Trip from Kayenta, AZ to Tucson, AZ

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 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

$72

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

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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.

Start on Comb Ridge Road

42 ft · 3 sec · Comb Ridge Road

Turn right

0.1 mi · 30 sec

Turn right onto US 163

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

Turn right onto US 160

82 mi · 1 hr 34 min · Navajo Trail

At end of road, turn left onto US 89

14 mi · 16 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway

Continue on US 89

0.3 mi · 26 sec · US 89

Continue on US 89

1.4 mi · 2 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway

Enter roundabout onto US 89

154 ft · 2 sec · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway

Continue on US 89

38 mi · 44 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway

Continue on US 89

6.4 mi · 8 min · US Highway 89

Continue on US 89

2.3 mi · 4 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway

Turn left onto Country Club Drive

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Country Club Drive

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 40

4.7 mi · 5 min · Purple Heart Trail

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec

Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min

Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix

Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A

93 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Arizona Veterans Highway

Continue on I 17

5.8 mi · 5 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 10 min · Black Canyon Freeway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on I 17

3.2 mi · 3 min · North Black Canyon Highway

Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 17

28 mi · 32 min · Black Canyon Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 17; US 60

16 mi · 18 min · Maricopa Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

38 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

55 mi · 55 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

3.6 mi · 4 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec

Exit 258 Toward Congress Street, Broadway Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto North Freeway Road

159 ft · 4 sec · North Freeway Road

Turn left onto West Congress Street

0.3 mi · 56 sec · West Congress Street

Continue on West Broadway Boulevard

2.9 mi · 6 min · West Broadway Boulevard

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto North Country Club Road

131 ft · 8 sec · North Country Club Road

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.

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flagstaff, 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.

Popular next leg

Flagstaff, AZ to Tucson, AZ

259.2 mi · 4h 36m

Pacing Suggestions

Kaibito, AZ

Fuel and coffee

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

Flagstaff, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

The Northern Pines Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Flagstaff, Arizona

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch · 2h 42m in 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19282661929

Visit website

Best coffee break

Amigo Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kayenta, Arizona

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10:30 AM–8 PM

+19286978448

Visit website

Cafe Desta

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tucson, Arizona

2.6 mi

Coronet Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tucson, Arizona

2.7 mi

The Northern Pines Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Flagstaff, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19282661929

Visit website

Amigo Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Kayenta, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 AM–8 PM

+19286978448

Visit website

Cafe Desta

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Tucson, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15203707000

Visit website

Coronet Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Tucson, Arizona

2.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

2.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

2.5 mi from route

Arizona History Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Tucson, Arizona

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15206285774

Visit website

Pioneer Living History Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16234651052

Visit website

Arizona Science Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+16027162000

Visit website

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+16022541200

Visit website

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Camp Verde, Arizona

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+19285672840

Visit website

Dorrance DOME

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 2–9 pm

+16234015867

Visit website

Valley of the Moon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

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.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

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.

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...

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

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

$72.44 one way

$144.88 round trip

$4.50/gal 25.4 MPG avg 143 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.82	$77.58	$155.15
premium	$5.04	$81.15	$162.30
diesel	$4.80	$77.19	$154.38

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$72

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$97–$122

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, 2026-07-13.

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 Jul 17, 2026

Origin

Kayenta, AZ

Evening in Kayenta on Saturday

Local time

8:50 PM

MDT

Current temp

66°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 2 to 7 mph 45% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:51PM MST until July 16 at 10:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:46PM MST until July 16 at 9:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

Destination

Tucson, AZ

Evening in Tucson on Saturday

Local time

7:50 PM

MST

Current temp

72°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SE 5 mph 67% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:51PM MST until July 16 at 10:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:46PM MST until July 16 at 9:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ

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

6 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

National Monument

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.

Elevation Profile

High-altitude sections with notable climbs

6,844 ft 1,048 ft

Total Climb

4,751 ft

Total Descent

7,911 ft

Highest Point

6,844 ft

~146 mi in

Elevation Range

5,796 ft

Notable High Points

6,343 ft at ~29.2 miles +665 ft prominence

6,844 ft at ~146 miles +403 ft prominence

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

Starting in Kayenta, AZ

Full guide →

Kayenta is a small town near the northern border of Arizona and part of the Navajo Nation. The population was 5,189 at the 2010 census. Kayenta is 22 miles (35 km) south of Monument Valley and contains a number of hotels and motels which service visitors to Monument Valley.

Arriving in Tucson, AZ

Full guide →

Founded 1775

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.

Top landmarks

• Pima Air & Space Museum — aerospace museum in Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Arizona State Museum — museum in Arizona, United States
• Rialto Theatre — theater and concert venue in Tucson, Arizona, United States

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 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.

Yes — we found about 26 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Navajo 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 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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

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Trip from Kayenta, AZ to Tucson, AZ

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

The Northern Pines Restaurant

Amigo Cafe

The Northern Pines Restaurant

Amigo Cafe

Cafe Desta

Coronet Cafe

Sacaton Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

Sunset Point Rest Area

McGuireville Rest Area

McGuireville Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

Rocky Mountain Truck Centers

Love's Travel Stop

Petro Stopping Centers

Love's Travel Stop

Pilot Travel Center

TA

Love's Travel Stop

Sacaton Rest Area

Pilot Travel Center

Xpress Fuel Travel Center

Pride Travel Center

Rest Area

Rest Area

Pilot Travel Center

Rest Area

Service Plaza

Rest Area

Service Plaza

Service Plaza

Service Plaza

Arizona History Museum

Pioneer Living History Museum

Arizona Science Center

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Dorrance DOME

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Valley of the Moon

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Kayenta, AZ

Tucson, AZ

1 hour earlier

6 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 34m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Navajo National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Saguaro National Park

Wupatki National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Kayenta, AZ

Arriving in Tucson, AZ

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?