North America > United States > Flagstaff (FLG)
The Car or no Car advice for Flagstaff can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Flagstaff ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Flagstaff ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Flagstaff?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Flagstaff without a car 🚶♂️🚆
Flagstaff’s downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot. The historic centre, breweries, cafés, and Route 66 landmarks are all clustered close together. Walking works well, and cycling is possible thanks to cooler temperatures and forested surroundings.
Flagstaff is also a rail town. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops here on its route between Chicago and Los Angeles. This makes it possible, at least in theory, to arrive without flying or driving 🚆. There is also a local bus system, which serves the town and Northern Arizona University, although it is limited in reach and frequency.
For visitors staying downtown and enjoying local hikes, museums, and food, it is possible to manage without a car for a short stay.
When a rental car becomes essential 🚗
This is where the balance shifts very clearly. Flagstaff is one of the main gateways to some of the American Southwest’s most famous landscapes. The Grand Canyon lies about 90 minutes away by road and is extremely difficult to reach by public transport. Sedona, with its red rock scenery, is around an hour south and also far easier by car.
Other highlights, such as Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki National Monument, and remote forest trails, are only realistically accessible by car. While tours exist, they are infrequent and expensive compared with self-driving.
Flagstaff Airport has limited flights, so many visitors arrive by car from Phoenix or Las Vegas. Rental cars there are much more widely available and reasonably priced by US standards.
Seasonal and driving considerations ❄️☀️
Flagstaff sits at around 7,000 feet, so winter brings snow and icy roads. Rental cars are usually equipped appropriately, but winter driving skills are important. In summer, the climate is ideal for road trips and hiking.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Flagstaff?
For the town alone, a car is optional. However, if you want to experience the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and northern Arizona’s volcanic and forest landscapes, renting a car is not just useful, it is practically essential 🚙🌄.
