She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Looking for the closest airport to Sedona AZ? You’ve come to the right place.
If you are new to Arizona, you may be looking at the best options to arrive at Sedona, one of the top destinations in the Copper State, loved by adventure lovers, hikers, spiritual seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, solo travelers and romantic couples alike!
If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona, but unsure of the best airport near Sedona to fly into, I have got you covered.
Whether you are flying from out of Arizona or the USA, knowing the Sedona airport you fly to can help you factor in the rest of your itinerary.
From the closest airport Sedona has to the cheapest flying options to airports near Sedona, the best airlines, and practical tips, I share with you some useful details after having used a couple of options myself over the years, after moving to Arizona around 10 years ago.
There are tons of posts to help you explore Sedona, one of my favourite destinations in the Grand Canyon State.
You can have a look at some of them below. Bookmark them to revisit and plan a fantastic trip!
If you are visiting Sedona during a specific month in the winter, check these guides:
18 Fun Things To Do In Sedona In November(Besides Enjoying The Fall Colors!)
A Guide To Visiting Sedona In December – A Perfect Christmas Getaway
15 Best Things To Do In Sedona In January With Your Loved Ones This Holiday
OTHER RECOMMENDED POSTS ON SEDONA FOR YOU
Hiking the Doe Mountain Trail – A Total Guide
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Birthing Cave Sedona
What You Need To Know To Hike The Fay Canyon Trail
Why the Cathedral Rock Hike Must Be On Your Bucket List!
How To Hike The Keyhole Cave In Sedona
A Fun Day Trip To Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona
The Best Routes To Hike The Soldier’s Pass Cave In Sedona
A Complete Guide To Hiking The Baldwin Trail, Sedona
How To Easily Hike The Red Rock Crossing – A Fun Outdoor Adventure
8 Top Sedona Hot Springs To Unwind Amid
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO SEDONA AZ?
PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT(PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is the closest airport to Sedona AZ and among the most popular airports preferred by people planning a trip to Sedona.
It is not a surprise since Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and usually is the first stop for many overseas visitors.
Phoenix Sky Airport, a massive and beautiful airport, is also one of the busiest in the world, with over 35 million visitors each year.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is over 2 hours drive 120 miles from Sedona, one of my favourite drives on the interstate highway, transitioning rugged desert panoramas from Saguaro-filled low desert vegetation to mountains and grasslands.
No matter where you’re coming from, it’ll be easy to find a flight to Phoenix.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International accommodates many non-stop flights of the most popular airlines including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, British Airways, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, United, Envoy Air, and Delta Air Lines.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International has three terminals, with plenty of dining establishments and shopping opportunities for visitors open 24/7.
If you plan your trip in advance and book your flights early, you have a better chance of finding a non-stop flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor at a reasonable price.
You can also find many cheap domestic flight options.
FROM PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT TO SEDONA
You can choose between rental vehicles, shuttles, taxis and public transportation from the airport to Sedona.
Driving – Renting a car is the easiest option if you don’t have your own to get from Phoenix Airport to Sedona.
I like Discover Cars, and believe me, as a frequent traveler regularly renting cars from them, I recommend them for easy and quick online booking.
Thanks to their long list of car rental companies, you can easily compare the car types and prices before picking. They also sometimes offer pick up as well.
Check prices and book your car here at Discover Cars.
BEST STOPS TO MAKE ON THE WAY TO SEDONA FROM PHOENIX AIRPORT
On your drive from Phoenix Airport to Sedona, I highly recommend stopping at the below places:
Montezuma’s Castle National Monument
Castle National Monument is home to one of the most impressive and important archaeological sites in the States.
It is considered one of the largest and the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, the remains of an ancient settlement over 900 years old.
Located in Camp Verde town in the Verde Valley 25 miles south of Sedona, it was established in 1906 to preserve Indigenous American culture.
It comprises a 5-floor structure carved into a cliff 1,500 feet high above the ground in an alcove in the limestone cliffs bordering Beaver Creek, a tributary of the Verde River.
You can easily spend a few hours exploring this massive site, one of the best Arizona national monuments.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is one of Arizona’s national monuments that does not get the attention it should.
The park is open year-round and is known for the thousand-year-old ruins of a pueblo built by the Sinagua people, which housed over five hundred people across its 110 rooms.
Archaeologists believe the structure was built about 1000 AD and gives glimpses of the Sinagua peoples, including their culture that flourished in the Verde Valley nearly 1,000 years ago.
Unlike the other national monuments in Arizona, primarily cliff-dwelling sites belonging to the other Indigenous tribes, Tuzigoot National Monument is a hilltop dwelling site.
