If you’re planning to visit this iconic destination, one of the world’s most renowned natural landmarks, your first quest will be to uncover the closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park.
In this article, we’ll delve into various best airports Grand Canyon, including Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)—the closest airport to Grand Canyon—that serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, assisting you in charting the course for an extraordinary adventure amid the breathtaking beauty of this world wonder.
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What Is the Easiest Way to Get to the Grand Canyon?
Why drive to the Grand Canyon when you can fly? Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), also referred to as Grand Canyon Village by airlines, is the closest airport to Grand Canyon, offering commercial service to Grand Canyon National Park.
In addition, FLG to the Grand Canyon is a scenic 90-minute drive. For that reason, flying into Flagstaff is the easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon.
Because FLG is so close, it is considered the best airport Grand Canyon!
What City Has the Closest Airport to Grand Canyon?
Flagstaff, Arizona, has the closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park. In addition, the airport currently offers daily flights to/from Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth via American Airlines, making your visit to one of the original seven wonders of the world easy to access from anywhere!
FLG is top of the list for convenience when you consider the best airports for Grand Canyon.
What Is It Like Flying Into FLG Airport Near Grand Canyon?
Flying into FLG is an experience like no other—full of adventure and sightseeing before you even land. You’ll begin your journey by boarding a Canadair Regional Jet, called a CRJ, or an Embraer Regional Jet.
These jets are smaller than your typical commercial plane, which you’ll notice as you board, most likely using stairs. Regional jets seat approximately 50 to 80 passengers. Due to the smaller size of the jets, larger carry-on items will be checked (free of charge) as you board and will be waiting for you the moment you step off the plane, rather than at the baggage claim.
You can still carry on your personal item, and larger carry-ons are permitted if they fit in the overhead bins. If you’d like to keep your carry-on with you, let a staff member know, and they will assist you in finding a space in the overhead bins.
Once you’ve boarded the jet, you’ll notice a much narrower cabin but don’t fret—regional jets fly just as smoothly as your typical larger commercial plane. So now you can sit back, relax, and get ready to experience the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona.
Connecting through Phoenix to Flagstaff
If you’re flying from Phoenix, flight time states an hour, but most likely, you’ll arrive ahead of schedule, as wheels up to landing from Phoenix is approximately 45 minutes. So make sure to look out your window, and you’ll be able to see Sedona’s iconic red rock formations as your approach Flagstaff.
Connecting through DFW to Flagstaff
Flight time from Dallas/Fort Worth will be two hours and 25 minutes on your ticket, but if weather conditions are favorable, you’ll be in air for a little less than two hours. Your flight path may pass over the Painted Desert or Petrified Forest National Park, so keep an eye out.
Flagstaff, the Closest City to the Grand Canyon National Park
Flagstaff sits at 7,014 feet, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, which is beautiful, but weather can be unpredictable.
Flagstaff Airport in Winter
This past season, Flagstaff Airport, the airport closest to Grand Canyon, received 175 inches of snow, becoming the snowiest city in the entire United States. Although we cannot predict the weather, our crews work tirelessly to ensure the runway remains open and snow-free.
Flagstaff Airport in Summer
In the summertime, Flagstaff experiences monsoon storms which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding and dust storms.
Weather delays are possible due to visibility but are rare. If there are visibility issues, pilots will circle around the area until visibility improves. You may fly over Sedona, Navajo Nation, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park, and even the Grand Canyon, so keep your eyes open, glance out the window, and relish the view.
Pine-scented Flagstaff: Best Airport Grand Canyon
As you approach FLG and prepare for landing, you’ll notice trees – lots of trees! Our airport is surrounded by the largest contiguous stand of Ponderosa pine forest in the world.
Once you land and prepare to disembark at Flagstaff, the closest city to the Grand Canyon, you’ll see Ponderosa pines lining the fence. Our friendly staff will be waiting for you upon arrival with any carry-on bags you checked at the bottom of the stairs.
Make sure to take a deep breath and experience the fresh mountain air as you walk into the FLG terminal. You’ve made it to Grand Canyon country!
FLG terminal is small, and you’ll be able to grab your bags, rental car, or shuttle and hit the road to the Grand Canyon. That priceless convenience makes this your best airport Grand Canyon. We promise flying Flagstaff will be the easiest airport experience you’ve had!
Tips for Flying Out of the Nearest Airport to Grand Canyon
After you’ve explored the Grand Canyon and are returning home, please arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to your departure.
As you wait for your flight, you may be treated to the sight of military aircraft landing and taking off. FLG receives a good number of military aircraft due to the high-altitude training opportunities available.
So keep your eyes peeled once you pass TSA and enter the hold room—you may hear the military aircraft before you see them.
