I have checked driving distances and guide books but there are huge variations in what people say is the minumum driving time. Some say seven hours (assuming no stops and we'd like to stop). Is this accurate ? Or is 5 closer to the truth. We will be driving in February. Thanks

It is about 145 miles to Flagstaff - all interstate so trip will not take more than 2 1/2 hours. It is another 80 miles to Gr. Canyon - all local road and it should not take more than 2 hours. Driving at a casual speed trip wiil take less than 5 hours. Pushing it you can probably make it in 4 1/2 hours or less

Agree with the previous poster. I was at the Grand Canyon last week and it took a little under 5 hours to return to Phoenix. When I went up to Grand Canyon from Phoenix, I took the scenic route through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon (well worth it, BTW) which added several hours to the drive time.

I thought it was only 4 hours. 2 hours from Phoenix to Sedona and then 2 hours from Sedona to GC. No?

It can take as much as an hour more going from Phoenix to Flagstaff, compared to return because you can easily get caught in traffic jams primarily caused by big trucks climbing the (at times) steep, windy grade. It can't be done in less than 4 hours - I would allow 5.

Hi help

Just a warning about the best laid plans. I was going to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas our flight was to arrive in LV at 1pm in was hoping to get to the canyon by sunset. Well our flight was delayed twice and both lanes of Highway 15 were shut down due to a horrible crash. We got to the Canyon about 1am. So you never know.

Have fun
GP

Maybe the people who said 7 hours were referring to the North Rim. I drove from Phoenix to the North Rim and it took about 8 hours.

Adding my two cents...We drove directly from the airport in Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. It took about two hours from Phoenix to Flagstaff, which wasn't a bad drive. From Flagstaff to Williams was also freeway and took about 30 minutes (Fiance may have a lead foot). But there was road construction from Williams to Tusayan (sp) and it took about an hour and a half to drive the 50 or so miles.

When we left the Grand Canyon a few days later, we drove along 80 east, I believe, along the canyon. That was a really interesting drive. It took about two hours to get to Flagstaff that way, but we stopped and roamed around at various lookouts. Cool mesas and Navajo lands. We also took 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and it was incredible. I suggest letting someone else drive if you really want to look around. I was very glad I wasn't driving, since we probably would have gone off the road. (I like to look and you kinda have to concentrate on the road. Don't drive at night on 89A. You miss all the beautiful scenery.)

Enjoy your trip. We are very much looking forward to returning to that area.

The only thing i would add is that you mentioned your trip being in February. There is always a chance for snow...even heavy snow near Flagstaff and all the way to the Canyon. If you run into snow the roads are very slow and intially icy. You're at 7000 feet and going up and down elevations so that can really slow you down. Otherwise, it's doable easily under 5 hours.
Also from Flagstaff, instead of taking the interstate to Williams, the best route,imo, is route 180 through Flagstaff to route 64 towards the grand canyon.

4.5 hrs no more no less...

I agree with the post that talked about factoring the possibility of icy roads. Plan on 5 hours or so, but make sure you have plenty of extra time available, just in case. Despite studded snow tires, I spun out on black ice just outside of Flagstaff in February or March 1997, on the way to the South Rim. I was lucky to end up in a snowbank instead of rolling down an embankment. Make sure you have chains or snow tires, and get the Road Conditions number to check when you start your drive.