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Trip from Tombstone, AZ to Tempe Junction, AZ

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

Drive Time

3h 22m

Distance

177.8 mi

286 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 10m ★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 15m

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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city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States

Tombstone, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tempe Junction, AZ, AZ

Tempe Junction, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

Trip Overview

Spanning 177.8 miles through the heart of the Desert Southwest, this journey from Tombstone to Tempe Junction typically takes about 3 hours and 22 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, you can easily complete this trip in a single day, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to reach their destination without an overnight stop. Your route utilizes a combination of the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, I-10 Bus, and the Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $35, it remains a budget-friendly option for travelers moving across the Arizona landscape. Whether you are relocating or just exploring, the transition between these two points offers a straightforward path through the region. This drive is best viewed as a practical transit route rather than a leisurely sightseeing tour, providing a consistent pace from start to finish.

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

88.9 miles from Tombstone, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway 54.5 mi 55m
I 10 Bus 43.6 mi 46m
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway 38.1 mi 38m
State Route 80 17.2 mi 25m
South Freeway 6 mi 6m
Maricopa Freeway 5.8 mi 6m
South Lee Street 4.2 mi 6m
South Priest Drive 2 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Casa Grande-Tucson Highway — 54.5 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tombstone, AZ and Tempe Junction, AZ.

1

Start on this road

295 ft · 27 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto South 4th Street

0.1 mi · 30 sec · South 4th Street
3

Turn left onto AZ 80; US 80 Hist

0.3 mi · 23 sec · East Fremont Street
4

Continue on AZ 80; US 80 Hist

0.1 mi · 11 sec · North Sumner Street
5

Continue on AZ 80; US 80 Hist

12 mi · 17 min · State Route 80
6

Continue on AZ 80; US 80 Hist

4.2 mi · 6 min · South Lee Street
7

Continue on AZ 80; US 80 Hist

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Patton Street
8

Continue on AZ 80; US 80 Hist

5.3 mi · 8 min · State Route 80
9

Turn left

63 ft · 2 sec
10

Turn right onto I 10 Bus

1.8 mi · 2 min · East 4th Street
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist

44 mi · 46 min · I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist
Toward I 10 West: Tucson Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 10

6.0 mi · 6 min · South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 10

3.7 mi · 4 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10

51 mi · 51 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 10

38 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 10

5.8 mi · 6 min · Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Exit 155 Toward Baseline Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn right onto West Baseline Road

0.2 mi · 34 sec · West Baseline Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19

Turn left onto South Priest Drive

2.0 mi · 4 min · South Priest Drive
Use the left lane.
20

Turn right onto West Broadway Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Broadway Road
Use the right lane.
21

Turn left onto South Roosevelt Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Roosevelt Street
Use the left lane.
22

At end of road, turn right onto West 13th Street

0.3 mi · 47 sec · West 13th Street
23

Arrive at destination

West 13th Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though planning for one strategic stop will help break up the 3-hour and 22-minute duration. Keep in mind that your fuel budget is roughly $35, so topping off your tank before leaving Tombstone is a smart way to avoid unnecessary stops along the busier highway sections. Given the nature of the route, stay mindful of changing speed limits as you transition between the primary highways and local connecting roads. Use the 54.5-mile stretch on the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway to settle into a comfortable rhythm, but remain ready to adjust your pace as you approach the Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway segment. Prioritizing a steady, consistent speed will help you manage your fuel efficiency effectively throughout the drive.

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 88.9 miles from Tombstone, AZ, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.5 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 39 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 88.9 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 44m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Tombstone, 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 Tombstone, AZ

This is one driving day of about 177.8 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Tombstone, 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 Casa Grande-Tucson Highway for about 54.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Pima County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

South Tucson, AZ

89 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

Whetstone, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marana, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88.9 miles from Tombstone, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Rainforest Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tempe, Arizona

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 177.8

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14807529100

Visit website

Rainforest Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 177.8

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14807529100

Visit website

Tempe Festival of the Arts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 177.8

Tempe, Arizona

+14803556060

Visit website

Tempe Town Lake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 177.8

Tempe, Arizona

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 177.8

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+14805657081

Visit website

Villago Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 139.7

Casa Grande, Arizona

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+15204218600

Visit website

Amusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 177.8

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: Closed

+14809958653

Visit website

Riverview Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 177.8

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14806442352

Visit website

Tyrannostorus

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 177.8

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+14805974467

Visit website

Arizona History Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 76.2

Tucson, Arizona

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15206285774

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 25.7 and 176.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
25.7 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist toward I 10 West: Tucson

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 10 West: Tucson
6
79.1 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
173.7 mi into trip | ~3h 13m in

Take the exit toward Baseline Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 155 Toward Baseline Road
6
174.3 mi into trip | ~3h 14m in | South Priest Drive

Turn left onto South Priest Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
176.3 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | West Broadway Road

Turn right onto West Broadway Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.42 one way

$70.84 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $37.49 $74.97
premium $5.59 $39.14 $78.27
diesel $5.61 $39.26 $78.51

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.3 0 $18.67 $8.53
Efficient EV 44.5 0 $15.56 $7.11
EV Truck/SUV 71.1 0 $24.89 $11.38

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 16, 2026

Origin

Tombstone, AZ

Afternoon in Tombstone on Sunday

Local time

1:24 PM

MST

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tempe Junction, AZ

Afternoon in Tempe Junction on Sunday

Local time

1:24 PM

MST

Current temp

89°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

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

3h 22m 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?

Expect a mixed driving experience as you navigate this 177.8-mile stretch, which is comprised of approximately 41% highway travel. You will encounter varying road conditions, ranging from faster highway segments to more localized transit as you transition through the desert terrain. The longest uninterrupted portion of your journey occurs on the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, where you will spend 54.5 miles focused on the road ahead. Because the profile is defined as a mixed drive, you should be prepared for shifts in traffic flow and road design. Staying alert is essential, especially as the character of the road changes from the initial desert stretches into the more built-up areas approaching Tempe Junction.

41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.5 mi on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 25.7 miles in near I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 177.8 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 25.7 miles (I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.1 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 173.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 177.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.5 miles on Casa Grande-Tucson 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 Junction, 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 25.7 miles (I 10 Bus; US 80 Hist): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.1 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 173.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Tempe Junction, 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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Tempe Junction, AZ to Tombstone, AZ

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