How Long is a flight from phoenix to denver

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If you’ve ever stared at your screen after hitting the search button on Google Flights and wondered How long is a flight from Phoenix to Denver?—you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a last-minute visit, or mapping out a cross-country adventure that includes Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or even New York flights—knowing the ins and outs of the Phoenix to Denver route can save you time, money, and maybe even a headache or two.

So let’s dive in—with flight times, airlines, pro tips, and what the vast majority of flights actually look like.

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The Short Answer: How Long Is the Flight?

The Phoenix to Denver flight time typically clocks in at 1 hour and 45 minutes of air time. That’s based on direct flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Denver International Airport (DEN). But of course, that’s just the flying part.

Your total travel time will depend on a lot of things—like check-in order, boarding pass timing, baggage drop, and those long security lines we all pretend don’t exist.

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What’s the Flight Distance?

Here’s a fun fact: the flight distance from Phoenix to Denver is roughly 602 miles in a straight line—or as the crow flies, if you’re feeling poetic. That translates to about 523 nautical miles, and the great circle route (aka the most direct route) is usually what your plane follows.

But since commercial flight plans must factor in air traffic, weather, and the curvature of the Earth, your actual path might be a bit longer.

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Which Airlines Fly This Route?

If you’re flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Denver International Airport, you’ve got options—lots of them. Here are the most popular airlines on this route:

• Southwest Airlines Co. Flight – Known for cheap flights and free same-day standby for Rapid Rewards Members. You can also score EarlyBird Check-In for better Southwest seats.
• United Airlines – Offers multiple nonstop flights daily and is a favorite carrier for business travelers.
• American Airlines – Reliable and often features the cheapest American round-trip flight if you hit the low fare calendar just right.
• Frontier Airlines – Budget-friendly, though it may have a different amount of time on the tarmac due to boarding practices.
• (RIP US Airways, which used to fly this route before merging with American.)

So yes, you’ve got choices. And that’s a very good thing when you're price-hunting or managing a change of travel plans.

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When’s the Best Time to Fly?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but based on data from the past year, here are a few truths:

• The earliest flight usually departs around 5:00 AM, and the latest flight is around 9:30 PM (local time).
• Cheapest days to fly are generally Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to Google Flights.
• Weekend trips are fun, but expect flight tickets to spike if you’re booking late.
• Time of booking matters—a lot. Booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance gives you access to the airline's cheapest round-trip fares.

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Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights

Look—for this route, do yourself a favor and go nonstop. The shortest distance between Phoenix and Denver is easily covered in a medium-length flight with no need to sit through a layover in Las Vegas or Los Angeles unless you’re intentionally extending your trip.

The vast majority of flights on this route are nonstop flights because of the relatively short distance between cities. But always double-check your itinerary before you lock it in.

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What Impacts the Total Travel Time?

This is where things get a little… real. The flight time may be listed as 1 hour and 45 minutes, but several different operational factors can make your actual experience longer or shorter:

• Departure time: Early morning flights are usually on time. Afternoon ones? Subject to delays.
• Mechanical issues: Rare, but they do happen.
• Weather delays: Especially during winter months at Denver International Airport.
• Check-in order and TSA lines: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor early. Like really early, especially during holiday travel days.

Add it all up and your total travel time (from curb to curb) could range from 3 to 5 hours.

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How to Find the Cheapest Flight

Ah yes, the eternal question: How do I find the lowest fares?

Here are a few hacks:

1. Use Google Flights to compare across all airlines.
2. Sort by cheapest round-trip flight, and adjust the departure date and return date for best results.
3. Check each airline’s website for loyalty program offers or free perks.
4. If you’re team Southwest, use the low fare calendar and look for the cheapest Southwest round-trip flight.
5. Consider one-way tickets with different airlines. You might find a cheapest United round-trip flight one way and a cheap Southwest flight back.

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Is There a Time Difference?

Yep. Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round (no daylight saving), while Denver observes Mountain Daylight Time in summer. So depending on the start date of your trip, there may or may not be a one-hour difference.

Double-check your local time before you board—or just let your phone figure it out.

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How Reliable Are These Flights?

The route from Phoenix to Denver is one of the most traveled routes in the western United States. On average, there are more than 30+ weekly flights across all major carriers.

Still, the reliability of an airline matters. Some travelers swear by American Airlines for punctuality, while others prefer Southwest for their flexibility and boarding system.

You can check your current flight status using the airline’s app, or consult your sample itinerary from the booking confirmation.

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Final Thought: What Makes This Route Special?

While not a super scenic flight (unless you snag a window seat), flying from the City of Phoenix to the City & County of Denver Department of Aviation has a few perks:

• It’s fast.
• It’s popular.
• And it’s often pretty affordable if you time it right.

Plus, the Phoenix Airport System and Denver’s massive international hub are both well-run airports. You’ll find plenty of food, restrooms, and—let’s be honest—solid internet access while you wait.

Oh, and don’t forget your baggage tags, your boarding pass, and maybe a snack. You’re going to crush this trip.

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