Origin
Sedona, AZ
Afternoon in Sedona on Sunday
Local time
4:40 PM
MST
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
2h 14m
Distance
115.6 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 5m
★
6 AM
2h 15m
8 AM
2h 34m
10 AM
2h 21m
12 PM
2h 19m
3 PM
2h 22m
5 PM
2h 33m
8 PM
2h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sedona, AZ
Mark Direen
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
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.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
57.8 miles from Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
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.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 42 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 52.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
Oak Creek Canyon
14.7 mi in
|
~26m
|
via AZ 179
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 298
Toward 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 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Use 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 144A
Toward 7th Avenue
Use 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 Facilities
Use 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 80 miles or 1h 31m 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 80 miles from Sedona, 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 52.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 57.8 mi from Sedona, AZ · 1h 9m 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 57.8 miles from Sedona, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Phoenix, AZ
The final approach into Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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
$23.01 one way
$46.01 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $24.29 | $48.59 |
| premium | $5.59 | $25.43 | $50.85 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $25.68 | $51.36 |
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, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.14 | $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.
Destination
Phoenix, AZ
Afternoon in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
4:40 PM
MST
Current temp
61°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 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
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 Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 115.6 miles and takes about 2h 14m 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 57.8 miles from Sedona, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.01 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 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.
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.
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
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