Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Kayenta, AZ to Tucson, AZ

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 34m

Distance

408.8 mi

658 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$81

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
7h 24m ★
6 AM
7h 34m
8 AM
7h 54m
10 AM
7h 41m
12 PM
7h 39m
3 PM
7h 42m
5 PM
7h 53m
8 PM
7h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Kayenta, AZ, AZ

Kayenta, AZ

Hans D.

city in and county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States

Tucson, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 408.8 miles across the heart of the Desert Southwest, this journey from Kayenta to Tucson takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes of active driving time. While it is technically possible to complete this trip in one day, the duration makes for a long haul behind the wheel, so consider your stamina before heading out. You will spend your time navigating a mix of roads, including the Arizona Veterans Highway, the Navajo Trail, and the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway. Budgeting around $80 for fuel is a smart move to ensure you aren't caught off guard at the pump. Since the entire route stays within Arizona, you will remain within the same desert environment, yet the transition from the high plateau of the north to the southern basins provides a noticeable shift in terrain. Ultimately, this drive serves as a practical, albeit significant, cross-state connection.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

204.4 miles from Kayenta, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway 93 mi 1h 33m
Navajo Trail 82.1 mi 1h 34m
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway 54.6 mi 55m
Flagstaff-Cameron Highway 40.2 mi 48m
Black Canyon Freeway 38.4 mi 42m
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway 37.8 mi 38m
Maricopa Freeway 16.3 mi 18m
Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway 15.3 mi 18m
Longest stretch: Arizona Veterans Highway — 93 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kayenta, AZ and Tucson, AZ.

1

Start on Comb Ridge Road

42 ft · 3 sec · Comb Ridge Road
2

Turn right

0.1 mi · 30 sec
3

Turn right onto US 163

1.4 mi · 2 min · Kayenta-Utah State Line Highway
4

Turn right onto US 160

82 mi · 1 hr 34 min · Navajo Trail
5

At end of road, turn left onto US 89

14 mi · 16 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
6

Continue on US 89

0.3 mi · 26 sec · US 89
7

Continue on US 89

1.4 mi · 2 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
8

Enter roundabout onto US 89

154 ft · 2 sec · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
9

Continue on US 89

38 mi · 44 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
10

Continue on US 89

6.4 mi · 8 min · US Highway 89
11

Continue on US 89

2.3 mi · 4 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
12

Turn left onto Country Club Drive

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Country Club Drive
Use the left lane.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Use the right lane.
14

Merge onto I 40

4.7 mi · 5 min · Purple Heart Trail
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
16

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
17

Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A

93 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Arizona Veterans Highway
18

Continue on I 17

5.8 mi · 5 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 10 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on I 17

3.2 mi · 3 min · North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
21

Continue on I 17

28 mi · 32 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on I 17; US 60

16 mi · 18 min · Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on I 10

38 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on I 10

55 mi · 55 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Continue on I 10

3.6 mi · 4 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec
Exit 258 Toward Congress Street, Broadway Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Turn straight onto North Freeway Road

159 ft · 4 sec · North Freeway Road
28

Turn left onto West Congress Street

0.3 mi · 56 sec · West Congress Street
29

Continue on West Broadway Boulevard

2.9 mi · 6 min · West Broadway Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
30

Turn left onto North Country Club Road

131 ft · 8 sec · North Country Club Road
31

Arrive at destination

North Country Club Road

Trip Plan

To manage the 7-hour and 34-minute drive effectively, plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs and refresh your focus. Given the nature of this turn-heavy route, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and ensure you reach your destination with plenty of daylight remaining. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially when traversing the sections outside of major hubs, and keep that $80 fuel budget in mind as a baseline for your trip expenses. Since this is a long, singular day of travel, having your navigation and playlists ready before you pull out of Kayenta will keep your journey smooth. Remember that because the road requires active driving, pacing yourself is more important than speed.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 204.4 miles from Kayenta, AZ, or about 3h 55m 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 90 miles or 1h 44m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 204.4 miles or 3h 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tucson, AZ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kayenta, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Kayenta, AZ

