·40 sec·West Adams Street
40
Turn right onto North 1st Street
408 ft·18 sec·North 1st Street
41
Turn right onto East Washington Street
453 ft·15 sec·East Washington Street
42
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, try to avoid driving during peak traffic hours to ensure you can maintain a steady, comfortable pace. Because there are no formal stops mandated by the data, feel free to build your own breaks into the 1-hour and 54-minute duration as needed. Keep in mind that since you are navigating local roads rather than high-speed interstates, your travel time can fluctuate based on local conditions. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to account for the technical, curvy nature of the roads when planning your departure time, as you will likely be driving slower than you would on a standard highway.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 57.8 miles from Sedona, AZ, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 25 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.8 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Phoenix, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sedona, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sedona, AZ
This is one driving day of about 115.6 miles and 2h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Sedona, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Arizona Veterans Highway for about 52.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 14.7 and 114 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
14.7 mi into trip|~26m in|AZ 179
Take the exit onto AZ 179 toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 298
Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
8
112.2 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
112.4 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
7
113.8 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward 7th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 144A
Toward 7th Avenue
9
114 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Downtown Cultural/Sport Facilities
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State Universi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.03 one way
$46.06 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$24.37
$48.74
premium
$5.59
$25.45
$50.89
diesel
$5.61
$25.52
$51.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.7
0
$12.14
$5.55
Efficient EV
28.9
0
$10.11
$4.62
EV Truck/SUV
46.2
0
$16.18
$7.40
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Sedona, AZ
Night
in Sedona on Saturday
Local time
9:16 PM
MST
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Phoenix, AZ
Night
in Phoenix on Saturday
Local time
9:16 PM
MST
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
13 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 14m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...
15 mi from route
~36 min detour
$10
near mile 23.9
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features zero percent highway share, focusing instead on technical, winding roads. You won't find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the longest segment on State Route 89A keeps you actively steering through the landscape. The road's personality is defined by its intimacy with the terrain, forcing you to slow down and stay engaged with the curves. It is a far cry from a cruise-control commute, offering a more hands-on experience that rewards drivers who enjoy navigating local thoroughfares.
31% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.9 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.7 miles in near AZ 179.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 115.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 14.7 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,718 ft1,088 ft
Total Climb
1,567 ft
Total Descent
4,827 ft
Highest Point
4,718 ft
~33 mi in
Elevation Range
3,631 ft
Notable High Points
4,718 ft at ~33 miles+553 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
Sedona is a town in Arizona, United States of America, 120 miles north of Phoenix. Known for its beauty and serene setting amidst the beautiful Red Rocks, the town is famous for its vibrant arts community with nearly 100 art galleries and events including the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Arts Festival and the Sedona Jazz Festival. It offers excellent outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, hiking and off-roading. Sedona is surprisingly sprawling, with Oak Creek to the south, West Sedona and Uptown Sedona each providing great views, hikes, dining and arts.
Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, the most populous city in the American Southwest. Warm and sunny winter weather have ensured a thriving tourism industry, and the city has become the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is extremely hot and dry in the summertime, so always have sunscreen with you! It had about 1,625,000 residents in 2021, and is the fifth largest city in the United States.
Top landmarks
•Arizona State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Arizona
•Phoenix Art Museum — art museum in Phoenix, Arizona
•St. Mary's Basilica — Roman Catholic church in Phoenix, Arizona
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 14m. Total distance: 115.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (31%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.9 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Phoenix, AZ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 14.7 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Phoenix, AZ before heading back.
