The honest truth is that Sedona has become so popular that getting around town will test your patience. Car traffic during the day will almost certainly be part of your vacation experience here. There will be days and hours that are less congested - perhaps due to not perfect weather or seasonal lulls, but just expect traffic and be pleasantly surprised if you don't run into it.

Here Are the Best Ways to Get Around in Sedona

1. Have Access to Your Own Vehicle

Whether that means renting a car or driving your own into town, having access to your own vehicle will allow you to drive to trailheads, explore Uptown at your leisure, and procure food more easily. There will be times where you'll "move on" to the next place of interest at a different pace than you originally expected, or the restaurant that you wanted to dine in ended up requiring reservations weeks in advance. Having your own car will allow you to be more flexible experience.

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2. Take City, Hotel, or Tour-Provided Shuttles When Possible

Sedona now has two public transit services that give visitors who choose not to rent a car access to a lot of major attractions.

The Verde Shuttle provides service 7 days a week, every hour, from 6 AM to 10 PM. The route connects Cottonwood to Sedona, then serves stops in West Sedona, Uptown, Tlaquepaque, Hillside area and south to Poco Diablo. The cost is just $1 per ride. Info is at www.verdeshuttle.com.

The Sedona Shuttle began service in March 2023 and provides free service to five of the most popular trailheads. Visitors can get to two of the three Sedona Shuttle pickup points by using the Verde Shuttle. More info is at www.sedonashuttle.com.

Later this year, Sedona will be adding an app-based service called Sedona Shuttle Connect which will pick visitors up at their hotel or almost any location within the city of Sedona. Stay tuned for this if you're planning a visit later in 2023.

If you are going on a tour, want to wander around town or are going out to dinner (with a reservation already made) and the tour company or hotel you are staying at provides transportation - take it! Sedona can be difficult to find parking in. Also, it allows you to gape out the window and enjoy the views without having to worry about directions and other drivers who are gaping at the views as well.

3. RideShares

If you are able to book an Uber or Lyft in Sedona, consider that a lucky opportunity. They're not always readily available in this town, especially during busy times. Flagstaff is located just 30 miles north of Sedona and is a vibrant college town with a lively local nightlife scene. RideShare drivers tend to spend more time in Flagstaff as there is less traffic and more opportunity for work. In other words - ride shares are an option if you don't have access to your own vehicle.

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