Can you Fly into Sedona? Best Airports into Sedona

Sedona is one of the most visually stunning destinations in the United States, known for its red rock landscapes, luxury resorts, hiking trails, and spiritual retreats. One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a trip is how to get there. While Sedona feels remote and tucked into the red rocks, it is surprisingly accessible once you know which airport to choose.

Although Sedona does have an airport, most travelers will not fly directly into town. Instead, visitors typically arrive through one of several nearby commercial airports and then drive the remaining distance. Each option comes with different costs, drive times, and travel considerations, so choosing the right airport can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Can you fly into Sedona

Sedona Airport (SEZ)

Sedona Airport is often described as the most scenic airport in America, and it’s easy to see why. Perched atop a mesa, the airport offers sweeping 360-degree views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations. Simply landing here feels like part of the experience.

What You Need to Know

  • No commercial airline service
  • Used for private planes, charter flights, and helicopter tours
  • Elevation: approximately 4,830 feet

Sedona Airport is not an option for most travelers flying commercially, but it’s worth mentioning because of its unique appeal. Many visitors stop here even if they don’t fly in, simply to visit the Airport Mesa viewpoint or enjoy a meal at the airport restaurant with one of the best views in town.

Who Should Fly into Sedona Airport?

  • Private jet travelers
  • Charter flight passengers
  • Visitors seeking luxury or time-saving travel options
  • Those combining aviation tours with sightseeing

If budget is not a concern and convenience is key, flying directly into Sedona Airport offers the fastest possible arrival—you’re minutes from hotels, trails, and downtown Sedona.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor is the most popular choice when flying into Sedona. This airport is the largest and busiest airport in Arizona. It is connected to almost every airline and offers the most affordable flights.  Once you arrive, you will need to rent a car or take a shuttle.  The airport is 119 miles from Sedona which is a 2-hour drive.  The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is scenic with views of the desert southwest.

Many visitors will fly directly into Phoenix Sky Harbor and then take another flight to Flagstaff.  This option may be convenient for some people, but the price of airfare is expensive. Layover times may exceed the drive time.

For most visitors, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the best and most practical airport for flying into Sedona.

Why PHX Is the Most Popular Choice

Phoenix Sky Harbor is:

  • The largest airport in Arizona
  • Served by nearly every major airline
  • Home to frequent, affordable flights from across the U.S. and internationally

This airport consistently offers the lowest airfare, the most flight options, and the most flexible schedules.

Distance & Drive Time

  • Distance to Sedona: 119 miles
  • Drive time: Approximately 2 hours

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is part of the adventure. As you leave the city, the landscape gradually transitions from desert lowlands to red rock canyons and pine forests. Many travelers consider this drive one of the most scenic road trips in Arizona.

Transportation Options from PHX

  • Rental car (most popular)
  • Shuttle services
  • Private car services

Renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore hiking trails, scenic overlooks, or nearby towns like Jerome or Cottonwood.

Flying PHX → Flagstaff?

Some travelers consider flying into Phoenix and then booking a connecting flight to Flagstaff. While this may sound convenient, it often:

  • Costs significantly more
  • Includes long layovers
  • Takes longer than simply driving

For most visitors, driving from Phoenix to Sedona is faster, cheaper, and more enjoyable.

Best For:

  • First-time Sedona visitors
  • Budget-conscious travelers
  • Families
  • Travelers who want flexibility and sightseeing options

Find the Phoenix Sky Harbor Rental Car Center.

Mesa Gateway Airport

Mesa Gateway Airport is another option for travelers willing to trade a longer drive for potentially lower airfare. Located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mesa Gateway is about 150 miles from Sedona. The drive typically takes closer to three hours, depending on traffic and route.

This airport is served by a smaller number of airlines, including Allegiant, Sun Country, and WestJet. Travelers from the Midwest in particular may find better deals here than at Phoenix Sky Harbor. Mesa Gateway is also less crowded and easier to navigate, which can make the arrival experience more relaxed.

The downside is that flight options are limited, and schedules are less flexible. Still, for budget-conscious travelers who do not mind a longer drive, Mesa Gateway can be a solid alternative.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest commercial airport to Sedona, located just 25 miles away. On paper, this makes it an appealing option, especially for travelers who want to minimize driving time. The trip from Flagstaff to Sedona usually takes around 45 minutes.

Flights into Flagstaff typically connect through major hubs such as Phoenix, Denver, or Dallas. While the convenience of proximity is appealing, airfare into Flagstaff is often much higher than flying into Phoenix. In addition, Flagstaff sits at a much higher elevation, and winter weather can impact flights and road conditions. Snowstorms occasionally lead to delays or temporary closures, which is an important consideration for winter travel.

For travelers who prioritize being close to Sedona and are willing to pay more for airfare, Flagstaff can be a good choice, particularly outside of the winter months.

Prescott Regional Airport

Prescott Regional Airport offers another regional option for reaching Sedona. Located about 60 miles away, the drive from Prescott to Sedona typically takes around an hour and a half. The route is scenic and less congested than the drive from Phoenix, passing through forested areas and small towns.

Prescott is served by limited regional flights through United Express, with connections to cities such as Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Because flights are limited, prices can vary widely. Travelers who book early may find reasonable fares, while last-minute tickets can be expensive.

This airport is best suited for travelers coming from United hub cities who prefer a smaller, quieter airport experience.

Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport

Some travelers choose to fly into Las Vegas and drive to Sedona, particularly international visitors or those planning a longer Southwest road trip. Las Vegas offers extensive international connections and often has competitive airfare, especially for long-haul flights.

The drive from Las Vegas to Sedona takes approximately four and a half to five hours. While longer than driving from Phoenix, many visitors enjoy turning this route into part of the vacation, stopping at scenic viewpoints or visiting other destinations along the way.

Flying into Las Vegas makes the most sense for travelers who want to combine Sedona with a visit to Las Vegas or other parts of the Southwest.

Final Thoughts

Which airport should you fly into for Sedona? Here’s a summary.

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) – Most travelers choose this option because it is easy, and the airfare is low
  • Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG) – Closest to Sedona.
  • Sedona Airport (SEZ) – No commercial flights, perfect for charter or private jets
  • Prescott Regional (PRC) – Close to Sedona, only specific regional hubs
  • Mesa Gateway (AZA) – A good alternative to Sky Harbor, cheaper rates, longer drive to Sedona
  • Las Vegas McCarren (LAS) – For International travelers and those that want to visit Las Vegas as well.

Why fly when you can bring your RV for camping in Sedona.