Arizona is one of the largest of all American states. Many travelers find it offers diverse things to do and plenty to see. There are exquisite outdoor activities, fine dining, and some of the world’s most amazing sites. This includes the Grand Canyon and many renowned national parks. One Arizona town that continues to attract travelers from all over the world is Sedona. This part of Arizona has been home to people for many centuries. Today, it is both a place to live year-round and an ideal destination for the avid traveler. It’s home to several special places to eat and wonderful ways to spend time outdoors surrounded by beautifully colored rocks.

Getting to Sedona

People planning a trip to Sedona will find it easy to get here and even easier to get around. Many factors contribute to accessible transportation and getting to the area. Sedona is located near several communities. It’s also a spectacular road-trip driving destination from many U.S. cities across the Southwest. Regional airports, shuttles, and car rental options facilitate travel to Sedona from varied locations abroad such as Mexico, Europe, Asia, and South America. Careful advanced planning makes transportation and getting to vacation rentals in Sedona easier than ever for the intrepid traveler.

Regional Flights

There are several airports within the region that service Sedona. The city of Sedona has an airport, which makes it easy to get to your vacation rental and prepare to explore the area. The Sedona airport is ideal for people who are coming in small and private planes as it has a single runway. This is a good choice for those taking their own transport and avoiding the larger airlines. The airport also has a helipad. The convenience of the local airport is ideal for business and leisure travelers who wish to arrive and depart as quickly as possible. Several other airports in the area provide options for travelers to get here after a short drive. Cottonwood Municipal Airport is located nearby, which provides several transit and ride options to access Sedona.

Air Travel From Major Cities

While smaller airports can help travelers get to Sedona quickly, many opt to fly into larger airports that offer more flights each day and more connections. The slightly larger though still regional Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest commercial airport to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff has several connections with other airports, which makes it possible for people to easily plan travel. These connections include larger airports in the vicinity, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Both are a short flight from Flagstaff, and home to various connecting flights to northern Arizona. It’s a good idea to book seats well in advance as flights can fill up quickly during high seasons.

Getting to Sedona by Car

Travelers planning to reach Sedona by car should feel assured the city is well-served by many area highways. When traveling along I-40 from either the west or east, take I-17 in Flagstaff toward Phoenix. To reach Sedona, exit onto 89A just south of Flagstaff. The 30-minute scenic drive along 89A descends via a series of switchbacks. This provides breathtaking photo opportunities along the way.

From Phoenix, take I-17 north toward Flagstaff. Exit onto AZ-179, which will lead you through Oak Creek as it becomes the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Plan at least two hours to get to Sedona from the Phoenix metro area. Allow more time if traveling during rush hour. Travelers may choose to stop along the way to see places such as Castle National Monument. Whichever route you choose, the drive to Sedona is a scenic journey through some of the loveliest parts of America.

Transportation to Regional Sites

Travelers who want to enjoy the area can explore the uptown area easily on foot. There are plenty of sidewalks and it’s an easy stroll from one place to the next. Those who want to explore the rest of the city and stunning surrounding area are best served by renting a car or use of ride services. Renting a car adds flexibility and makes it easy to explore Sedona and all its magnificent sites. There are ample parking areas near Sedona sites, as well as in the popular uptown shopping area.

Exploring the area

A car is also a must for those who want to spend time exploring more of Sedona and beyond. Places like Cathedral Rock are very spread out and can take time to get to from some Sedona vacation rentals. A car allows you to plan your days with ease, knowing you can see what you’d like while in the Sedona area. Good transportation makes getting to and around Sedona more delightful.