Origin
West Sedona, AZ
Afternoon in West Sedona on Sunday
Local time
4:49 PM
MST
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
2h 19m
Distance
118 mi
190 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 10m
★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 39m
10 AM
2h 27m
12 PM
2h 25m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 38m
8 PM
2h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
West Sedona, AZ
Mark Direen
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
Traveling from West Sedona to Phoenix covers 119.1 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as the distance is manageable without the need for an overnight stay. You will traverse the heart of the Desert Southwest using a combination of State Route 89A, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and the Prescott–Flagstaff Highway. Budgeting roughly $23 for fuel should cover your needs for the journey. Because this path avoids major interstates, it offers a more localized travel experience compared to standard highway transit. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a direct route that keeps you off the busy freeway corridors.
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
59 miles from West Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that prioritizes winding roads over high-speed interstate cruising. With 0% of this route classified as highway, you will spend the entire 119.1-mile journey navigating through local corridors. There are no long, uninterrupted stretches on State Route 89A, meaning you should be prepared for constant steering adjustments rather than setting cruise control. The road's personality is defined by its technical nature, which demands your full attention behind the wheel. You will find that the rhythm of the drive remains consistent, reflecting the winding topography of the region as you move toward your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 44 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 17.1 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 25 significant decision points across 118 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 17.1 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
17.1 mi into trip
|
~31m 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
114.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m 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
114.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m 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
116.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m 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
116.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m 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
Between West Sedona, AZ and Phoenix, AZ, road signs point toward Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Oak Creek Canyon
17.1 mi in
|
~31m
|
via AZ 179
Sedona
17.1 mi in
|
~31m
|
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 | 14.3 mi | 25m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 5.8 mi | 5m |
| North Black Canyon Highway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| State Route 89A | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| North 1st Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Papago Freeway | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 52.9 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Sedona, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on Andante Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Andante Drive
2
Turn left onto AZ 89A
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
State Route 89A
3
Continue on AZ 89A
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89A
89 ft
·
1 sec
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
5
Continue on AZ 89A
323 ft
·
4 sec
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
6
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
11 ft
·
0 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
7
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
69 ft
·
0 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
9
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
10
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
11
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
12
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
107 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
13
Continue on AZ 179
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
14
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
80 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
15
Continue on AZ 179
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
16
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
112 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
17
Continue on AZ 179
2.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
18
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
81 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
19
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
20
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
21
Continue on AZ 179
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
22
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
100 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
23
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
24
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
108 ft
·
1 sec
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
25
Continue on AZ 179
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Red Rock Scenic Byway
26
Take the exit onto AZ 179
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
AZ 179
Exit 298
Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
27
Merge onto I 17
53 mi
·
52 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
28
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
31
Continue on I 17
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
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.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Use the slight left lane.
34
Merge onto I 10
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
Papago Freeway
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 144A
Toward 7th Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
36
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.
37
Turn straight onto North 7th Avenue
445 ft
·
16 sec
·
North 7th Avenue
38
Turn left onto West Roosevelt Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Roosevelt Street
39
Turn right onto North 1st Avenue
29 ft
·
0 sec
·
North 1st Avenue
40
Keep slight right at fork onto North 1st Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North 1st Avenue
41
Turn left onto West Adams Street
0.1 mi
·
40 sec
·
West Adams Street
42
Turn right onto North 1st Street
408 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 1st Street
43
Turn right onto East Washington Street
453 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Washington Street
44
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 2-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Aim to hit the road when you are fresh, as the turn-heavy nature of the route requires active engagement throughout the entire 119.1 miles. While the trip is short enough to drive in one go, planning for short breaks is smart given the technical demands of the local roads. Keep your $23 fuel budget handy, but ensure you fill up before leaving West Sedona, as the lack of highway stretches means service availability may vary compared to major interstates. One helpful tip is to check your tire pressure before departing, as the winding, turn-heavy sections of State Route 89A will put your vehicle's handling to the test more than a typical straight-line drive.
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 59 miles from West Sedona, AZ, or about 1h 13m 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59 miles or 1h 13m 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 52m
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 West 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 West Sedona, AZ
This is one driving day of about 118 miles and 2h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from West 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 59 mi from West Sedona, AZ · 1h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
59 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 59 miles from West 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
$23.48 one way
$46.97 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $24.80 | $49.60 |
| premium | $5.59 | $25.96 | $51.91 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.22 | $52.43 |
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: 41.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.4 | 0 | $12.39 | $5.66 |
| Efficient EV | 29.5 | 0 | $10.33 | $4.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.2 | 0 | $16.52 | $7.55 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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
4:49 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
15 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 19m 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 West Sedona, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 118 miles and takes about 2h 19m 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 59 miles from West Sedona, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.48 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 25 significant decision points across 118 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 17.1 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between West Sedona, AZ and Phoenix, AZ, road signs point toward Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
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