This 348.5-mile drive from Fredonia, AZ to Tempe, AZ will take approximately 6 hours and 53 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll primarily travel on the Arizona Veterans Highway, Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway, and Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway. With a highway share of only 15%, expect a more local driving experience rather than high-speed interstate travel. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $70. Both your starting and ending points are within the Desert Southwest region, so you'll remain in a familiar landscape throughout your travels.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
174.2 miles from Fredonia, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 41m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Fredonia, AZ and Tempe, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 389
47 ft·3 sec·West Pratt Street
2
Turn right onto US 89A
1.6 mi·2 min·South Main Street
3
Continue on US 89A
84 mi·1 hr 53 min·Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 89
57 mi·1 hr 6 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
5
Continue on US 89
0.3 mi·26 sec·US 89
6
Continue on US 89
1.4 mi·2 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
7
Enter roundabout onto US 89
154 ft·2 sec·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
8
Continue on US 89
38 mi·44 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
9
Continue on US 89
6.4 mi·8 min·US Highway 89
10
Continue on US 89
2.3 mi·4 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
11
Turn left onto Country Club Drive
0.3 mi·51 sec·Country Club Drive
Use the left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto I 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Purple Heart Trail
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
16
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi·1 hr 33 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
17
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 17
25 mi·28 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 200AToward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, TucsonUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
25
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.1 mi·7 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi·41 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop East
28
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
7.9 mi·9 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 8Toward McClintock DriveUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
1.5 mi·3 min·South McClintock Drive
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right onto US 80 Hist
60 ft·1 sec·East Apache Boulevard
Use the right lane.
32
Arrive at destination
US 80 Hist
Trip Plan
For this single-day drive, consider an early morning departure from Fredonia, AZ, to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. With a total duration of nearly 7 hours, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, though you might want to take advantage of the flexibility this drive offers for spontaneous breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition onto the local roads, and be mindful of the turn-heavy nature of the route. The estimated fuel cost is $70, so factor that into your budget.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.2 miles from Fredonia, AZ, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 77 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.2 miles or 3h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tempe, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fredonia, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fredonia, AZ
This is one driving day of about 348.5 miles and 6h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Fredonia, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Arizona Veterans Highway for about 93 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 334 and 346.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
334 mi into trip|~6h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
334.2 mi into trip|~6h 34m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
8
338.2 mi into trip|~6h 39m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 147
Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
8
338.7 mi into trip|~6h 40m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
7
346.5 mi into trip|~6h 49m in
Take the exit toward McClintock Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward McClintock Drive
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$69.43 one way
$138.85 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$73.47
$146.95
premium
$5.59
$76.71
$153.42
diesel
$5.61
$76.94
$153.89
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$69
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.6
1
$36.59
$16.73
Efficient EV
87.1
0
$30.49
$13.94
EV Truck/SUV
139.4
1
$48.79
$22.30
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Fredonia, AZ
Evening
in Fredonia on Saturday
Local time
6:08 PM
MST
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
W 12 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Tempe, AZ
Evening
in Tempe on Saturday
Local time
6:08 PM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
30 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 53m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
$25
near mile 192.3
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$25
near mile 168.2
Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of mil...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$30
near mile 72.1
The rich history of Pipe Spring and its flowing water comes alive as you explore the traditions of the Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers through the museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Hike...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' with only 15% of the journey on highways. You'll experience a more winding and potentially slower pace, especially on the local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 93 miles on the Arizona Veterans Highway. Be prepared for frequent changes in direction and road type as you navigate between these connecting highways, offering a hands-on driving experience.
Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 334 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 348.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 334 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 334.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 338.2 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fredonia, AZ and Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 53m. Total distance: 348.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 53m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Tempe, AZ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 334 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 334.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 338.2 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tempe, AZ before the return drive.