This rustic stone pueblo remains perched on a ridge overlooking Verde River.
Depending on when you visit, you can even add kayaking on the Verde River while visiting this fantastic national monument.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
One of the top attractions worth visiting near Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, also among the best places to watch a gorgeous Sedona sunset.
This Roman Catholic chapel was built from 1954 to 1956 in the red rock buttes of Sedona, Arizona, within the Coconino National Forest.
It is known for its brilliant architecture and engineering accomplishments in constructing the buttes, with windows framing buttes and rock outcroppings.
BOOKING A TOUR
If you want to combine driving to Sedona and checking out some attractions along the way, the best idea would be to book a tour online, where you can enjoy guided tours and the comfort of a car.
I highly recommend this option if you are traveling with young children and want to make the most of your time or visit Sedona or Phoenix for the first time.
Check this Small Group or Private Sedona and Native American Ruins Day Tour
Sedona with Jerome and Montezuma Castle One-Day Van Tour
Only have enough time to explore Sedona? Then I highly recommend this Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix, which has excellent reviews.
FLAGSTAFF PULLIAM AIRPORT(FLG)
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is only 25 miles north of Sedona and among the closest airports to Sedona you can arrive at.
The best part about flying to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the fantastic 40-minute drive between the airport and Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A, one of the beautiful scenic drives around Sedona.
Compared to Phoenix, Flagstaff is a smaller airport with a limited number of flights, though something that will make an impact if you are arriving from outside the United States.
For overseas visitors, the airfare will likely be more expensive, even if you book in advance.
But if you do not mind the extra cost, Flagstaff Pulliam may be the closest airport to Sedona AZ, for you, especially if you plan to explore Flagstaff and around in the north, including the Grand Canyon National Park.
Some of the airlines that operate out of Flagstaff Pulliam are United Express and American Airlines through Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX, Denver International (DEN) and Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW).
If you plan to arrive at or include Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas Fort Worth cities, flying into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the most convenient option.
FROM FLAGSTAFF PULLIAM AIRPORT TO SEDONA
You can choose between rental vehicles, shuttles, taxis and public transportation from the airport to Sedona.
Driving – Renting a car is the easiest option if you don’t have your own to get from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport to Sedona.
It takes around 40 to 50 minutes via AZ-89A S/N State Rte 89A to reach Sedona.
I like Discover Cars, and believe me, as a frequent traveler regularly renting cars from them, I recommend them for easy and quick online booking.
Thanks to their long list of car rental companies, you can easily compare the car types and prices before picking. They also sometimes offer pick up as well.
Check prices and book your car here at Discover Cars.
BOOKING A TOUR
If you want to combine driving to Sedona and checking out some attractions along the way, the best idea would be to book a tour online, where you can enjoy guided tours and the comfort of a car.
I highly recommend this option if you are traveling with young children and want to make the most of your time or visit Sedona or Flagstaff for the first time.
Check this Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff, one of the most popular day trips with many fascinating reviews.
Want to check the Grand Canyon off your bucket list? Then check this Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff, with hundreds of five star reviews. If you prefer small group tours, you’ll love this Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff.
How about also watching a fabulous sunset in this iconic landmark? Check this Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Flagstaff.
PLACES TO VISIT ON THE WAY TO SEDONA FROM FLAGSTAFF AIRPORT
SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK
No list of Sedona swimming holes is complete without mentioning the crown jewel of Sedona swimming holes – Slide Rock.
Slide Rock, located in Slide Rock State Park, is one of the best swimming holes in Arizona for a quick, relaxing getaway you can add as a side trip.
It is only about 15 minutes away from Sedona, just six miles north of Oak Creek Canyon and is named for its waterslide-like rock formations that surround Oak Creek’s calm waters.
This stretches for about 80 feet and comprises many cascades of various sizes and shapes, ideal for sliding, as the name suggests.
Due to the deposition of algae on the rocks, Slide Rock forms a nature waterslide, allowing fun for adults and kids.
Since there are many swimming pools with different depths, it is the best option if you travel with kids or prefer to wade in shallow waters.
You can also enjoy swimming at the many holes along Oak Creek surrounding Slide Rock for about half a mile.
To reach Slide Rock, you have to do the easy walk for about 0.3 miles from the trail.
West Fork Oak Creek Trail
If you are looking for a beautiful creek near Sedona, head on the West Fork Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, an easy trail ideal for beginners and people with kids.
This trail, mainly on an easy, shaded path, leads you to the pretty Oak Creek.
Plus, you will cross its water every half mile or less, making it constantly refreshing and cool.
Depending on how far you want, you can continue along the river or camp for the day, enjoy a picnic, swim and float in the creek.
