Getting to Petrified Forest: I-40 Exits & Drive Times
The short answer: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the most convenient airport for reaching Petrified Forest National Park, about a 3.5-hour drive away. From the east, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers a similarly timed alternative. Once you're in the area, you'll need a car. No public transportation serves the park.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Show Low Regional Airport SOW · 52 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Gallup Municipal Airport GUP · 67 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Flagstaff Pulliam Airport FLG · 107 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Grand Canyon National Park Airport GCN · 149 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Prescott Regional Airport - Ernest A. Love Field PRC · 151 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for Petrified Forest
The Nearest Regional Airport
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is the closest regional option, about 109 miles west of the park, a 2-hour drive. It offers domestic connections from Phoenix, but its rental-car selection is limited and rates are less competitive than those at a major hub. It's useful if you're already in northern Arizona, but it's not the best first choice when you're coming from Europe.
Show Low Regional Airport (SOW), about 90 miles south, serves a few short domestic routes. It's geared mainly toward private aviation and local travel, so it's not a practical option for an international trip.
Major International Hubs
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is our top recommendation. You'll find a wide range of rental-car companies, competitive rates, and a direct route to the park, about 202 miles and a 3.5-hour drive. Depending on where you're flying from, Phoenix may require one stop, usually in a major U.S. hub.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) makes sense if Petrified Forest is part of a road trip through New Mexico. The distance is similar, about 217 miles and a 3.5-hour drive, but connections from abroad are less frequent.
Getting to Petrified Forest: International Connections
Depending on where you're flying from, you may need one connection to Phoenix or Albuquerque. Travel time varies with your departure airport and connections. The most common hubs are New York (JFK, EWR), Dallas (DFW), and Atlanta (ATL).
One possible itinerary is an overnight flight, landing in Phoenix in the late morning local time, picking up the rental car, and reaching the park in the early afternoon. That schedule still leaves two or three hours to visit the park that day.
Our National Parks Fees & Passes page covers admission fees and passes.
By Car: Distances from Gateway Towns
A car is the only practical way to get around. Petrified Forest stretches north to south between Interstate 40 and Highway 180 in northeastern Arizona, just off historic Route 66.
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Estimated drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Holbrook (AZ) | 19 to 26 miles | 30 to 40 min |
| Flagstaff (AZ) | 109 miles | 2 hours |
| Phoenix (AZ) | 202 miles | 3.5 hours |
| Albuquerque (NM) | 217 miles | 3.5 hours |
| Tucson (AZ) | 236 miles | 4 hours |
| Las Vegas (NV) | 423 miles | 6.5 hours |
Holbrook, Arizona, is the natural gateway town. It has gas stations, supermarkets, budget lodging, and Route 66 motels just off I-40. Fill up before you enter the park. For nearby lodging, our Where to Stay page lists options by budget.
Petrified Forest Entrances
The park has two entrances, separated by about 28 miles of park road.
North Entrance (I-40, Exit 311): Leave Interstate 40 at Exit 311, which is easy to reach from Flagstaff to the west or Albuquerque to the east. This entrance opens onto the Painted Desert and its overlooks, with ocher and purple hues. It's the best choice for a road trip along I-40.
South Entrance (Highway 180): Reach it from Holbrook by taking Highway 180 east for about 19 miles. It leads to Rainbow Forest Museum and the giant fossilized logs. This is the natural entrance from Phoenix or Tucson to the south.
The classic route is to enter from the north off I-40, drive the entire Park Road, 28 miles from north to south, then exit onto Highway 180 and continue to Holbrook, 19 miles away, to reconnect with I-40. Park road hours can vary with the weather or other conditions, so check with the entrance station or on the official NPS website before you leave.
Admission is $25 per vehicle. For annual passes and discounts, see our National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Getting Around the Park: Driving, Parking, and Speed Limits
Petrified Forest doesn't have a shuttle. The paved Park Road connects the two entrances over 28 miles, and a standard vehicle is all you need for the drive. For details on driving inside the park, parking, and speed limits, see the Getting Around Petrified Forest guide.
Other Options: Organized Tours
There is no public bus between Holbrook and the park. A few operators from Sedona or Flagstaff offer day tours. It's a workable alternative if you don't want to rent a car, but you give up flexibility. Stops and timing are set for you.
In Summary: The Route from Your Starting Point
Via Phoenix (PHX): Fly to Phoenix and rent a car at the airport. Reach the South Entrance via Highway 180 in 3.5 hours, or take I-40 to the North Entrance at Exit 311. Our complete Petrified Forest guide will help you plan your day.
From Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon: Take I-40 east to Exit 311. Allow 2 hours from Flagstaff.
On a Route 66 road trip: I-40 runs along the northern edge of the park. Take Exit 311, drive Park Road, then exit onto Highway 180 toward Holbrook. Our Itinerary & Timing page will help you plan how long to spend in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I use to visit Petrified Forest?
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the most convenient airport for visiting Petrified Forest, about a 3.5-hour drive away. From the eastern United States, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is a similarly timed alternative. Flagstaff (FLG) and Show Low (SOW) have regional airports, but international flight options are very limited.
How much does it cost to enter Petrified Forest?
Admission is $25 per private vehicle, as of 2025. An annual pass for the park costs $45. The America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers all U.S. federal recreation sites. For admission fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
What is the closest town to the Petrified Forest?
The closest town to Petrified Forest is Holbrook, Arizona, 19 to 26 miles away depending on which entrance you use, Highway 180 to the south or I-40 Exit 311 to the north. You'll find gas stations, stores, and lodging there.
How do I get to the Grand Canyon from Petrified Forest?
To get to the Grand Canyon from Petrified Forest, allow about 3 hours of driving, or 168 miles, via Flagstaff and then US-89 north to the South Rim. No direct shuttle connects the two parks.
When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest?
The best times to visit Petrified Forest are spring, from April through May, and fall, from September through October, when temperatures range from 59 to 77°F. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, and severe thunderstorms can roll in during the afternoon. Our When to Visit page explains the advantages and drawbacks of each season.
Where should I stay to visit Petrified Forest?
There is no lodge inside the park. Holbrook has most of the nearby lodging, from affordable motels to character-filled Route 66 properties. Our Where to Stay page lists options by type and budget.