Catalina, AZ to Tempe, AZ is 100.9 miles and takes about 2h 6m via Pinal Pioneer Parkway, Superstition Freeway, and North Pinal Parkway, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Desert Southwest, offering a highway-focused experience as you travel between two points in Arizona. It's a straightforward trip, ideal for a single day's journey without needing an overnight stop. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these locations, keeping travel time and fuel costs predictable.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50.5 miles from Catalina, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 2m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 6m. Total distance: 100.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with about 80% of the 100.9 miles on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 35.9 miles along Pinal Pioneer Parkway, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While the profile is largely highway, the specific parkway sections might introduce subtle changes in pace and surrounding scenery. This isn't a winding mountain road, but rather a direct path designed for efficient travel across the Arizona landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pinal Pioneer Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 35.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pinal Pioneer Parkway and Superstition Freeway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near AZ 77 / Tucson-Globe Highway.
Driving Effort6/10
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 100.9 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.9 miles (AZ 77 / Tucson-Globe Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (AZ 79; US 80 Hist / State Route 79): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.4 miles (US 80 Hist): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.9 mi into trip|~3m in|AZ 77 / Tucson-Globe Highway
Turn right onto AZ 77 / Tucson-Globe Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
4.1 mi into trip|~7m in|AZ 79; US 80 Hist / State Route 79
Turn left onto AZ 79; US 80 Hist / State Route 79
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
62.4 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 80 Hist
Turn left onto US 80 Hist toward US 60 West: Apache Junction, Mesa, Phoenix
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 60 West: Apache Junction, Mesa, Phoen...
7
96.9 mi into trip|~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 176B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
8
98.8 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward Broadway Road, Apache Boulevard
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 53
Toward Broadway Road, Apache Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Catalina, AZ and Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Mesa and Phoenix.
Mesa
62.4 mi in|~1h 18m|via US 80 Hist
Phoenix
62.4 mi in|~1h 18m|via US 80 Hist
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pinal Pioneer Parkway
35.9 mi
41m
Superstition Freeway
21.9 mi
25m
North Pinal Parkway
15.6 mi
19m
Phoenix–Globe Highway
12.1 mi
15m
South Pinal Parkway Avenue
6.2 mi
8m
Tucson-Globe Highway
3.2 mi
4m
East Broadway Road
1.1 mi
2m
South McClintock Drive
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pinal Pioneer Parkway
— 35.9 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Catalina, AZ and Tempe, AZ.
1
Start on East Pinto Place
491 ft·27 sec·East Pinto Place
2
Turn left onto North Elkins Road
0.4 mi·1 min·North Elkins Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto Edwin Road
0.3 mi·43 sec·Edwin Road
4
Turn left onto Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
0.1 mi·28 sec·Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
5
Turn right onto AZ 77
3.2 mi·4 min·Tucson-Globe Highway
Use the right lane.
6
Turn left onto AZ 79; US 80 Hist
0.4 mi·28 sec·State Route 79
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on AZ 79; US 80 Hist
36 mi·41 min·Pinal Pioneer Parkway
8
Continue on AZ 79; US 80 Hist
6.2 mi·8 min·South Pinal Parkway Avenue
9
Continue on AZ 79; US 80 Hist
16 mi·19 min·North Pinal Parkway
10
Continue on AZ 79; US 80 Hist
0.3 mi·42 sec·Oracle Junction–Florence Highway
11
Turn left onto US 80 Hist
0.5 mi·33 sec·US 80 Hist
Toward US 60 West: Apache Junction, Mesa, PhoenixUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto US 60; US 80 Hist
12 mi·15 min·Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
22 mi·25 min·Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.6 mi·2 min
Exit 176BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
0.3 mi·23 sec·Price Freeway
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 53Toward Broadway Road, Apache BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto South Price Road
302 ft·7 sec·South Price Road
18
Turn left onto East Broadway Road
1.1 mi·2 min·East Broadway Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
19
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
0.5 mi·57 sec·South McClintock Drive
20
Turn left onto US 80 Hist
137 ft·10 sec·East Apache Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
US 80 Hist
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 6 minutes, this trip from Catalina to Tempe is best tackled in one day. Departing in the morning or early afternoon will give you plenty of daylight to complete the 100.9-mile journey comfortably. The estimated fuel cost of $20 suggests planning your fuel stops accordingly, though with a drive under 101 miles, you likely won't need to refuel mid-route unless your vehicle has exceptionally low mileage. Keep an eye on road conditions as you approach Tempe, as urban traffic can increase.
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 50.5 miles from Catalina, AZ, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.9 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 22 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.5 miles or 1h 2m 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 43m
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 Catalina, 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 Catalina, AZ
This is one driving day of about 100.9 miles and 2h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Catalina, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pinal Pioneer Parkway for about 35.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 50.5 mi from Catalina, AZ
· 1h 2m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 45.2
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...
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant gr...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
$10
near mile 73.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.10 one way
$40.20 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$21.27
$42.54
premium
$5.59
$22.21
$44.42
diesel
$5.61
$22.28
$44.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.3
0
$10.59
$4.84
Efficient EV
25.2
0
$8.83
$4.04
EV Truck/SUV
40.4
0
$14.13
$6.46
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Catalina, AZ
Late night
in Catalina on Saturday
Local time
5:05 AM
MST
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tempe, AZ
Late night
in Tempe on Saturday
Local time
5:05 AM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
89°F
Florence, AZ
50 mi in
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
7 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 6m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Catalina, AZ to Tempe, AZ covers 100.9 miles and takes about 2h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pinal Pioneer Parkway, Superstition Freeway, North Pinal Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 50.5 miles from Catalina, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.10 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 100.9 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (AZ 77 / Tucson-Globe Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (AZ 79; US 80 Hist / State Route 79): Lane positioning matters here; at 62.4 miles (US 80 Hist): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Catalina, AZ and Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Mesa and Phoenix.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
