Directions To Sedona Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 11, 2026

Sedona, Arizona is located in north-central Arizona between Phoenix and Flagstaff, surrounded by the red rock landscapes of the Verde Valley and Coconino National Forest. Most visitors arrive by car using State Route 179 from Interstate 17, State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff, or State Route 89A through Cottonwood from the southwest. The best route depends on your starting point, traffic, weather and current road conditions.

• Getting To Sedona
• From Phoenix
• From Flagstaff
• From Las Vegas
• Closest Airports
• Choosing A Route
• Road Conditions
• Sedona Map
• FAQ

Getting To Sedona Arizona

Sedona does not sit directly on an interstate highway. The community is reached primarily by State Route 179 from Interstate 17, State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff, or State Route 89A from Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.

Travel times can vary considerably during weekends, holidays, special events, construction and periods of heavy visitor traffic. Weather, wildfire activity and temporary highway restrictions can also affect the mountain routes into Sedona.

Directions From Phoenix To Sedona

Sedona is approximately 113 miles north of Phoenix, with a typical driving time of about two hours when traffic and road conditions are favorable. Take Interstate 17 north from the Phoenix area to Exit 298, then follow State Route 179 north through the Village of Oak Creek into Sedona.

Travelers headed primarily to West Sedona may also consider leaving Interstate 17 at Exit 287, following State Route 260 west through Camp Verde and Cottonwood, and then taking State Route 89A northeast into Sedona. This route can be useful when traffic on State Route 179 is heavy.

Directions From Flagstaff To Sedona

State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the classic scenic route from Flagstaff to Sedona. The drive is approximately 28 miles and descends from the ponderosa pine forests around Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon before reaching Uptown Sedona.

The route is narrow and winding in places, so allow extra time and check current highway conditions before leaving Flagstaff. The Oak Creek Vista overlook near the top of the canyon is a popular scenic stop when open and accessible.

If State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is closed or restricted, the usual alternate route is Interstate 17 south to State Route 179, then north into Sedona.

Directions From Las Vegas To Sedona

Sedona is approximately 278 miles from Las Vegas, with a typical driving time of about five hours before stops and traffic delays. Travel southeast from Las Vegas on US 93 toward Kingman, Arizona, then follow Interstate 40 east toward Flagstaff.

From the Flagstaff area, travelers can continue to Sedona on State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon when the highway is open and conditions are favorable. An alternate route is to take Interstate 17 south to State Route 179 and approach Sedona from the south.

Closest Airports To Sedona

Visitors flying to northern Arizona generally use Flagstaff Pulliam Airport or one of the major Phoenix-area airports before continuing to Sedona by rental car, shuttle or private transportation.

• Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: Approximately 26 miles north of Sedona and about a 45-minute drive under normal conditions.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Approximately a two-hour drive south of Sedona and the area's primary major commercial airport.
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Approximately two and one-half hours from Sedona under normal driving conditions.
• Sedona Airport: Located in Sedona and primarily serves general aviation, charter flights and scenic air tours rather than scheduled major-airline service.

Choosing The Best Route To Sedona

• From Phoenix: Interstate 17 to State Route 179 is generally the most direct approach.
• To West Sedona: Interstate 17 to State Route 260 through Cottonwood and then State Route 89A can be a useful alternative.
• From Flagstaff: State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the most scenic route when road conditions permit.
• During an Oak Creek Canyon closure: Use Interstate 17 and State Route 179 as the primary alternate route between Flagstaff and Sedona.
• During busy periods: Allow extra travel time for congestion on State Route 179 and State Route 89A.

Check Current Road Conditions Before Driving To Sedona

Road conditions around Sedona can change because of construction, winter weather, wildfire activity, rockfall, traffic incidents and seasonal congestion. Check current Arizona highway information shortly before traveling, especially when using State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.

• AZ 511 Current Arizona Highway Conditions
• Arizona Department of Transportation

Sedona Arizona Driving Map

Sedona Transportation Resources

• Phoenix To Sedona Directions
• Flagstaff To Sedona Directions
• Prescott To Sedona Directions
• Distances From Sedona
• Sedona Shuttles & Transportation
• Sedona Arizona Map
• Arizona State Map

Directions To Sedona Arizona FAQ

How far is Sedona from Phoenix?

Sedona is approximately 113 miles north of Phoenix. The drive typically takes about two hours when traffic and road conditions are favorable.

What is the main route from Phoenix to Sedona?

The most common route is Interstate 17 north to Exit 298, followed by State Route 179 north through the Village of Oak Creek into Sedona.

How far is Sedona from Flagstaff?

Sedona is approximately 28 miles from Flagstaff by the scenic State Route 89A route through Oak Creek Canyon.

What is the most scenic route from Flagstaff to Sedona?

State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the classic scenic route between Flagstaff and Sedona, with forest, canyon and red rock scenery along the drive.

What route should I use if State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is closed?

When State Route 89A is closed between Flagstaff and Sedona, the primary alternate route is Interstate 17 and State Route 179.

How far is Sedona from Las Vegas?

Sedona is approximately 278 miles from Las Vegas, with a typical driving time of about five hours before stops and traffic delays.

What is the closest commercial airport to Sedona?

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest commercial airport and is approximately 26 miles north of Sedona. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the nearest major international airport.

Does Sedona have an airport?

Yes. Sedona Airport is located in Sedona, but it primarily serves general aviation, charter flights and scenic air tours rather than major scheduled airline service.

What roads lead into Sedona?

The primary highways serving Sedona are State Route 89A and State Route 179. State Route 179 connects Sedona with Interstate 17, while State Route 89A connects Sedona with Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon and with Cottonwood to the southwest.

Should I check road conditions before driving to Sedona?

Yes. Weather, wildfire activity, construction, traffic incidents and seasonal congestion can affect roads around Sedona, particularly State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. Check AZ 511 before traveling.

---

See All Sedona Has To Offer