Origin
Phoenix, AZ
Evening in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
7:06 PM
MST
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ
Drive Time
2h 15m
Distance
115.7 mi
186 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 6m
★
6 AM
2h 16m
8 AM
2h 35m
10 AM
2h 22m
12 PM
2h 20m
3 PM
2h 23m
5 PM
2h 34m
8 PM
2h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Sedona, AZ
Mark Direen
Trip Overview
Traveling from Phoenix to Sedona covers 115.7 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. You will start by navigating local streets like West Washington and West Adams before transitioning onto I-17 North to head toward the high desert. Because the total travel time is relatively short, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You should budget approximately $23 for fuel to complete the trip. While both cities are located within the Desert Southwest, the climb toward Sedona offers a distinct change in elevation. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a longer stay, this drive provides a straightforward connection between these two Arizona hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
57.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a shift in driving conditions as you move away from the urban center of Phoenix. The journey begins with a turn-heavy local drive through city streets, requiring your full attention before you merge onto the interstate. Unlike long-haul treks, this route features a 0% highway share according to our technical profile, emphasizing the winding, local nature of the path. You won't find long, monotonous stretches here, as the longest uninterrupted segment is 0 miles on West Washington Street. Be prepared for a dynamic experience behind the wheel that demands active navigation rather than passive highway cruising.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 50.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near West Washington Street.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 115.7 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (West Washington Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles (I 17; US 60 / Black Canyon Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
West Washington Street
Keep slight right at fork onto West Washington Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 17 North, US 60 West: Flagstaff
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17 North, US 60 West: Flagstaff
5
2.1 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 17; US 60 / Black Canyon Freeway
Merge onto I 17; US 60 / Black Canyon Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
100.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m 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
5
108.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
|
AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
Oak Creek Canyon
100.7 mi in
|
~1h 48m
|
via AZ 179
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 50.2 mi | 50m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 39.4 mi | 43m |
| Red Rock Scenic Byway | 14.5 mi | 25m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| West Washington Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| West Adams Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Prescott–Flagstaff Highway | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| AZ 179 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 50.2 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Phoenix, AZ and Sedona, AZ.
1
Start on West Washington Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Keep slight right at fork onto West Washington Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
West Washington Street
Use the right lane.
3
Continue on West Adams Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Adams Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 17 North, US 60 West: Flagstaff
5
Merge onto I 17; US 60
39 mi
·
43 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 17
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 17
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 17
37 mi
·
36 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
9
Take the exit onto AZ 179
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
AZ 179
Exit 298
Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
10
Turn left onto AZ 179
7.1 mi
·
10 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
11
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
111 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
12
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
13
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
14
Continue on AZ 179
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
15
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
105 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
16
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
17
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
103 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
18
Continue on AZ 179
3.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
19
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
93 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
20
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
21
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
68 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
22
Continue on AZ 179
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
23
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
73 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
24
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
25
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
104 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
26
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
27
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
135 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
28
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
29
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89A
17 ft
·
0 sec
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
30
Continue on AZ 89A
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
31
Turn right onto AZ 89A
329 ft
·
11 sec
·
North State Route 89A
32
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89A
207 ft
·
3 sec
·
North State Route 89A
33
Arrive at destination
AZ 89A
Trip Plan
Since your total time on the road is just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. You don't need to worry about splitting the trip into multiple days, as the distance is easily manageable in a single stint. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the local roads means you should stay alert during the initial phase of your departure from Phoenix. Factor the $23 fuel estimate into your overall budget to ensure you are prepared for the round trip. A helpful tip for this specific route is to familiarize yourself with the initial turns onto West Washington and West Adams before you leave, as navigating city traffic is the most complex part of your journey.
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 57.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.2 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 80 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.9 miles or 1h 5m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sedona, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ
This is one driving day of about 115.7 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Phoenix, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Arizona Veterans Highway for about 50.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 57.9 mi from Phoenix, AZ · 1h 5m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
58 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 57.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Sedona, AZ
The final approach into Sedona, AZ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Sedona, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.03 one way
$46.05 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $24.32 | $48.63 |
| premium | $5.59 | $25.45 | $50.90 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $25.70 | $51.41 |
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: 40.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.15 | $5.55 |
| Efficient EV | 28.9 | 0 | $10.12 | $4.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 46.3 | 0 | $16.20 | $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.
Destination
Sedona, AZ
Evening in Sedona on Sunday
Local time
7:06 PM
MST
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live 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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 15m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ covers 115.7 miles and takes about 2h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Black Canyon Freeway, Red Rock Scenic Byway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 57.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.03 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 115.7 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (West Washington Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.1 miles (I 17; US 60 / Black Canyon Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
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