Origin
Cottonwood, AZ
Late night in Cottonwood on Wednesday
Local time
4:33 AM
MDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cottonwood, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
6h 18m
Distance
308.6 mi
497 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$61
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 6m
★
6 AM
6h 19m
8 AM
6h 44m
10 AM
6h 28m
12 PM
6h 25m
3 PM
6h 29m
5 PM
6h 43m
8 PM
6h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cottonwood, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Phoenix, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Cottonwood, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 308.6 miles and takes about 6h 18m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Arizona Veterans Highway, Purple Heart Trail, Winslow–Kayenta Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $61.48 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
154.3 miles from Cottonwood, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 35m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 6h 18m drive with frequent turns across 308.6 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 93 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 166.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 308.6 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 166.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
166.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
8
305.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 11m 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
305.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 12m 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
7
306.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 14m in
Take the exit toward 7th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 144A
Toward 7th Avenue
9
307 mi into trip
|
~6h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Downtown Cultural/Sport Facilities
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State Universi...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Cottonwood, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Flagstaff along the way.
Flagstaff
166.6 mi in
|
~3h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 93 mi | 1h 33m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 61.2 mi | 1h 2m |
| Winslow–Kayenta Highway | 55.5 mi | 1h 4m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| Arizona State Highway 264 | 11.7 mi | 14m |
| Navajo Route 4 | 10.4 mi | 25m |
| Hopi Route 65 | 8.4 mi | 20m |
| Indian Route 60 | 6.6 mi | 16m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 93 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cottonwood, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
this road
2
Continue on this road
498 ft
·
27 sec
·
this road
3
Turn left onto N4
6.4 mi
·
15 min
·
Navajo Route 4
4
Continue on Indian Route 4
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Indian Route 4
5
Continue on N4
4.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Navajo Route 4
6
Turn left onto N65
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Navajo Route 65
7
Continue on Indian Route 65
2.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Indian Route 65
8
Continue on N65
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Navajo Route 65
9
Continue on H65
8.4 mi
·
20 min
·
Hopi Route 65
10
Continue on Indian Route 60
6.6 mi
·
16 min
·
Indian Route 60
11
Turn right onto AZ 264
12 mi
·
14 min
·
Arizona State Highway 264
12
Turn left onto AZ 87
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
13
Continue on AZ 87
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
AZ 87
14
Continue on AZ 87
39 mi
·
44 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
15
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
16
Merge onto I 40; US 180
61 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
19
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
20
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Continue on I 17
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Use the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 10
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
Papago Freeway
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 144A
Toward 7th Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward 7th Avenue South, Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus, Downtown Cultural/Sport Facilities
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Turn straight onto North 7th Avenue
445 ft
·
16 sec
·
North 7th Avenue
30
Turn left onto West Roosevelt Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Roosevelt Street
31
Turn right onto North 1st Avenue
29 ft
·
0 sec
·
North 1st Avenue
32
Keep slight right at fork onto North 1st Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North 1st Avenue
33
Turn left onto West Adams Street
0.1 mi
·
40 sec
·
West Adams Street
34
Turn right onto North 1st Street
408 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 1st Street
35
Turn right onto East Washington Street
453 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Washington Street
36
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
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 154.3 miles from Cottonwood, AZ, or about 3h 35m 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 80 miles or 2h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 154.3 miles or 3h 35m 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 16m
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 Cottonwood, 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 Cottonwood, AZ
This is one driving day of about 308.6 miles and 6h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cottonwood, 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 154.3 mi from Cottonwood, AZ · 3h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
154 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 154.3 miles from Cottonwood, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93 miles.
Arriving in Phoenix, AZ
The final approach into Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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
$61.48 one way
$122.95 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
108 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $65.06 | $130.12 |
| premium | $5.59 | $67.93 | $135.86 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $68.13 | $136.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 92.6 | 1 | $32.40 | $14.81 |
| Efficient EV | 77.2 | 0 | $27.00 | $12.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 123.4 | 1 | $43.20 | $19.75 |
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 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
Phoenix, AZ
Late night in Phoenix on Wednesday
Local time
3:33 AM
MST
Current temp
61°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
8 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 18m 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 Cottonwood, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 308.6 miles and takes about 6h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Purple Heart Trail, Winslow–Kayenta Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 154.3 miles from Cottonwood, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $61.48 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 308.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 166.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Cottonwood, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Flagstaff along the way.
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