PHX - Sedona, rush hour traveltime? (Phoenix: rental car, rental, how much)

[StormLondon]

Hi all.

I'm planning a road trip in May and am wanting your advice on how much traveltime to expect out of Phoenix towards Sedona.

My plane will be landing around three-thirty on a Wednesday afternoon. If I assume it takes me at least an hour and a half to pick up my luggage and a hire-car (I'll be arriving from Europe), we'll be leaving PHX around five.

Mapquest tells me it should take me a couple of hours to Sedona, however, I'd be more keen on hearing your estimates...!!?

Many Thanks!

[rational1]

You will be getting immediately on the interstate and I would expect you to have serious traffic until you reach the outskirts (around Anthem). I would expect to get to Sedona in 90 min in normal traffic but you won't have normal traffic. (Don't miss the turnoff to I-17 which is a few hundred yards after you get on I-10/17 north. Don't even get out of the right lane.)

[observer53]

I think two hours would be about right, given rush hour. It will be better on a Wed than on a Fri, but still heavy traffic until you get out of the metro area.

[adventuregurl]

My guess is that you'll get your luggage and rental car (if it's already booked) in less time than an hour an a half. The Phoenix airport is pretty quick with luggage compared to other places I travel to).

I live in Sedona and find it's almost always a 2 hour drive and I go over the speed limit. I don't know what you'd have to do to get there in 90 minutes, it's never once happened for me (it's 35 - 40 mins just to the I17 and 260 from West Sedona when you are speeding). Last weekend I made it down in 1 hour 45 mins. by hitting every green light on the way and going 85 but that's pushing it for a speeding ticket.

I think 2 hours will do it coming up in rush hour as once you're on the freeway (which is right by the rental car place) it moves pretty well.

Enjoy your trip to this beautiful place!

PS if you're staying in the 'Village Of Oak Creek' that can shave off some travel time.

[azdr0710]

remember that you'll need to get your bags and then get on the rental car shuttle bus over to the rental car facility....the rental cars/counters aren't just outside baggage claim like in some airports