Origin
Chinle, AZ
Afternoon in Chinle on Sunday
Local time
3:56 PM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chinle, AZ to Chandler, AZ
Drive Time
6h 31m
Distance
303.1 mi
488 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 20m
★
6 AM
6h 32m
8 AM
6h 56m
10 AM
6h 41m
12 PM
6h 38m
3 PM
6h 42m
5 PM
6h 55m
8 PM
6h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chinle, AZ
Lucas George Wendt
Chandler, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Trip Overview
Spanning 303.1 miles across Arizona’s Desert Southwest, this trek from Chinle to Chandler is a substantial undertaking that typically requires 6 hours and 31 minutes of drive time. While it is possible to complete this journey in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $60 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating a mix of US 191, the Purple Heart Trail, and the South Beeline Highway, you will traverse diverse terrain within the same region. Whether you choose to power through in one go or break it up with a planned stop, this route offers a direct connection between the northern and central parts of the state.
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
151.6 miles from Chinle, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With only 21% of the trip consisting of highway driving, the route feels personal and winding as you transition between secondary roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the South Beeline Highway, which spans 73.1 miles of the journey. The character of the road shifts frequently, requiring you to navigate various turns as you move through the desert landscape. It is a drive that rewards drivers who prefer engaging with the local infrastructure over the repetitive nature of high-speed travel.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
South Beeline Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 73.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Main Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 31m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 14 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (N7 / Navajo Route 7): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (US 191 / Chambers-Mexican Water Highway): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Main Street
Turn left onto Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
N7 / Navajo Route 7
At end of road, turn right onto N7 / Navajo Route 7
Navigation decision point
7
1.9 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 191 / Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
At end of road, turn left onto US 191 / Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
32.2 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
US 191
Enter roundabout onto US 191
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
121.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
AZ 77
Take the exit onto AZ 77 toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Chinle, AZ to Chandler, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.
Heber
121.9 mi in
|
~2h 38m
|
via AZ 77
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Beeline Highway | 73.1 mi | 1h 26m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 45.7 mi | 45m |
| US 191 | 43.7 mi | 1h 2m |
| Heber Road | 30.9 mi | 36m |
| Chambers-Mexican Water Highway | 30.3 mi | 45m |
| Payson-Show Low Highway | 24.2 mi | 30m |
| Hwy 260 | 15.9 mi | 22m |
| Payson-Heber Highway | 12.7 mi | 17m |
Longest stretch:
South Beeline Highway
— 73.1 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chinle, AZ and Chandler, AZ.
1
Start on 4th Avenue
149 ft
·
11 sec
·
4th Avenue
2
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
53 sec
·
Main Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto N7
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Navajo Route 7
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 191
30 mi
·
45 min
·
Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
Use the left lane.
5
Enter roundabout onto US 191
278 ft
·
3 sec
·
US 191
6
Continue on US 191
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 191
7
Turn right onto US 191
38 mi
·
56 min
·
US 191
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
9
Merge onto I 40
46 mi
·
45 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
10
Take the exit onto AZ 77
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
AZ 77
Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber
11
Turn left onto I 40 Bus; AZ 77; US 66 Hist
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Navajo Boulevard
12
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
13
Continue on AZ 77
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
14
Turn right onto AZ 377
31 mi
·
36 min
·
Heber Road
15
Turn straight onto AZ 377
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Heber-Holbrook Highway
16
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 277
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
West 3rd Street North
17
Continue on AZ 277
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 277
18
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 260
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Highway 260
19
Continue on AZ 260
16 mi
·
22 min
·
Hwy 260
Use the none lane.
20
Continue on AZ 260
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Payson-Heber Highway
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on AZ 260
24 mi
·
30 min
·
Payson-Show Low Highway
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn left onto AZ 87
73 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
South Beeline Highway
Use the none lane.
23
Continue on AZ 87
6.8 mi
·
12 min
·
North Country Club Drive
Use the none lane.
24
Continue on AZ 87
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
North Arizona Avenue
Use the none lane.
25
Turn left onto East Chandler Boulevard
149 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Chandler Boulevard
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
East Chandler Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour and 31-minute duration, plan to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours and avoid end-of-day fatigue. Since the itinerary includes at least one suggested stop, use that time to stretch and refuel before tackling the remaining miles. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially when navigating the more technical, non-highway sections where services may be spaced further apart. Because this route is primarily a local drive, maintain a flexible schedule to account for potential traffic or road conditions. Prioritize hydration and consistent breaks to stay alert during the 303.1-mile journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.6 miles from Chinle, AZ, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.1 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 80 miles or 1h 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.6 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chandler, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chinle, 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 Chinle, AZ
This is one driving day of about 303.1 miles and 6h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Chinle, 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 South Beeline Highway for about 73.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 151.6 mi from Chinle, AZ · 3h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
152 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 151.6 miles from Chinle, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.1 miles.
Arriving in Chandler, AZ
The final approach into Chandler, AZ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Chandler, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.32 one way
$120.64 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
106 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $63.70 | $127.40 |
| premium | $5.59 | $66.67 | $133.34 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $67.34 | $134.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.9 | 1 | $31.83 | $14.55 |
| Efficient EV | 75.8 | 0 | $26.52 | $12.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121.2 | 1 | $42.43 | $19.40 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Chandler, AZ
Afternoon in Chandler on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
MST
Current temp
91°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
57 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
6h 31m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Chinle, AZ to Chandler, AZ covers 303.1 miles and takes about 6h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South Beeline Highway, Purple Heart Trail, US 191. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 151.6 miles from Chinle, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $60.32 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 31m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 14 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (N7 / Navajo Route 7): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (US 191 / Chambers-Mexican Water Highway): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Chinle, AZ to Chandler, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.
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