Sacaton Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Tucson Estates, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 16m
Distance
122.6 mi
197 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
15 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 7m
★
6 AM
2h 16m
8 AM
2h 35m
10 AM
2h 23m
12 PM
2h 21m
3 PM
2h 24m
5 PM
2h 34m
8 PM
2h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tucson Estates, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Phoenix, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 122.6-mile drive from Tucson Estates to Phoenix, Arizona, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 2 hours and 16 minutes. You'll primarily navigate using the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway and the Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway, with a segment on the Maricopa Freeway. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, it’s an economical option for exploring the Desert Southwest. The route offers a turn-heavy local drive feel, so plan for frequent adjustments rather than a straight shot. It's a straightforward journey perfect for a quick transition between these two Arizona cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
61.3 miles from Tucson Estates, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Grande-Tucson Highway | 54.5 mi | 55m |
| Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway | 38.1 mi | 38m |
| Maricopa Freeway | 13.9 mi | 16m |
| South Freeway | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| West Ajo Highway | 4 mi | 5m |
| South Kinney Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| South 7th Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Ajo Way | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
— 54.5 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tucson Estates, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on this road
234 ft
·
20 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
140 ft
·
12 sec
3
Turn left onto South Western Way Circle
104 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Western Way Circle
4
Turn right onto West Western Way
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
West Western Way
5
Turn left onto South Kinney Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Kinney Road
6
Turn left onto AZ 86
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Ajo Highway
7
Continue on AZ 86
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West Ajo Way
Use the left lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
9
Merge onto I 19
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
Nogales–Tucson Highway
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 10 West: Phoenix
11
Merge onto I 10
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 10
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
51 mi
·
51 min
·
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 10
38 mi
·
38 min
·
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 10
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto East Maricopa Freeway
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Maricopa Freeway
19
Turn right onto South 7th Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South 7th Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour-and-16-minute duration and 122.6-mile distance, this trip works well as a single-day journey, so you have flexibility with departure times. Leaving in the morning can help you avoid the peak heat of the Desert Southwest. While there are no specific recommended stops listed, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 54.5-mile stretch on the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, and plan for a brief pause if needed. The $24 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always be prepared for slight variations.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 61.3 miles from Tucson Estates, AZ, or about 1h 9m 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 27 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61.3 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Phoenix, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tucson Estates, 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 Tucson Estates, AZ
This is one driving day of about 122.6 miles and 2h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Tucson Estates, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 61.3 miles from Tucson Estates, 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Sacaton Rest Area
0 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pride Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Xpress Fuel Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–5 pm
+14805657081
Visit websiteArizona Science Center
3.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
+16027162000
Visit websiteDorrance DOME
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
Visit websiteEnchanted Island Amusement Park
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–4 pm
+16022541200
Visit websiteVillago Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
2.6 mi from route
~6 min detour
Casa Grande, Arizona
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+15204218600
Visit websiteArizona History Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
Tucson, Arizona
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+15206285774
Visit websiteTempe Festival of the Arts
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
+14803556060
Visit websiteTempe Town Lake
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 122.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
8.1 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 10 West: Phoenix
6
17.8 mi into trip
|
~25m 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.
8
118.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
US 60 / Maricopa Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60 / Maricopa Freeway toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
8
120.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
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 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
6
122.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.42 one way
$48.85 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $25.85 | $51.69 |
| premium | $5.59 | $26.99 | $53.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $27.07 | $54.14 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
15 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Starbucks - Tesla Supercharger
Tucson, AZ
Tesla
12 DCFC
Environmental and General Services
Tucson, AZ
Blink Network
4 DCFC
FasCharge 4614 Fast Market Valero Tucson Drexel Rd
Tucson, AZ
RED_E
2 DCFC
FasCharge 4611 Fast Market Valero Tucson Prince Rd
Tucson, AZ
RED_E
2 DCFC
Holmes Tuttle Ford
Tucson, AZ
FORD_CHARGE
2 DCFC
Tucson Subaru
Tucson, AZ
Blink Network
2 DCFC
GPM INVESTMENTS 4612 DC2
Tucson, AZ
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
GPM INVESTMENTS 4612 DC1
Tucson, AZ
ChargePoint Network
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Network: 7
RED_E: 2
Blink Network: 2
Non-Networked: 1
FORD_CHARGE: 1
Tesla: 1
IN_CHARGE: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.8 | 0 | $12.87 | $5.88 |
| Efficient EV | 30.7 | 0 | $10.73 | $4.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49 | 0 | $17.16 | $7.85 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Tucson Estates, AZ
Late night in Tucson Estates on Tuesday
Local time
3:36 AM
MST
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Phoenix, AZ
Late night in Phoenix on Tuesday
Local time
3:36 AM
MST
Current temp
84°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
1 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
2h 16m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
National Monument
An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 76.1
View on nps.gov
Saguaro National Park
National Park
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are pr...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
$25
near mile 8.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive characterized by frequent turns, indicated by its 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile. Only 16% of this route is on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 54.5 miles along the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway. As you progress, the road will likely transition from the southern desert landscapes towards the more urban environment surrounding Phoenix, with varying speed limits and road conditions.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 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?
9/10
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 8.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 12 significant decision points across 122.6 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 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 17.8 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.7 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Tucson Estates, AZ
Full guide →Arriving in Phoenix, AZ
Full guide →Founded 1868
Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, the most populous city in the American Southwest. Warm and sunny winter weather have ensured a thriving tourism industry, and the city has become the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is extremely hot and dry in the summertime, so always have sunscreen with you! It had about 1,625,000 residents in 2021, and is the fifth largest city in the United States.
Top landmarks
- • Arizona State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Arizona
- • Phoenix Art Museum — art museum in Phoenix, Arizona
- • St. Mary's Basilica — Roman Catholic church in Phoenix, Arizona
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 2h 16m. Total distance: 122.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 Phoenix, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 17.8 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.7 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Saguaro National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Phoenix, AZ before heading back.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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