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Trip from LeChee, AZ to Chandler, AZ

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 59m

Distance

222.1 mi

357 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 47m ★
6 AM
4h 0m
8 AM
4h 26m
10 AM
4h 9m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 25m
8 PM
3h 52m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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census-designated place in Coconino County, Arizona, United States

LeChee, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Chandler, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

LeChee, AZ to Chandler, AZ is 222.1 miles and takes about 3h 59m via Arizona Veterans Highway, Purple Heart Trail, and Black Canyon Freeway, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest, traversing Arizona for its entirety. Expect a drive that largely utilizes surface roads, making it a more grounded experience than a pure freeway run. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route offers a straightforward option for moving between these two points in Arizona.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

111.1 miles from LeChee, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway 93 mi 1h 33m
Purple Heart Trail 55.7 mi 56m
Black Canyon Freeway 38.4 mi 42m
Maricopa Freeway 8.8 mi 10m
US 60 7.6 mi 8m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway 5.8 mi 5m
North Arizona Avenue 4 mi 6m
North Black Canyon Highway 3.2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Arizona Veterans Highway — 93 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between LeChee, AZ and Chandler, AZ.

1

Start on Cooper Town Road

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Cooper Town Road
2

Turn left onto West Winslow Industrial Spur

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Winslow Industrial Spur
3

Continue on I 40 Bus Spur

1.1 mi · 2 min · West 3rd Street
4

Turn left onto I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Hipkoe Drive
5

Take the ramp onto I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist

0.3 mi · 44 sec · I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist
6

Merge onto I 40; US 180; AZ 99

56 mi · 56 min · Purple Heart Trail
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
8

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
9

Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A

93 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Arizona Veterans Highway
10

Continue on I 17

5.8 mi · 5 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 10 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on I 17

3.2 mi · 3 min · North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
13

Continue on I 17

28 mi · 32 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 17; US 60

8.8 mi · 10 min · Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto US 60

7.6 mi · 8 min · US 60
Exit 154 Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 179 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Chandler Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn right onto AZ 87

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Country Club Drive
Use the right lane.
18

Continue on AZ 87

4.0 mi · 6 min · North Arizona Avenue
Use the left lane.
19

Turn left onto East Chandler Boulevard

149 ft · 12 sec · East Chandler Boulevard
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

East Chandler Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given the 3h 59m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning is ideal to allow for flexibility. With only one stop recommended, you can choose a convenient spot for a break or push through. The $44 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the advantage of not needing to book overnight accommodations. Pay attention to signage when transitioning between the Arizona Veterans Highway and the Purple Heart Trail.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 111.1 miles from LeChee, AZ, or about 1h 57m 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 49 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.1 miles or 1h 57m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 10m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving LeChee, 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 LeChee, AZ

This is one driving day of about 222.1 miles and 3h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from LeChee, 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.

town in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Prescott Valley, AZ

111 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

Flagstaff, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sedona, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.1 miles from LeChee, 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 · home stretch

Rainforest Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tempe, Arizona

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 17min to go 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14807529100

Visit website

Rainforest Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14807529100

Visit website

Otro Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+16022660831

Visit website

Meteor Crater Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Sunset Point Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

McGuireville Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

McGuireville Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Meteor Crater Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Rocky Mountain Truck Centers

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.9 mi from route

Service Plaza

2 mi from route

Fort Tuthill County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Flagstaff, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19286798000

Visit website

Pioneer Living History Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16234651052

Visit website

Flagstaff Snow Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Flagstaff, Arizona

+19282245938

Visit website

Amusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: Closed

+14809958653

Visit website

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+14805657081

Visit website

Standin' on The Corner Foundation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Winslow, AZ

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Camp Verde, Arizona

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+19285672840

Visit website

Tempe Festival of the Arts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Tempe, Arizona

+14803556060

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 58.2 and 216.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
58.2 mi into trip | ~1h 2m 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
58.4 mi into trip | ~1h 3m 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
208.6 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in | US 60

Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe

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 154 Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
8
216.2 mi into trip | ~3h 49m in

Take the exit toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Chandler

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 179 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Chandler
5
216.6 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in | AZ 87 / South Country Club Drive

Turn right onto AZ 87 / South Country Club Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.25 one way

$88.49 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $46.82 $93.65
premium $5.59 $48.89 $97.78
diesel $5.61 $49.04 $98.07

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.6 0 $23.32 $10.66
Efficient EV 55.5 0 $19.43 $8.88
EV Truck/SUV 88.8 1 $31.09 $14.21

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 20, 2026

Origin

LeChee, AZ

Late night in LeChee on Tuesday

Local time

5:02 AM

MST

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chandler, AZ

Late night in Chandler on Tuesday

Local time

5:02 AM

MST

Current temp

87°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

19 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

3h 59m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route features a 25% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest stretch on a single highway is 93 miles along the Arizona Veterans Highway. You'll transition from highway cruising to more localized surface roads as you approach your destination. Be prepared for merging traffic as you connect with the Black Canyon Freeway.

Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 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 around 58.2 miles in.

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 11 significant decision points across 222.1 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 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 208.6 miles (US 60): 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 LeChee, AZ and Chandler, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff, Phoenix and Globe.

Flagstaff

58.2 mi in | ~1h 2m

Phoenix

58.4 mi in | ~1h 3m

Globe

208.6 mi in | ~3h 40m | via US 60

About the Cities

Starting in LeChee, AZ

Full guide →

Arriving in Chandler, AZ

Full guide →

Founded 1912

Chandler is a city in Arizona, and a medium-sized suburb of Phoenix with over 240,000 residents. It is a delightful place to visit.

Top landmarks

  • • McCullough-Price House — 1938 pueblo revival home in Chandler, Arizona
  • • San Marcos Hotel — Historic place in Chandler, Ariona

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 3h 59m. Total distance: 222.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

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.

Yes — we found about 11 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 Chandler, 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. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 208.6 miles (US 60): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Chandler, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

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