We appreciate you flying FLG. Not only does flying FLG benefit you by reducing the cost of gas, potential lodging, and, most importantly, valuable time, but it also promotes future growth for our community.
Book your flight to FLG at AA.com and stay up to date on all things related to the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport by visiting flyflagstaffaz.com and following us on social media.
Please stay and play responsibly in Flagstaff and learn more about area attractions, events, accommodations and things to see and do while visiting at discoverflagstaff.com.
The above article was prepared by local experts at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and Discover Flagstaff.
Other Airports Closest to the Grand Canyon
Besides Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), other airports closest to the Grand Canyon include:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, AZ
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, NV
- Prescott Ernest A. Love Field (PRC) in Prescott, AZ
- St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in St. George, UT
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the airports near Grand Canyon. That is if you call 232 miles/ 373.4 km nearby. It will take 4 hours and 4 minutes to drive from PHX to the Grand Canyon National Park South Entrance.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the major cities closest to Grand Canyon. Its airport, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), is another airport close to Grand Canyon. The distance and time it will take to drive depends on where in the Grand Canyon you wish to go.
You can drive the 275 miles, 373 km from LAS to Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center (open May to mid-October) in 5 hours and 10 minutes. Or if you plan to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, your 278-mile / 125.5-km road trip will take 4 hours and 15 minutes.
On the other hand, Grand Canyon West Skywalk is only 2 hours and 8 minutes (126 miles / 202.7 km from LAS. Be aware, however, that Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. Instead, the Skywalk is on the Hualapai Reservation on the west end of the Grand Canyon, outside the national park.
Prescott Ernest A. Love Field (PRC) in Prescott, AZ
Prescott Regional Airport (PRC), AKA Ernest A. Love Field in Prescott, AZ, is another Grand Canyon airport many do not consider. With United Airlines service from Denver and Los Angeles once per day, PRC is one of the airports near the Grand Canyon that can help get you to the world wonder.
A 2-hour 4-minute drive from PRC takes 119 miles / 191.5 km to the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in St. George, UT
When you consider visiting the North Rim, St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in St. George, UT, is another closest airport to Grand Canyon. In only three hours ( 152 miles / 244.6 km), you can drive from SGU to the North Rim Visitor Center. Just remember that the North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May or later. Opening dates depend on the snow.
By the Numbers: Where to Fly Into for Grand Canyon
When wondering “Where to fly into for Grand Canyon,” consider using the following two tables.
To help chart your course for an extraordinary adventure amid the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder, sort the airports near Grand Canyon by time or distance to the national park’s South Rim or North Rim.
You’ll be able to see for yourself what is the best airport Grand Canyon.
Time/Distance from Closest Airports to Grand Canyon South Rim
| Grand Canyon airport | Airport Code | Time to South Rim | Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | FLG | 1 hour, 30 minutes | 85 | 136.7 |
| Prescott, AZ | PRC | 2 hours, 40 minutes | 119 | 191.5 |
| Phoenix, AZ | PHX | 4 hours, 4 minutes | 232 | 373.4 |
| St. George, UT | SGU | 4 hours, 54 minutes | 270 | 434.5 |
| Las Vegas, NV | LAS | 4 hours, 15 minutes | 278 | 125.5 |
Time/Distance from Closest Airports to Grand Canyon North Rim
| Grand Canyon airport | Airport Code | Time to South Rim | Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. George, UT | SGU | 3 hours, 4 minutes | 152 | 244.6 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | FLG | 4 hours, 0 minutes | 214 | 344.4 |
| Las Vegas, NV | LAS | 4 hours, 40 minutes | 276 | 444.2 |
| Prescott, AZ | PRC | 5 hours, 10 minutes | 302 | 486 |
| Phoenix, AZ | PHX | 5 hours, 50 minutes | 356 | 572.9 |
For more information about how to get to the Grand Canyon see The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planner.
Q&A: Closest Airport to the Grand Canyon
Q: What city is best to fly into for Grand Canyon?
A: Flagstaff, Arizona, is the best city to fly into for Grand Canyon National Park as it is the city closest to Grand Canyon with a commercial airport.
Q: What airport is closest to the Grand Canyon?
A: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), also referred to as Grand Canyon Village by airlines, is closest to the Grand Canyon.
Q: What major airlines fly into Flagstaff?
A: Currently, American Airlines is the only major airline that flies into Flagstaff, Arizona. Use airport code FLG when booking your flight.
Q: What airlines fly out of Grand Canyon airport?
A: American Airlines flies out of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), also referred to as Grand Canyon Village by airlines.
For more information about how to get to the Grand Canyon see The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planner.
NEXT STEP: Best Places To Stay at the Grand Canyon
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was NOT provided with accommodations, meals or other compensation for the purpose of this guide. The Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
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