Are you planning a journey from Denver, Colorado, to Phoenix, Arizona? Whether you’re relocating, road-tripping, visiting family, or heading out for business, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How far is Denver, CO, from Phoenix, AZ?
The answer isn’t just about miles—it’s about understanding your travel options, estimated time, costs, and the most scenic or efficient routes available. With both cities offering vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and major airports, there are multiple ways to get from one to the other—each with pros and cons.
In this guide, we’ll break down the distance between Denver and Phoenix by car, plane, bus, and train. You’ll also find travel tips, estimated costs, and route comparisons to help you choose the best path for your adventure. So whether you’re in a hurry or looking for a scenic journey, this article will help you plan confidently.
Quick Snapshot: Distance & Travel Time
| Travel Mode | Distance | Estimated Time | Notes |
| Driving | ~850 miles (1,368 km) | 12.5–14 hours | Depends on route and stops |
| Flying | ~600 miles (direct) | 1.5–2 hours | Flight time only |
| Bus | ~880 miles | 16–20 hours | Typically includes layovers |
| Train + Bus Combo | ~950+ miles | 24+ hours | Indirect and includes transfers |
Driving from Denver to Phoenix
Driving is a popular choice for travelers looking to take in the scenic beauty of the American Southwest. The journey offers sweeping landscapes, national parks, and memorable small towns along the way.
Most Common Driving Routes
- I-25 S → I-40 W → I-17 S (via Albuquerque)
- Distance: ~865 miles
- Time: Around 13 hours
- Highlights: Route 66, Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Petrified Forest National Park
- US-160 W → US-89 S (via Four Corners)
- Distance: ~900 miles
- Time: 14–15 hours
- Highlights: Monument Valley, Navajo Nation, detour to Grand Canyon
- I-70 W → US-191 S → I-40 W → I-17 S
- Distance: ~890 miles
- Time: 14–14.5 hours
- Highlights: Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands
Each route offers unique sights and opportunities for exploration, so the best route depends on your interests and schedule.
Estimated Road Trip Costs
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Gas (round trip) | $130–$180 (based on 25 MPG at $4/gallon) |
| Food & Snacks | $30–$60 |
| Lodging (if overnight) | $80–$150 |
| Total Driving Cost | ~$160–$400 |
Tip: Consider traveling with friends or family to split gas and lodging costs.
Flying from Denver to Phoenix
If speed and convenience are your top priorities, flying is your best option. Direct flights are frequent, affordable, and ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Flight Overview
- Flight Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Airlines: Southwest, Frontier, American, United
- Airports:
- Departure: Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Arrival: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $70–$250 (depending on season and booking window)
Tip: Booking 2–3 weeks in advance often results in lower airfare.
Airport Comparison: Denver vs. Phoenix
| Feature | Denver International (DEN) | Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) |
| Size & Rank | One of the busiest in the U.S. | Large hub in the Southwest |
| Ground Transportation | Light Rail, Shuttles, Ride Shares | Valley Metro Rail, Rental Cars |
| Accessibility | 25 miles from downtown Denver | 3 miles from downtown Phoenix |
Bus and Train Options
For budget-conscious travelers or those who enjoy slower, land-based travel, buses and train combinations are an option — though not always the most efficient.
Bus (Greyhound, FlixBus)
- Duration: 16–20 hours (includes stops and transfers)
- Average One-Way Cost: $70–$120
- Layovers: Often in Albuquerque or Santa Fe
Train (Amtrak + Bus Combo)
There is no direct Amtrak line from Denver to Phoenix. You’ll need to combine Amtrak and regional bus lines:
- Denver → Albuquerque (via Amtrak or bus)
- Albuquerque → Phoenix (via bus)
Total travel time exceeds 24 hours, making this more of a slow-travel or scenic option than a practical one.
Map of Denver to Phoenix Route
To visualize the drive, here’s a general map layout of the most common route:
Route Summary: Denver → I-25 S → I-40 W → I-17 S → Phoenix
You’ll pass through major cities like Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, and Flagstaff, with plenty of scenic detours along the way.
Note: For WordPress, you can embed a map using Google Maps iframe with your preferred route selected.
Best Time to Travel
| Season | Denver Weather | Phoenix Weather | Travel Advice |
| Winter | Cold, possible snow | Mild, sunny | Great for escaping Denver’s winter chill |
| Spring | Mild, fresh air | Warm and dry | Ideal for road trips and hiking |
| Summer | Hot, dry | Extremely hot | Avoid long drives mid-day in Arizona |
| Fall | Cool and colorful | Pleasantly warm | Excellent visibility and road conditions |
Spring and Fall are often the best seasons to enjoy a comfortable, scenic trip without extreme weather.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Here are a few noteworthy stops to consider:
| Stop | Location | What You’ll See |
| Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, CO | Unique red rock formations |
| Santa Fe Plaza | Santa Fe, NM | Historic adobe buildings and art markets |
| Petrified Forest | Near Holbrook, AZ | Fossilized trees, desert landscapes |
| Sedona Red Rocks | Sedona, AZ | Canyon views and hiking trails |
| Route 66 Landmarks | Various (I-40 route) | Americana attractions |
Tip: Planning 1–2 stops along the way can break up the drive and make the trip more memorable.
Where to Stay Midway
If you plan to split your drive into two days, here are a few ideal cities for overnight lodging:
- Albuquerque, NM – Large variety of hotels, great dining, cultural stops
- Gallup, NM – Quieter, budget-friendly, close to Route 66 sites
- Flagstaff, AZ – Beautiful mountain town, cooler climate, access to Sedona and Grand Canyon
Travel Mode Comparison Chart
| Feature | Driving | Flying | Bus | Train + Bus |
| Time Efficiency | Moderate | Fast | Slow | Very Slow |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate-High | Low | Low |
| Comfort | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Scenic Value | High | Low | Moderate | High |
| Eco-Friendliness | Moderate | Low | High | High |
Final Thoughts
Travelling from Denver, CO, to Phoenix, AZ, offers flexibility, adventure, and a range of options to suit every traveller. Whether you prefer the speed of a short flight, the freedom of a road trip, or a budget-friendly bus ride, knowing the distance, travel time, and best routes makes planning simple and stress-free.
With roughly 850 miles between them by road and about 600 miles by air, the two cities are close enough for weekend getaways yet far enough to enjoy an actual change in scenery and climate.
From snowy mountain views in Colorado to the warm desert landscape of Arizona, the transition is as exciting as the destinations themselves. Whatever your purpose for travelling—business, vacation, relocation, or just curiosity—this guide has covered everything you need to know. Now that you’re equipped with the facts, maps, and tips, it’s time to pick your route and hit the road or skies.
FAQs: Travel Between Denver and Phoenix
How far is Denver from Phoenix by car?
Roughly 850–900 miles, depending on the route.
How long is the drive from Denver to Phoenix?
Around 12.5 to 14 hours, not including stops or overnight stays.
How far is Denver from Phoenix by plane?
The direct flight distance is about 600 miles.
Is there a train from Denver to Phoenix?
Not directly. You can combine Amtrak service with buses, but travel time exceeds 24 hours.
What’s the halfway point between Denver and Phoenix?
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the most common midpoint for drivers.
