You've seen the photos of Cathedral Rock. You've probably already mentally packed your hiking boots and picked out which "vortex" you want to sit on. But here is the thing: if you start searching for direct commercial flights to Sedona Arizona, you are going to be disappointed.
Sedona doesn't have a commercial airport.
Well, it has an airport. It’s called KSEZ, and it sits on a stunning mesa right in the middle of town. It’s basically a flat-top mountain. It is often called "America’s Most Scenic Airport," and honestly, it lives up to the hype. But unless you own a Cirrus SR-22 or you’re ready to shell out thousands for a private charter, you aren't landing there.
For the rest of us—the 99%—getting to Sedona involves a bit of a logistics puzzle. It’s not hard, but if you pick the wrong airport, you could end up stuck in a three-hour traffic jam on the I-17 or paying double for a rental car.
The Phoenix Play: Why Sky Harbor is the Default
Most people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It makes sense. It’s one of the busiest hubs in the world. You can get a direct flight there from almost anywhere in the US, and plenty of international spots too.
Sky Harbor is about 120 miles south of Sedona. On a good day? You’re looking at a two-hour drive. On a Friday afternoon when every local in Phoenix is also heading north to escape the heat? It’s more like three or four.
You’ve basically got three ways to handle this:
- The Rental Car: This is what most people do. The rental car center at PHX is massive. You take a shuttle train to get there. Once you’re on the road, it’s a straight shot up the I-17. Just be warned: the climb is steep. You’re going from roughly 1,100 feet in Phoenix to over 4,300 feet in Sedona. Your rental's engine will definitely feel the strain.
- Groome Transportation: If you don’t want to drive, Groome is the "official" shuttle. They run about 14 round trips a day. It’s roughly $60 to $70 each way. It’s reliable, but you’re on their schedule, not yours.
- The Scenic Connection: Some people think about flying from PHX to Flagstaff. It’s a 25-minute "puddle jumper" flight. Is it worth it? Maybe. If you hate driving, yes. If you want to save time? Probably not, because by the time you deal with the layover and the rental car in Flagstaff, you could have already been in Sedona eating tacos at Elote Cafe.
Flagstaff Pulliam: The "Secret" Shortcut
If you really want to minimize your time on the road, look at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). It is technically the closest commercial airport to Sedona, only about 25 miles away.
American Airlines and United are the big players here. They usually connect through Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), or Phoenix.
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The best part about flying into Flagstaff isn't the airport—it’s the drive. To get to Sedona from FLG, you drive down State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. It is breathtaking. You’re talking switchbacks, towering ponderosa pines, and a creek running right alongside the road. It’s a 40-minute drive that feels like a movie.
But there's a catch. Or two.
- The Price: Flights to FLG are almost always more expensive than PHX. You’re paying for the convenience.
- The Reliability: Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet. In the winter (January/February), snow can actually shut things down. Phoenix never has that problem.
What About Prescott?
Hardly anyone talks about Prescott Ernest A. Love Field (PRC). It’s about 55 miles from Sedona. United runs flights there from Denver and LAX. If you find a crazy deal or you’re coming from one of those hubs, it’s a viable alternative. The drive from Prescott to Sedona takes about an hour and a half and takes you through some cool "Old West" scenery in Jerome.
The Private Route: Landing on the Mesa
If you do fly private, Sedona Airport (KSEZ) is a trip. There are no "flights to Sedona Arizona" on Expedia for this one. It’s a non-towered airport (mostly). Because it’s on a mesa, pilots have to deal with some weird wind currents.
Even if you aren't flying in, you should drive up there. There’s a restaurant called Mesa Grill right on the tarmac. You can eat a burger while watching small planes take off into the red rock sunset. It’s one of the best "hidden" spots in town.
The Reality of Transportation in 2026
Ground transport has changed a bit. Uber and Lyft exist in Sedona, but they are spotty. If you land in Phoenix and think you’ll just "grab an Uber" to Sedona, expect to pay $200+ and wait a long time for a driver willing to make that trek.
Honestly? Rent the car. Sedona is spread out. You’ll want wheels to get to the trailheads like Devil’s Bridge or to drive out to the Boynton Canyon area.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Flagstaff (FLG) first: See if the price difference is under $100. If it is, book it. You’ll save hours of boring highway driving.
- Book Groome early: If you aren't renting a car, don't wait until you land at PHX to book the shuttle. They do sell out during peak spring break and fall months.
- Watch the I-17: If you fly into Phoenix, check Google Maps before you leave the airport. If there's an accident on the "Black Canyon Highway" (I-17), take the back way through Wickenburg (Highway 60 to 89 to 89A). It’s longer, but you’ll keep moving.
- Check the Elevation: Remember that Sedona is much cooler than Phoenix. If it's 100°F in Phoenix, it's likely 85°F in Sedona. Pack a light jacket even in the "summer" months for those desert nights.