Posted on 9/29/2026

Airports Near Sedona & Other Ways to Arrive

Choosing the correct Sedona Airport can be tricky. Since Sedona doesn't have its own commercial airport, getting here is part of the trip planning.

The red rocks are tucked into a valley a couple of hours from the nearest major hub, which means the airport you choose can shift your travel time by hours in either direction, and the fare by a fair amount too.

The good news is that once you've picked a way in, the rest is easy to plan around. Browse our Sedona property rentals and book a home base to help you relax and unwind after a long travel day. Many properties include parking to make travel easy for guests renting a car to make the drive from the airport.

Here's a rundown of which airport to use when flying to Sedona, Arizona, plus some travel tips for reaching Sedona by car from nearby cities.


Best Airports to Fly Into for Sedona

Road leading toward Sedona red rocks

Photo Credit: digidreamgrafix

There's no single right airport for traveling to Sedona AZ. It really comes down to whether you'd rather have more flight options, less driving after you land, or the most cost-effective travel method; no single airport wins on all three.

If you're short on time, Flagstaff gets you here fastest, but it has limited flight options. If you want the most flight options and better airfare prices, Phoenix Sky Harbor is worth the extra drive.

For luxury travelers flying private, Sedona's own airport is hard to beat, and you'll witness firsthand why it's considered the most scenic airport in the Southwest.

Let's take a closer look at the airport options available to you.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Photo Credit: Markus Mainka

Most people traveling to Sedona fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor. It's one of the busiest airports in the country, which means more nonstop routes and generally lower fares than the smaller regional options. It even has international direct routes from Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

The downside to flying into PHX to visit Sedona is the distance. Add at least two additional hours to your travel time after landing before you'll reach your Sedona vacation rental.

The good news is that travelers get to enjoy beautiful desert scenery while ascending to the high desert. Red rocks start to appear on the horizon in the last 20 minutes.

Plus, every major car rental company operates out of Sky Harbor, so this is also the easiest airport to reserve a car to pick up when you land.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)

Photo Credit: Framalicious

If minimizing the post-flight drive is your priority, the Flagstaff airport is the better call. It's a small airport with limited commercial service, so expect fewer nonstop options and typically higher fares than Phoenix airport.

American Airlines is the only commercial airline with flights to Flagstaff, and it runs air services to just three regional routes: Phoenix (PHX), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Los Angeles (LAX).

If you're flying into Flagstaff to reach Sedona, you can look forward to a 45-minute scenic drive down through Oak Creek Canyon. It's also a good pick if you're combining Sedona with a Grand Canyon tour, since Flagstaff sits roughly between the two.

Sedona Airport (KSEZ)

Photo Credit: Rosemarie Mosteller

  • Location: Sedona Airport
  • Distance from Sedona: 2 miles
  • Drive time: Under 10 minutes
  • Best for: Private and charter flights

Did you know that Sedona has its own airport? It's perched on a mesa above town, but it's a non-commercial facility with only one small runway. It serves as a fixed base operator (FBO) for private charter aviation of smaller aircraft and helicopters.

The only way to fly into Sedona Airport is if you pilot or charter your own small aircraft. Travelers lucky enough to fly private aviation flights into Sedona Airport can land and be in Sedona in less than 10 minutes, making it the best time-saving choice.

Even if you don't have the luxury of chartering a private jet to Sedona, this airport is worth a visit nonetheless. The Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is one of the best photo spots for its panoramic views of the town, famous red rock landmarks, and the surrounding mountains. The overlook is also known for the healing powers of the Airport Mesa Vortex.

Helicopter tours run out of Sedona Airport, so you might find yourself visiting if you opt to see the red rocks from the sky.

Another opportunity to visit is during the Wings and Wheels event every October, which features a fly-in and safety seminars. We recommend going in the morning for fewer crowds or in the evening for one of the most beautiful sunsets.

Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)

Photo Credit: Charles-McClintock Wilson

Mesa Gateway is located further out than Sky Harbor, but it's worth considering if you're looking for a budget carrier like Allegiant or Sun Country.

The extra half hour is the trade-off for getting a cheap flight to visit Sedona. It's a great option for family and group travelers who can split the cost of a rental car and driving.

Allegiant Air is the main operator here. It runs direct flights to more than 45 cities all over the country.

Alternative Option to Flying to Sedona

If you're already road-tripping through the Southwest, or you'd rather skip air travel altogether, here's roughly how far Sedona is from a few major regional cities located close enough to drive from:

  • Flagstaff, AZ: 32 miles, less than 1 hour
  • Phoenix, AZ: 115 miles, about 2 hours
  • Tucson, AZ: 230 miles, about 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Las Vegas, NV: 250 miles, about 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Albuquerque, NM: 355 miles, about 5 hours 30 minutes

If you're driving from these nearby cities, plan to arrive with enough daylight left to settle in, since the last stretch of highway into Sedona is at its best in late afternoon light and can be tricky to navigate in the dark for first-time visitors.

Getting Around Once You Arrive

Renting a car to explore Sedona

Photo Credit: Nigel Jarvis

Renting a car is worth it no matter which Sedona airport you fly into. In addition to getting you to and from the airport, it will also be useful during your vacation since a lot of the best hiking trails, lookouts, and other local attractions, businesses, and events are spread out.

Before reserving a vehicle, note that some trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or a high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead parking, so it's worth checking ahead if a specific hike is high on your list.

For our guests who would rather not drive themselves to Sedona from Phoenix or Flagstaff airports, Groome Transportation runs shuttle service to both. Reservations are required at least 24 hours before traveling.

Ready for Your Sedona Trip?

Now that you know the best Sedona airports, it's time to start checking flights to see which offers the best deal. Just remember to factor in the ground transportation costs to and from Sedona and additional travel time if flying into one of the nearby airports.

When you finally arrive, your luxury Sedona vacation rental will be ready to help you shake off the travel day and begin your red rocks adventure.

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