Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $123 for one-way flights and $266 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel from Richmond (RIC) to Phoenix (PHX) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul journey. You can explore various options, whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers, to discover the flight that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to experience the iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods of Phoenix, gather essential details for flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Fastest flight duration: around 5h 30m non-stop
Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
Flights per week: around 25+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
According to recent travel bookings, the top airlines flying from Richmond to Phoenix are favored for both one-stop and non-stop routes. Common layover spots include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, approximately 1h 15m), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, about 1h 15m), and Denver International Airport (DEN, roughly 1h 30m). These options provide travelers the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class while crafting their ideal itinerary.
American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop journeys, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $110 and $490. It serves approximately 48% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
Delta: Offering one-stop service, Delta is another full-service airline, with one-way fares usually ranging from $140 to $485. It constitutes around 20% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and a total journey duration of roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically priced between $110 and $425. It makes up about 12% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 6 hours and a total trip duration of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
United: A full-service option, United offers one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $115 to $495. It represents roughly 12% of the departures on this route, featuring a 6-hour flight time and an overall journey time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes, including a layover.
Breeze: This low-cost airline offers non-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $110 and $345. Breeze accounts for about 6% of the departures on this route, providing a direct flight with a total journey time of 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Richmond to Phoenix. Top airlines include Delta, offering both first-class and premium economy cabins; American Airlines, featuring first-class service; and United, which provides both first-class and premium economy options for a more comfortable flight experience.
Best time to fly from Richmond (RIC) to Phoenix (PHX)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Richmond to Phoenix are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Phoenix reach up to 74.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 89.8°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $193. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 33 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. August has the fewest flights, with approximately 20 flights per week.
Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $193, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
More budget-friendly months to fly: September and June typically offer average one-way fares of around $209.
Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Richmond to Phoenix, with approximately 33 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
55.4°F (13.0°C)
High
24
$228
February
58.6°F (14.8°C)
Average
25
$235
March
66.0°F (18.9°C)
High
28
$248
April
74.5°F (23.6°C)
High
28
$228
May
82.0°F (27.8°C)
Average
33
$193
June
92.3°F (33.5°C)
Average
29
$210
July
95.7°F (35.4°C)
Low
26
$224
August
94.8°F (34.9°C)
Low
20
$217
September
89.8°F (32.1°C)
Low
22
$208
October
77.7°F (25.4°C)
Average
30
$230
November
65.5°F (18.6°C)
Average
25
$236
December
55.4°F (13.0°C)
Average
31
$275
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
Alternative routes from Richmond (RIC) to Phoenix (PHX)
Richmond to Mesa (RIC-AZA): Located about 22 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) offers convenient access.
Richmond to Prescott (RIC-PRC): Prescott Municipal Airport (PRC) lies approximately 87 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), providing another travel option.
Richmond to Cottonwood (RIC-CTW): Cottonwood Airport (CTW) is roughly 90 miles away from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it a viable choice for travelers.
How to find the best prices for flights from Richmond (RIC) to Phoenix (PHX)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Richmond to Phoenix is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., often feature lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Friday can provide both cheaper fares and increased travel demand.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Sky Harbor International Airport from Richmond International Airport
Phoenix welcomes travelers from Richmond with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Richmond International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 9 miles) from central Richmond. Here's how to reach Phoenix efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Phoenix, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Public transportation: From Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3 Station (a metro station) is located about 0.1 miles from the airport on foot, while Phoenix Airport Bus Stop (a bus station) is situated approximately 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient access to public transportation options.
Richmond to Phoenix Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Richmond to Phoenix
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Richmond to Phoenix are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Richmond to Phoenix with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Richmond to Phoenix
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Richmond to Phoenix: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Richmond to Phoenix
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Richmond to Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $123 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Richmond to Phoenix flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Richmond to Phoenix airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $123 and cheap return flights $266 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $135 and $1312, and return flights often range between $359 and $1434. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from RIC to PHX is February when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
Enter RIC to PHX and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
Sun Country Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Richmond Intl. (RIC) to Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), with round-trip tickets starting from around $355.17 with a layover in an unspecified location. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Richmond, VA (RIC) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, MX offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, MX typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from RIC to PHX, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Richmond Intl. (RIC) to Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service can help you start your day early and maximize your time in Phoenix. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Phoenix ready to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from RIC to PHX typically takes around 5 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,960 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 2 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the RIC to PHX route. First class cabins are available on:
United Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Phoenix from Richmond Intl. (RIC)?
If you're planning to travel to Phoenix from Richmond Intl. (RIC), you can fly into Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) before reaching Phoenix. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) Phoenix Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
If you booked your Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport
Richmond Intl. Airport
Destination airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport
Distance
1,960 miles away
Airlines serving
American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines