Traveling from Mesa to Bullhead City covers 239.4 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 56 minutes. You will navigate through the Desert Southwest via Grand Avenue, the Purple Heart Trail, and the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, it works well as a straightforward day trip without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $48 for fuel to complete the trek. This route offers a direct connection between these two Arizona desert hubs, providing a practical transit option for those looking to reach the Colorado River area efficiently.
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
119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
106.7 mi
2h 9m
Grand Avenue
27.4 mi
37m
Purple Heart Trail
21.5 mi
21m
Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
18.3 mi
21m
Papago Freeway
11.8 mi
13m
Red Mountain Freeway
10.9 mi
12m
Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
9 mi
10m
Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
8.9 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
— 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ.
1
Start on East University Drive
2.0 mi·3 min·East University Drive
2
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi·3 min·North Alma School Road
3
Turn left
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop WestUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
11 mi·12 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 WestUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
8
Continue on I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 133BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
8.8 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 11Toward US 60Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto US 60
20 mi·28 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
159 ft·3 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
14
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
15
Continue on US 60
0.2 mi·15 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
16
Continue on US 60
0.1 mi·8 sec·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
17
Continue on US 60
6.3 mi·7 min·Grand Avenue
18
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·31 sec·Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway
19
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
20
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
21
Enter roundabout onto US 93
2 ft·0 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
22
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
26
Enter roundabout onto US 93
100 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
27
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
28
Enter roundabout onto US 93
155 ft·6 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
29
Continue on US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
30
Turn left onto US 93
112 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
101 mi·1 hr 58 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
32
Continue on US 93
0.3 mi·23 sec·Wickenburg-Kingman Highway
33
Take the exit onto US 93
0.7 mi·1 min·US 93
Toward I 40 West
34
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·21 min·Purple Heart Trail
35
Take the exit onto US 93
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas
36
Turn slight right onto US 93
222 ft·7 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las VegasUse the right lane.
37
Merge onto US 93
1.8 mi·2 min·West Beale Street
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on US 93
1.4 mi·1 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
39
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, LaughlinUse the right lane.
40
Continue on AZ 68
6.5 mi·8 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
41
Continue on AZ 68
1.9 mi·2 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
42
Continue on AZ 68
1.5 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
43
Continue on AZ 68
16 mi·19 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
44
Continue on AZ 68
0.8 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
45
Continue on AZ 95
1.7 mi·2 min·Mohave Valley Highway
46
Turn left onto 4th Street
20 ft·0 sec·4th Street
47
Arrive at destination
4th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 56-minute travel time, plan for at least one stop to break up the drive. Since this is a turn-heavy route, starting your trip early in the day is a smart way to navigate the more technical stretches while you are fresh and alert. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $48 estimate is based on current conditions and can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because the trip is compact enough for a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected traffic or road conditions. Use your single planned stop to stretch and ensure you are ready for the final, more winding segments of the road.
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 119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 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 53 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.7 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bullhead City, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mesa, 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 Mesa, AZ
This is one driving day of about 239.4 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Mesa, 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 Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.6 and 209.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.6 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
6
14.8 mi into trip|~20m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 West
7
28.1 mi into trip|~35m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 133B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
7
37.8 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward US 60
8
209.5 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 67
Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.69 one way
$95.38 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$50.47
$100.94
premium
$5.59
$52.70
$105.39
diesel
$5.61
$52.86
$105.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.8
0
$25.14
$11.49
Efficient EV
59.9
0
$20.95
$9.58
EV Truck/SUV
95.8
1
$33.52
$15.32
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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 17, 2026
Origin
Mesa, AZ
Evening
in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
7:49 PM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bullhead City, AZ
Evening
in Bullhead City on Saturday
Local time
7:49 PM
MST
Current temp
77°F
Patchy Blowing Dust
N 28 to 48 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 17 at 4:56AM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 17 at 4:56AM PDT until April 17 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
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
16 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 56m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While about 14% of the journey consists of highway travel, the rest of the route relies on local roads that require more frequent adjustments than a standard interstate cruise. You will face a longest uninterrupted stretch of 106.7 miles on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, which serves as the primary backbone of the trip. The road’s personality shifts from the busy urban corridors near Mesa into the more technical, winding sections as you head toward the destination. Be prepared for a driving experience that feels more interactive and varied than a simple highway slog.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.7 mi on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 3.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 239.4 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mesa, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 239.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.7 miles on Wickenburg–Kingman 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 Bullhead City, 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Bullhead City, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
