Austin to Sedona

20h 40m
Drive Time
1137
Miles
$132
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Austin to Sedona?

The drive from Austin to Sedona takes approximately 20h 40m, covering 1137 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $132 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 28–29+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
17h 34m
🔵 Typical
20h 40m
🔴 Heavy traffic
29h 58m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1137 mi
Drive Time20h 40min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$132
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$147-$182

Route Tips: I-20

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Austin to Sedona

For a long drive like Austin to Sedona, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
20h 40m
~$132 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 46m
~$171–$398 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 16m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
20h 40m
~$132
🚌 Bus
25h 16m
~$91–$205
🚂 Train
20h 40m
~$136–$341

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

Suggested Stops

Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:

📍 Carlsbad Caverns
📍 White Sands
📍 El Paso

FAQ

How long is the drive from Austin to Sedona?
The drive takes approximately 20 hours and 40 minutes covering 1137 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 37 gallons of gas, costing approximately $132 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.