Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, is the closest major airport and is about a 2.5 hour drive or a half hour flight away from Flagstaff. Most of our rafters fly into Phoenix and then fly, take a shuttle, or drive a rental car to Flagstaff.
Flagstaff by plane
Direct flights are available into Flagstaff from Phoenix. Service from Phoenix is provided by US Airways (800-428-4322; usairways.com). If you fly US Airways into Phoenix, there is often a reduced fare on the Phoenix-Flagstaff portion.
Phoenix/Flagstaff by Shuttle
Arizona Shuttle 800-888-2749
One-way $35 adults when booking online; $39 for phone reservations.
Arizona Shuttle offers pick-up service at each terminal at Sky Harbor Airport and drop-off at the Amtrak Station in downtown Flagstaff, a five minute cab-ride (approximately $7) from our meeting location/hotel, the Radisson. With seven departure times each day, this is a convenient and reliable transportation option.
Phoenix/Flagstaff by Rental Car
Car rentals are available in Phoenix and Flagstaff from a variety of rental agencies. Please contact the car rental agencies directly for information as their offerings vary year to year. You will need to arrange transportation (taxi) to and from the rental agencies’ locations; be sure to allow time and money for the pick-up and drop-off of your rental car both before and after your trip.
Budget offers vehicle drop-off/pick up at the Radisson Hotel itself, saving you a trip to the rental agency. Call the Flagstaff Budget office at 1-928-779-5235 to make pick up/drop off arrangements.
Trip & Travel Details Information
Travel Arrangements
We recommend that you carry at least a small bag of essentials, including your hiking boots, onto the plane as there will not be time to locate lost luggage before your trip!
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is located at the intersection of Interstate 40 (major east-west route) and the northern terminus of Interstate 17.
Flagstaff Meeting Place
You will begin and end your trip at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff located at 1175 W Route 66, ph# 928-773-8888. We will be meeting you there for your pre-trip orientation. The hotel is also the pick-up and drop-off point for transportation to and from the river.
Cabs are available from the Flagstaff airport, train, or bus station. You may also call the Radisson to use their complimentary cab service. You will experience a delay in response time if you elect to use this service and should therefore initiate the call to the Radisson as soon as you arrive in Flagstaff.
