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Sedona Without A Car: A Guide to Shuttles, Walkable Spots, and Easy Itinerary

Yes — you can do Sedona without a car (or with very little driving). The trick is to plan your trip around three things:

  1. Walkable areas (Uptown + select pockets of West Sedona)

  2. The free Sedona Shuttle trailhead routes to popular hikes

  3. On-demand and regional transit for everything else (dinner, viewpoints, day trips)

This guide is skimmable and built for real-life travel planning — not “rent a helicopter and spiritually levitate to Cathedral Rock.”


The Sedona Shuttle is a great way to get to Sedona's iconic landmarks and it's FREE!
The Sedona Shuttle is a great way to get to Sedona's iconic landmarks and it's FREE!

Quick answers (so you can plan fast)

Can you get to Sedona trailheads without a car?

Yes. Sedona’s free trailhead shuttles run Thursday–Sunday year-round (with expanded days during peak periods/holidays).

Is there public transit within Sedona?


The easiest “Sedona without a car” strategy (locals would approve)

Step 1: Stay in the right place

If you want Sedona without a car to feel easy, pick one of these:

  • Uptown Sedona: most walkable for food + shops + “wander around” time

  • West Sedona: more local, usually calmer; good base for ride-share/on-demand

  • Village of Oak Creek: quieter, but you’ll rely more on transit/rides for Uptown


The Cibola Mitten in Sedona, Arizona is easily walkable from Uptown and West Sedona. Photo by Shannon Roberts.
The Cibola Mitten in Sedona, Arizona is easily walkable from Uptown and West Sedona. Photo by Shannon Roberts.

Insider tip: If you’re not driving, prioritize walkability over views from your room. You’ll still get views everywhere — Sedona is not subtle.

Step 2: Use the free trailhead shuttles for your “big hike” day

Sedona Shuttle’s Trailhead Routes are designed for visitors who don’t want trailhead parking drama.

What they do:

  • You park (or get dropped off) at a Park & Ride lot

  • You take the free shuttle to popular trailheads

  • No reservations needed

When they run:

  • Thursday–Sunday, year-round (hours vary by route/season; check the route schedule before you go)

Trailheads commonly served include:Mescal, Dry Creek, Soldier Pass, Cathedral Rock, and Little Horse (service details can change—always confirm your route)

Real-time tracking:Sedona Shuttle recommends using the TransLoc app for real-time departures.


Schedule a ride to the Chapel of the Holy Cross using the Sedona Shuttle Connect
Schedule a ride to the Chapel of the Holy Cross using the Sedona Shuttle Connect

Step 3: Use on-demand rides for everything else (dinner, Chapel, etc.)

Sedona has an app-based service called Sedona Shuttle Connect:

  • On-demand shared rides

  • $2 per trip

  • Service area covers key parts of Sedona (and expansions have included rides to places like Chapel of the Holy Cross during holiday scheduling)

This is the move for:

  • dinner reservations

  • gallery time

  • quick landmark stops

  • “we’re tired but still want sunset” moments


The local shuttle system can connect you to ideal spots in Sedona but don't overlook staying at a hotel that is easily accessible (such as L'Auberge de Sedona, pictured)
The local shuttle system can connect you to ideal spots in Sedona but don't overlook staying at a hotel that is easily accessible (such as L'Auberge de Sedona, pictured)

Step 4: Use Verde Shuttle if you’re staying outside Sedona (or day-tripping)

Verde Shuttle connects Cottonwood ↔ Sedona and also supports trips within Sedona:

  • Runs 6 AM to 10 PM with hourly service (per their site)

  • Fares: $2 Cottonwood ↔ Sedona; $1 within Sedona


A super-easy Sedona itinerary without a car (2 days)

  • Day 1: Walkable Sedona day (Uptown-style)

    • Morning

      • Coffee + an easy viewpoint stroll (keep it light on Day 1)

    • Late morning / early afternoon

      • Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (perfect midday activity)

    • Afternoon

      • Gallery browsing + lunch + rest

    • Sunset

      • Take an on-demand ride to a sunset viewpoint

    • Dinner

      • Reservation + walk it off under the red rocks (best part)

  • Day 2: Shuttle hike day (the “no parking stress” day)

    • Early morning

      • Head to the correct Park & Ride lot for your chosen shuttle route

    • Morning

      • Shuttle to your trailhead (Cathedral Rock / Soldier Pass / etc., depending on route availability)

    • Midday

      • Back to town for lunch + recovery

    • Evening

      • Optional: easy stroll + dinner

      • Optional: stargazing (Sedona after dark is criminally underrated)


Tlaquepaque is popular for shopping and walking.
Tlaquepaque is popular for shopping and walking.

1-day “Sedona without a car” itinerary (fast + fun)

  • Sunrise viewpoint (quick, easy)

  • Brunch + shops

  • Short trail or landmark stop

  • Sunset viewpoint

  • Dinner


What to pack (specifically when you aren’t driving)

  • Water (more than you think; you can’t keep extra in your car)

  • Layers (sunrise/sunset gets chilly)

  • Snacks (shuttle + trail days go smoother)

  • Portable phone charger (transit apps + photos = dead battery)

  • Comfortable shoes (Sedona is not a “new sandals” town)


FAQs

Is Sedona walkable? Some areas are. Uptown is the easiest for walkability; West Sedona is doable with short rides.

What’s the best way to get to trailheads without a car? The free Sedona Shuttle trailhead routes from Park & Ride lots.

Do the trailhead shuttles run every day? They run Thursday–Sunday year-round, with expanded days during peak periods/holidays (check the latest schedule before your trip).

Can I get to Chapel of the Holy Cross without driving? Sedona’s on-demand Shuttle Connect has supported rides to/from the Chapel area during expanded scheduling (confirm current service coverage when you visit).

 
 
 

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