Trip from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
1h 54m
Distance
116.8 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Quick day tripTrip Overview
The drive from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 116.8 miles and takes about 1h 54m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on State Route 89A, Prescott–Flagstaff Highway, Red Rock Scenic Byway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $22.77 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
58.4 miles from Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day.
Drive Character
Expect a 1h 54m drive with frequent turns across 116.8 miles of local and secondary roads.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Route 89A | 0 mi | 0m |
| Prescott–Flagstaff Highway | 0 mi | 0m |
| Red Rock Scenic Byway | 0 mi | 0m |
| SR 179 | 0 mi | 0m |
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 0 mi | 0m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 0 mi | 0m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 0 mi | 0m |
| North Black Canyon Highway | 0 mi | 0m |
Step-by-Step Directions
Start on North State Route 89A
Exit the roundabout onto North State Route 89A
Continue on Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Red Rock Scenic Byway
Exit the roundabout onto Red Rock Scenic Byway
Take the exit right toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
Merge slight left onto Arizona Veterans Highway
Continue on Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Continue on Black Canyon Freeway
Continue on North Black Canyon Highway
Continue on Black Canyon Freeway
Take the exit slight right toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Keep slight left to continue on I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Merge slight left onto Papago Freeway
Take the exit slight right toward 7th Avenue
Keep slight right to continue on 7th Avenue South, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Downtown Cultural/Sport Facilities
Turn straight onto North 7th Avenue
Turn left onto West Roosevelt Street
Turn right onto North 1st Avenue
Keep slight right to continue on North 1st Avenue
Turn left onto West Adams Street
Turn right onto North 1st Street
Turn right onto East Washington Street
Arrive at your destination
When to Leave
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.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Drive Plan
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.4 miles
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Last hour of driving
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.
Trip Strategy
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sedona, AZ
This is one driving day of about 116.8 miles and 1h 54m.
Best Stop Towns on This Route
These towns line up with the pace of this drive and give you clearer places to stop with a purpose.
Late stop 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.
Travel Advice
Arrival Notes
Seasonal Notes
Stops Along the Way
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.4 mi from Sedona, AZ
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 58.4 miles from Sedona, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions for the drive, so the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| regular | $4.95 | $22.77 | $45.53 |
| midgrade | $5.34 | $24.55 | $49.09 |
| premium | $5.57 | $25.59 | $51.19 |
| diesel | $6.37 | $29.27 | $58.55 |
Based on 25.4 MPG average. Estimated CO2 emission: 40.9 kg one way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Route Ideas
Reverse Route
Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZUseful if you are planning the return drive and want the same trip in reverse.
Explore more options from Sedona, AZ or browse trips ending in Phoenix, AZ .
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips .
Going the other way? Trip from Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ
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