Scottsdale to Sedona in a Luxury Rental: How to Plan the Perfect Red Rock Day Trip

Sedona's red rock country is one of the most photographed landscapes in the Southwest, and it is close enough to Scottsdale to make a memorable trip. Doing it in a luxury or exotic rental changes the experience. The drive becomes part of the destination rather than the commute to it. Here is how to plan a Scottsdale to Sedona trip in a Royal Rentals car, from choosing the right vehicle to managing mileage and timing.

The Route at a Glance

Most drivers head north from the Phoenix area on Interstate 17, then turn onto State Route 179 toward Sedona. The drive typically takes about two hours each way, depending on traffic and where in the Valley you start. The highway climbs out of the desert into higher country, and the scenery changes noticeably along the way.

The final stretch on SR 179 is part of the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and it is the reason many people make the trip. Formations rise on both sides of the road as you approach town. From Sedona, State Route 89A continues north through Oak Creek Canyon, a winding paved road under the canyon walls.

Choosing a Car for the Sedona Drive

For Open-Air Views: A Convertible Supercar

Red rock scenery is best seen with the roof down. The McLaren 720S Spider and the Ferrari 488 Spider both have retractable hard tops, so you can open them for the scenic byway and close them for the highway. They are the most dramatic way to arrive in Sedona, best suited to couples who are traveling light.

For Comfort and Luggage: A Luxury SUV

If you are bringing friends, staying overnight or just want a relaxed ride, a luxury SUV is the smarter choice. The Bentley Bentayga is quiet and refined on the long highway stretch, while the Lamborghini Urus and Mercedes G63 add more presence. All three have room for bags and shopping from Sedona's galleries.

For a Driver's Day: The Corvette C8

Our custom silver Corvette C8 is a true mid-engine sports car, and it is a great fit for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the drive.

Mileage: The Detail Most People Miss

Sedona is a road trip, and road trips use miles. Each Royal Rentals booking includes 75 to 120 miles per day depending on the vehicle, and additional miles are billed at 50 cents or $1 per mile. A round trip to Sedona, plus driving around town, can easily go past a single day's allowance.

There are two simple ways to plan for it:

Make it an overnight. A two-day rental gives you two days of included miles and turns a rushed day trip into a relaxed getaway.

Budget for extra miles. If a single day works best, plan for the additional mileage charge for your chosen car.

Sedona sits within the 200-mile radius from the pickup location's zip code that our Terms & Conditions require, so the trip itself is allowed. It is only the mileage you need to plan for.

A Simple Sedona Itinerary

Leave Scottsdale after breakfast and head north on I-17 while the air is still cool. Turn onto SR 179 and take the Red Rock Scenic Byway slowly, stopping at paved pullouts for photos. Have lunch in Sedona, browse the galleries in the afternoon, and if you have the time and the miles, drive part of Oak Creek Canyon on SR 89A. Stay for sunset over the red rocks, then make the easy highway drive back to the Valley, or check into a hotel and return the next day.

Tips for a Great Sedona Day

Stay on Paved Roads

Some of Sedona's most famous viewpoints and trailheads sit at the end of dirt or rough roads. Rental cars cannot be driven on unpaved surfaces, so stick to paved routes such as SR 179 and SR 89A, and use paved parking areas.

Start Early

An early departure means cooler temperatures, lighter traffic on I-17 and better parking in Sedona. It also leaves time to linger at sunset before heading back.

Watch the Weather and the Fuel

Weather in Sedona can differ from Scottsdale's, and conditions at higher elevations change through the year. Check the forecast before you go. Use 91 octane or higher fuel, and return the car with at least as much fuel as when you received it.

Bring the Camera

Golden hour on the red rocks is spectacular, and a beautiful car in the foreground makes every photo better. Pull fully off the road and park only where it is safe and permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Scottsdale to Sedona?

Most drivers take about two hours each way, depending on traffic and their starting point in the Valley.

Will a Sedona round trip go over my included miles?

It can. Rentals include 75 to 120 miles per day depending on the vehicle, so many people book two days or budget for extra miles at 50 cents or $1 per mile.

Can I drive the rental to the Grand Canyon too?

Vehicles must stay within 200 miles of the pickup location's zip code. Call us before booking a longer trip so we can confirm your route and help you plan the mileage.

Can I take an exotic on dirt roads in Sedona?

No. Our terms do not allow driving on unpaved surfaces, so plan your stops around paved roads and parking areas.

Can the car be delivered to me in Scottsdale before I leave?

Yes. Delivery and return within 15 miles of our office are $60 each way. Longer distances are covered in our terms.

Book Your Sedona Drive

Find the car for your red rock trip in our Scottsdale collection. The entire rental process is online. Complete the Book Now form at royalrentals.io/rentals. Want help planning mileage for a longer trip? Call our Scottsdale team at (480) 702-2885, any day from 8 AM to 9 PM.