This is one driving day of about 408.8 miles and 7h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Kayenta, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks 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.

town in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Prescott Valley, AZ

204 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Kaibito, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Prescott Valley, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 204.4 miles from Kayenta, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Northern Pines Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Flagstaff, Arizona

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 146

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19282661929

Visit website

The Northern Pines Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 146

Flagstaff, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19282661929

Visit website

Arizona History Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 408.8

Tucson, Arizona

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15206285774

Visit website

Pioneer Living History Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 262.8

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16234651052

Visit website

Arizona Science Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 292

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+16027162000

Visit website

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 292

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+16022541200

Visit website

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 204.4

Camp Verde, Arizona

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+19285672840

Visit website

Dorrance DOME

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 292

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 292

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 2–9 pm

+16234015867

Visit website

Valley of the Moon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 408.8

Tucson, Arizona

+15203231331

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 405.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

6
146.1 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
151.2 mi into trip | ~3h in

Take the exit toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flags...
6
151.4 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
8
405.1 mi into trip | ~7h 25m in

Take the exit toward Congress Street, Broadway Boulevard

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 258 Toward Congress Street, Broadway Boulevard

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$81.44 one way

$162.88 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 143 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $86.19 $172.37
premium $5.59 $89.98 $179.97
diesel $5.61 $90.26 $180.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$81

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$106–$131

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 143 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 122.6 1 $42.92 $19.62
Efficient EV 102.2 1 $35.77 $16.35
EV Truck/SUV 163.5 2 $57.23 $26.16

Gas CO2

143 kg

EV CO2

48 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

Kayenta, AZ

Evening in Kayenta on Saturday

Local time

7:10 PM

MDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tucson, AZ

Evening in Tucson on Saturday

Local time

6:10 PM

MST

Current temp

54°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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

9 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

7h 34m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a mindless cruise. Only 16% of your total mileage is spent on major highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time navigating regional connectors. You should prepare for a rhythm that requires frequent adjustments, though you will find a brief reprieve during the longest stretch of 93 miles along the Arizona Veterans Highway. Because this route relies heavily on local roads, the drive feels more intimate and connected to the landscape than a standard interstate grind. As you move toward the southern region, the character of the road shifts from rural Navajo Nation stretches into the more structured corridors leading toward the Casa Grande-Tucson area.

Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 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?

7/10

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 early in the drive.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 408.8 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 146.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Kayenta, AZ and Tucson, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.

Flagstaff

151.2 mi in | ~3h

Phoenix

151.4 mi in | ~3h 1m

About the Cities

Arriving in Tucson, AZ

Full guide →

Tucson (TOO-sawn), also known as the "Old Pueblo", is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona and the county seat of Pima County in the Sonoran Desert. It is at a higher elevation than nearby Phoenix and is correspondingly cooler. Although with half a million residents it is smaller than the capital city, its cultural life is just as vibrant.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 34m. Total distance: 408.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

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 Tucson, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 146.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tucson, AZ before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Tucson, AZ

Beaver Dam, AZ 495.1 mi · 9h 36m Cottonwood, AZ 356.3 mi · 8h 9m Willow Valley, AZ 350.3 mi · 6h 36m Yuma, AZ 241.5 mi · 4h 14m

More from Kayenta, AZ

Gilbert, AZ 315 mi · 5h 57m Peoria, AZ 289.3 mi · 5h 27m Deer Valley, AZ 276 mi · 5h 10m

More trips to Tucson, AZ

Pinon, AZ 416.6 mi Mohave Valley, AZ 351.8 mi Grand Canyon Village, AZ 344.2 mi Dolan Springs, AZ 340.8 mi Desert Hills, AZ 323.3 mi Lake Havasu City, AZ 316.5 mi
Escape planner: Kayenta, AZ Scenic drives in AZ

Explore more options from Kayenta, AZ or browse trips ending in Tucson, AZ.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.