This 211-mile drive from Winslow, AZ, to Tempe, AZ, will take you approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, so you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $42. You'll be traveling through the Desert Southwest region for the entire trip, as both your origin and destination are in Arizona. This route is characterized by its frequent turns and local road segments, so be prepared for a more involved driving experience than a simple interstate cruise. It's a practical option for getting from point A to point B within the state.
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
105.5 miles from Winslow, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 49m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Winslow, AZ and Tempe, AZ.
1
Start on I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist
0.2 mi·18 sec·East 3rd Street
2
Continue on I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist
0.2 mi·17 sec·West 3rd Steet
3
Continue on I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist
1.4 mi·2 min·West 3rd Street
4
Turn right onto I 40 Bus; AZ 99; US 66 Hist
0.1 mi·16 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
25 mi·28 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 200AToward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, TucsonUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
18
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.1 mi·7 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi·41 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop East
21
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
7.9 mi·9 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 8Toward McClintock DriveUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
1.5 mi·3 min·South McClintock Drive
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto US 80 Hist
60 ft·1 sec·East Apache Boulevard
Use the right lane.
25
Arrive at destination
US 80 Hist
Trip Plan
With a duration of under 4 hours, this trip from Winslow to Tempe is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to be mindful of fuel, especially given the $42 estimated cost. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means you should pay close attention to your navigation. A specific tip for this drive: since a significant portion is on local roads, keep an eye out for speed limit changes and be prepared for traffic, particularly as you approach Tempe.
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 105.5 miles from Winslow, AZ, or about 1h 49m 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 46 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.5 miles or 1h 49m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tempe, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Winslow, 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 Winslow, AZ
This is one driving day of about 211 miles and 3h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Winslow, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 196.5 and 209 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
196.5 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
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 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
196.7 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
8
200.7 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
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 147
Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
8
201.1 mi into trip|~3h 30m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
7
209 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward McClintock Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward McClintock Drive
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.03 one way
$84.07 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$44.48
$88.97
premium
$5.59
$46.44
$92.89
diesel
$5.61
$46.59
$93.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.3
0
$22.15
$10.13
Efficient EV
52.8
0
$18.46
$8.44
EV Truck/SUV
84.4
1
$29.54
$13.50
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 15, 2026
Origin
Winslow, AZ
Evening
in Winslow on Saturday
Local time
7:45 PM
MST
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tempe, AZ
Evening
in Tempe on Saturday
Local time
7:45 PM
MST
Current temp
93°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
18 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 43m 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.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
$25
near mile 50.9
Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$10
near mile 109.1
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
$25
near mile 43.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 211-mile journey. While 22% of the route utilizes highways, the overall feel is less about high-speed cruising and more about navigating various local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 93 miles on the Arizona Veterans Highway, offering a brief period of more consistent travel before you transition back to a more varied road profile. The Purple Heart Trail and Black Canyon Freeway are also part of your path, indicating a mix of memorial routes and major arteries. This isn't a monotonous interstate grind; rather, it's a drive that requires your attention due to the frequent changes in direction and road type.
Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
25 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?
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 196.5 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 211 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 196.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): 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 Winslow, AZ and Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Tucson.
Flagstaff
58 mi in|~1h
Phoenix
58.1 mi in|~1h
Los Angeles
196.5 mi in|~3h 24m
Tucson
196.7 mi in|~3h 24m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 43m. Total distance: 211 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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.
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, 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 196.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Tempe, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
