Route guide
Cheap Flights from Denver to Phoenix: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 600 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 30 min – 2 h 30 min
- Airports
- 1 × 1
- Time difference
- Varies by season

This page covers the practical side of flying between Denver and Phoenix: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Airport pairs to compare
Denver's airport lies on the plains northeast of the city, roughly 25 miles from downtown, so ground transport time matters. Phoenix's main airport sits unusually close to the city center, which keeps the trip into town short.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DEN to PHX | Denver International | Phoenix Sky Harbor International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Denver: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Phoenix: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Denver
Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual.
Phoenix
Winter and spring are the popular, milder seasons. Summer highs routinely top 100°F, which is why fares often soften then.
Getting between the airport and town
Denver: The A Line commuter train runs from the airport to Union Station downtown. Shuttles and rental cars serve the mountains.
Phoenix: The PHX Sky Train connects the terminals and the light rail, and ride-hail and rental cars are widely used.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- If you are heading to a ski area, allow extra time on mountain roads in winter, and watch the forecast before travel day.
- Spring training baseball in February and March lifts demand. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, which affects time differences with other states.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Denver from Phoenix?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 600 miles (970 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Denver to Phoenix?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Denver: DEN (Denver International). At Phoenix: PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, no time difference; in summer, Phoenix is 1 hour behind Denver. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.