Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Phoenix, United States

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

Outty Ranking 83 4.9 · 773 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $209
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Outty Ranking

83/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 773 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise worth booking?

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise is a 4-hour experience in Phoenix, United States, from $209 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 773 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
83 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (773)
Duration
4 hours
From
$209 per person

Make memories you’ll never forget with this 1-hour hot air balloon ride from Phoenix, Arizona. Groups large and small will enjoy breath-taking 360-degree views as you glide above the magical Sonoran Desert. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.

What you get

    About this experience

    Make memories you’ll never forget with this 1-hour hot air balloon ride from Phoenix, Arizona. Groups large and small will enjoy breath-taking 360-degree views as you glide above the magical Sonoran Desert. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.

    What's included

    Included

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Hot-air balloon flight
    • Snacks
    • Live commentary on board
    • Local taxes
    • Option of helping crew inflate the balloon

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Souvenir Merchandise (available to purchase)
    • No Hotel Pick Up service

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.

      We meet at our office and drive out to our launch site from there (which does vary day-to-day depending on the wind directions/speed)

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Phoenix

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Sunrise Ride

      Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983. Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours. Celebratory Toast included Sonoran Desert views

    • 300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy)

      Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300+lbs must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983. Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours. Celebratory Toast included Sonoran Desert views

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Rainbow Ryders

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • All flight are weather permitting
    • Children must be 5 years of age or older
    • Pregnant women are unable to fly
    • Must be able to stand for 60 minutes unassisted
    • Must be able to sustain the impact of jumping off a chair
    • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
    • Light layered clothing
    • Close toed shoes
    • Sunscreen and hats recommended
    • Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant
    • This is a shared basket flight, there will be anywhere from 10-16 total passengers in each basket
    • Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight

    Photos

    Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 2Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 3Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 4Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 5Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 6Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 769 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Organization

    5 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    769 verified traveler reviews for Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    721
    4 star
    24
    3 star
    9
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    12
    Sort
    403alissaj · September 2026

    Amazing!

    The pre-boarding part was exiting due to my anticipation of the flight and the pretty colors of the pre-inflated balloons. The tour guide was nice and passionate about his work.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dream723379 · September 2026

    Cancelled ride recommendation

    Unfortunately the ride was cancelled. The only recommendation I can make in reference to this is that the time to meet was changed 3 times, Initial booking said 415 am (with emphasis to not being late), then email stating 430am, then email the morning of changed to 0445 am. We saw that email but did not see the text at 0230 am that it was cancelled, sadly we had already taken an uber to Safeway and waited outside for up near an hour. I am unsure why the meeting times would be changed so many times and i think that you should stress in your booking that Customers should check at a certain time before going to see if it is cancelled. There was no weather issue that we could see and we were so busy trying to get there (as we were on vacay from out of state) to only later realize it was cancelled and be out $ 50.00 for an uber there and back. Thank you

    Response from the operator: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We truly appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration as we continue working to make the experience as smooth as possible for our guests. We’re so sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this caused, especially after you had already made the trip to our meeting location. We understand how frustrating that must have been while you were visiting from out of state. Our team does send cancellation notifications as soon as we receive the final decision from our pilots, and we’re sorry that you didn’t see the message before heading out. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and fly with you in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    yasudafam · September 2026

    We ❤️ Rainbow Ryders 🌈

    Rainbow Ryders has perfected the art of hot air ballooning, and have their process down to a science. Efficient, transparent, professional, and safe. Shout out to our pilot, Patrick, and the knowledgeable chase team, who made us feel comfortable & kept us informed throughout. Bucket List ✅

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re honored to hear that your experience checked off a bucket list item and that our team helped make it such a memorable adventure. Providing a safe, professional, and seamless experience is always our goal, so it means a lot to hear your kind words. We’ll be sure to share your shoutout with Patrick and the chase crew. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable flight in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    shoshawnal2026 · August 2026

    Amazing

    This was my second time going on the sunrise hot air balloon tour! Both experiences were great. First time solo, second time with a friend. Ironically, I had Pilot Morghan Chando for both times I had a tour. He made the experience great! Friendly and professional. The entire staff was amazing as well. Would recommend this company for hot air balloon ride.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing Rainbow Ryders for a second flight! We’re thrilled to hear that Morghan made both of your sunrise adventures so memorable and that you enjoyed his friendly and professional approach. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for your next flight!

    via Tripadvisor

    RogerA_V · August 2026

    The ride was smooth and...

    The ride was smooth and Capt. Jesse had the Balloon always under control. The land crew were experts professionals and complemented the Capt very well.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed such a smooth flight and that Captain Jesse and our expert ground crew worked so well together to make your experience enjoyable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team, and we hope to have the pleasure of flying with you again in the future!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $209 to $450
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    271
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Rainbow Ryders, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.1.

    See everything Rainbow Ryders runs

    Why this scores 83

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)91
    Booking momentum (14% weight)90
    Value for money (12% weight)59
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phoenix.

    How much does Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $209 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phoenix usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phoenix is not rushed.

    Is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 773 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Phoenix, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    Around 271 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phoenix can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phoenix and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phoenix within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Phoenix?

    +

    Phoenix runs on desert experiences: sunrise hot air balloon lifts over the Sonoran, Camelback and South Mountain hikes, off-road Tonto Forest tours and day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Heat safety and start times decide whether a tour is good, so we weight timing detail in the ranking. On Outty we rank every Phoenix experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip, Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour, Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Phoenix?

    +

    November to April. Summer tours run at dawn or not at all. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Phoenix?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    Included: Alcoholic beverages; Hot-air balloon flight; Snacks; Live commentary on board; and Local taxes. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenir Merchandise (available to purchase); and No Hotel Pick Up service. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Pregnant women are unable to fly; and Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    Across 773 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, photo opportunities, the guide. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Sunrise Ride, 300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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