Origin
Sedona, AZ
Afternoon in Sedona on Thursday
Local time
2:30 PM
MST
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sedona, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 20m
Distance
121.9 mi
196 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 11m
★
6 AM
2h 21m
8 AM
2h 40m
10 AM
2h 28m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 39m
8 PM
2h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sedona, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Scottsdale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 121.9-mile drive from Sedona to Scottsdale, Arizona, is easily manageable as a day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. You'll be spending about 35% of your time on major highways, primarily the Arizona Veterans Highway, Pima Freeway, and Black Canyon Freeway. Expect a fuel cost of around $24 for this journey. Traveling within the Desert Southwest region, this route offers a straightforward transition between two popular Arizona destinations. It's a convenient option if you're looking for a relatively quick and uncomplicated transfer between these distinct desert landscapes.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
60.9 miles from Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 121.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
The drive presents a mixed profile, with a significant portion on well-maintained highways. You'll experience stretches of faster driving, including a continuous 52.9-mile segment on the Arizona Veterans Highway. While not a purely scenic byway, the route does offer glimpses of the desert Southwest environment. Approximately 35% of the journey is on highway, suggesting a balance between open road cruising and potentially more varied driving as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 36 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 0.3 miles in near AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 121.9 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 0.3 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 14.7 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
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
97.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
7
98 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward AZ 101 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward AZ 101 Loop East
7
120.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward Chaparral Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward Chaparral Road
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 Scottsdale, 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 |
| Pima Freeway | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 20.7 mi | 22m |
| Red Rock Scenic Byway | 14.4 mi | 25m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 5.8 mi | 5m |
| North Black Canyon Highway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| East Chaparral Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Prescott–Flagstaff Highway | 0.2 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 Scottsdale, 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
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
Use the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward AZ 101 Loop East
Use the slight left lane.
32
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Pima Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 46
Toward Chaparral Road
Use the slight right lane.
34
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Chaparral Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
35
Turn left
64 ft
·
4 sec
36
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 2-hour 20-minute duration, this trip is perfect for a single day. You can depart Sedona at your leisure, perhaps after a morning coffee, and still arrive in Scottsdale with ample daylight. With no specific stops recommended, your flexibility is key; feel free to pause for a restroom break or a quick stretch whenever needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading out on the longest 52.9-mile stretch on Arizona Veterans Highway, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey to Scottsdale.
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 60.9 miles from Sedona, AZ, or about 1h 12m 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 27 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.9 miles or 1h 12m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsdale, 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 121.9 miles and 2h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.9 mi from Sedona, AZ · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.9 miles from Sedona, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Scottsdale, AZ
The final approach into Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, 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
$24.28 one way
$48.57 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $25.70 | $51.40 |
| premium | $5.59 | $26.83 | $53.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.91 | $53.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.6 | 0 | $12.80 | $5.85 |
| Efficient EV | 30.5 | 0 | $10.67 | $4.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.07 | $7.80 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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
Scottsdale, AZ
Afternoon in Scottsdale on Thursday
Local time
2:30 PM
MST
Current temp
92°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
42 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 20m 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 Scottsdale, AZ covers 121.9 miles and takes about 2h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Pima Freeway, Black Canyon Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.9 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 $24.28 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 18 significant decision points across 121.9 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 0.3 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 14.7 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
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