LAS VEGAS McCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), also known as Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport, is an excellent option for international travelers or individuals looking to check Las Vegas off their bucket list in addition to Sedona, Arizona.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is the closest airport to Sedona AZ for those arriving from Nevada.
It is the fifth busiest airport in North America and the tenth busiest in the world and offers nonstop flights from around the world covered by 30+ airlines.
Some of the airlines that operate out of Las Vegas McCarran International Airport include American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Air Canada, KLM, Virgin, Spirit, Air France, and British Airways.
It also means you can easily find many cheaper flights traveling within the United States to reach Sedona by air.
FROM LAS VEGAS AIRPORT TO SEDONA
Driving – Renting a car is the easiest option to get from Las Vegas Airport to Sedona.
It takes about 5 hours to drive from Las Vegas Airport to Sedona, approximately 300 miles away.
I like Discover Cars, and believe me, as a frequent traveler regularly renting cars from them, I recommend them for easy and quick online booking.
Thanks to their long list of car rental companies, you can easily compare the car types and prices before picking. They also sometimes offer pick up as well.
Check prices and book your car here at Discover Cars.
PLACES TO VISIT ON THE WAY FROM LAS VEGAS AIRPORT TO SEDONA
WILLIAMS
Located near Flagstaff and the famous Grand Canyon National Park on Route 66, Williams is one of the best small towns in Arizona.
Williams is also the town nearest to the main entrance of Grand Canyon National Park located about 50 miles due north.
It is a popular AZ small town loved by families and explorers that base here to explore the national park and the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, thanks to plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.
The town centre, with its diners, motels, and shops, is a designated National Historic District.
The town is also home to the Grand Canyon Historic Railway and Hotel.
Stop by the Williams Depot to see a steam train. Walk the historic district with landmark buildings, including the famous Pete’s Gas Station Museum and the Route 66 Cafe.
LAKE MEAD
Lake Mead National Recreation Area along the Colorado River is the first and largest national recreation area in the United States.
Lake Mead is located only 4.5 hours away and is among the best weekend trips from Phoenix.
Spanning 1.5 million acres of mountains, red rocks, valleys and canyons, Lake Mead National Recreation Area includes two impressive lakes – Lake Mead and Lake Mohave and nine wilderness areas.
There are over 750 miles of vibrant turquoise shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, enjoying boat activities, or relaxing with your favourite book and drinks on the many sandy beaches.
Among the popular activities in Lake Mead is renting a houseboat, scuba diving, fishing and water adventure like kayaking, swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and water skiing.
There are four marinas and several hotels and resorts located around Lake Mead.
SEDONA AIRPORT
Sedona Airport (KSEZ), located on top of a Tabletop Mesa five hundred feet above Sedona and just 2 miles west of Sedona, seems to be the closest airport to Sedona AZ, right?
But unfortunately, it is not as there are no commercial airlines offering flights in and out of Sedona.
Sedona Airport only allows private planes to fly into the airport, making it too expensive for most people!
I highly recommend visiting Sedona Airport for a few reasons – it is a vortex area, you can dine at the famous restaurant at the top called Mesa Grill Sedona and it is among the top places to admire the beautiful colors of Sedona sunset.
You can drive up the mesa, and also hike the desert trails surrounding the airport soaking in the splendid views of the red rock formations.
PRESCOTT REGIONAL AIRPORT(PRC)
Prescott Regional Airport, Ernest A. Love Field is a public-use airport 8 miles north of Prescott, in Yavapai County.
If you can add a drive from Prescott to Sedona to your itinerary, you can consider it as the closest airport to Sedona AZ, especially if you are flying locally from Los Angeles, Denver, Moab, Page or Kingman.
Great Lake Airlines offers connections to Prescott from Los Angeles, Denver, Moab, Page or Kingman.
FROM PRESCOTT AIRPORT TO SEDONA
Sedona is around 55 miles from Prescott airport. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Prescott to Sedona.
I like Discover Cars, and believe me, as a frequent traveler regularly renting cars from them, I recommend them for easy and quick online booking.
Check prices and book your car here at Discover Cars.
SO WHICH IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO SEDONA AZ?
As you can see, the closest airport to Sedona AZ is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, about 26 miles away and a 45-minute drive.
I recommend flying to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport if you are in Arizona already(cheaper local flights), and if you plan to use public transportation(instead of renting a car).
Or if you plan to explore the areas around Flagstaff and Sedona via many comfortable tours(which is highly recommended if you are in a large group or traveling with young kids), I suggest flying to Flagstaff.
If you are looking for fewer connections and more affordable flight options, especially if you are flying from outside the United States, the closest international airport to Sedona AZ is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
