San Francisco to Sedona

14h 46m
Drive Time
813
Miles
$94
Gas Cost
6
Stops
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How Long Is the Drive from San Francisco to Sedona?

The drive from San Francisco to Sedona takes approximately 14h 46m, covering 813 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $94 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 20–21+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
12h 33m
🔵 Typical
14h 46m
🔴 Heavy traffic
21h 25m

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

Route Details

Distance813 mi
Drive Time14h 46min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$94
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$109-$144

Route Tips: I-40

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 1 fuel stop along the way.

Best Time to Drive from San Francisco to Sedona

For a long drive like San Francisco 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
14h 46m
~$94 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 8m
~$122–$285 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 38m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
14h 46m
~$94
🚌 Bus
18h 4m
~$65–$146
🚂 Train
14h 47m
~$98–$244

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:

📍 Death Valley
📍 Sequoia
📍 Barstow

FAQ

How long is the drive from San Francisco to Sedona?
The drive takes approximately 14 hours and 46 minutes covering 813 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 27 gallons of gas, costing approximately $94 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.

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