Origin
Flagstaff, AZ
Afternoon in Flagstaff on Sunday
Local time
2:55 PM
MST
Current temp
30°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Flagstaff, AZ to Safford, AZ
Drive Time
5h 54m
Distance
299.4 mi
482 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 41m
★
6 AM
5h 54m
8 AM
6h 20m
10 AM
6h 3m
12 PM
6h 1m
3 PM
6h 5m
5 PM
6h 19m
8 PM
5h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Flagstaff, AZ
Mark Direen
Safford, AZ
SHOX ART
Trip Overview
Connecting Flagstaff to Safford, this 299.4-mile journey takes you through the heart of the Desert Southwest. Expect to spend approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable but full day of travel. You will navigate via the Purple Heart Trail, the Globe-Show Low Highway, and the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. With a fuel budget of about $60, it is a straightforward trip that fits comfortably into a single day. While the drive is entirely within Arizona, the terrain shifts as you transition from the high-altitude landscapes of the north toward the southern desert environment.
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
149.7 miles from Flagstaff, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is characterized by a turn-heavy, local driving profile that demands your full attention. You will spend 100% of your time on highways, though the experience is far from a monotonous interstate cruise. The longest single stretch occurs on the Purple Heart Trail, which spans 86.1 miles of the journey. As you move from the initial highway segments onto the Globe-Show Low and Globe-Lordsburg routes, the road’s personality shifts from straightaways to more technical, winding sections. Be prepared for a dynamic drive that requires constant engagement with the road.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 86.1 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 around 1.4 miles in near South Ponderosa Parkway.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 54m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (South Ponderosa Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.4 miles (US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / Holbrook-Springerville Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.4 miles (US 180; AZ 77 / Navajo Boulevard): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
South Ponderosa Parkway
Turn right onto South Ponderosa Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
88.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m in
|
US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / Holbrook-Springerville Highway
Take the exit onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / Holbrook-Springerville Highway toward I 40 Business East, US 180, AZ 77 South: Petrified Forest National Park, Show Low
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 Business East, US 180, AZ 77 South:...
4
90.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
|
US 180; AZ 77 / Navajo Boulevard
Turn right onto US 180; AZ 77 / Navajo Boulevard
Navigation decision point
4
136.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
|
US 60; AZ 77 / East Deuce of Clubs
Turn right onto US 60; AZ 77 / East Deuce of Clubs
Navigation decision point
5
223.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
|
US 70; AZ 77 / East Ash Street
Turn sharp left onto US 70; AZ 77 / East Ash Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Flagstaff, AZ to Safford, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Show Low along the way.
Show Low
88.4 mi in
|
~1h 31m
|
via US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 86.1 mi | 1h 26m |
| Globe-Show Low Highway | 83.5 mi | 1h 35m |
| Globe-Lordsburg Highway | 71.2 mi | 1h 28m |
| Show Low-Holbrook Highway | 37.1 mi | 44m |
| North Penrod Road | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| East Deuce of Clubs | 3 mi | 6m |
| North Main Street | 2.4 mi | 5m |
| West Thatcher Boulevard | 2.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 86.1 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Flagstaff, AZ and Safford, AZ.
1
Start on US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
West Historic Route 66
2
Continue on US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Route 66
3
Turn right onto South Ponderosa Parkway
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Ponderosa Parkway
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on East Butler Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Butler Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
6
Merge onto I 40
86 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
7
Take the exit onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
Toward I 40 Business East, US 180, AZ 77 South: Petrified Forest National Park, Show Low
8
Turn right onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Hopi Drive
9
Turn right onto US 180; AZ 77
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Navajo Boulevard
10
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
11
Continue on AZ 77
24 mi
·
28 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
12
Continue on AZ 77
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Arizona State Highway 77
13
Continue on AZ 77
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
14
Continue on AZ 77
2.4 mi
·
5 min
·
North Main Street
15
Continue on AZ 77
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
16
Continue on AZ 77
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Main Street
17
Continue on AZ 77
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
18
Continue on AZ 77
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Penrod Road
19
Turn right onto US 60; AZ 77
3.0 mi
·
6 min
·
East Deuce of Clubs
20
Continue on US 60; AZ 77
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Globe-Show Low Highway
21
Turn sharp left onto US 70; AZ 77
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ash Street
22
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
Use the none lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77
70 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
24
Continue on US 70
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
25
Continue on US 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Thatcher Boulevard
26
Continue on US 70
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West 5th Street
27
Turn right onto US 191
151 ft
·
3 sec
·
South 1st Avenue
28
Arrive at destination
US 191
Trip Plan
Because this is a nearly six-hour trek, plan to leave Flagstaff early in the morning to reach Safford before dark. You should budget for at least one substantial stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $60 gas estimate in mind. Given the technical nature of these specific highways, avoid rushing through the turns and pace yourself to ensure a steady arrival. Since the route is entirely highway-based, check for any local traffic alerts on the Globe-Show Low Highway before you depart. Taking this approach will help you manage the drive’s intensity while keeping your travel schedule flexible.
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 149.7 miles from Flagstaff, AZ, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 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 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.7 miles or 2h 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Safford, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Flagstaff, 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 Flagstaff, AZ
This is one driving day of about 299.4 miles and 5h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Flagstaff, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 86.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 149.7 mi from Flagstaff, AZ · 2h 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
150 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 149.7 miles from Flagstaff, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.1 miles.
Arriving in Safford, AZ
The final approach into Safford, 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 Safford, 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
$59.59 one way
$119.17 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $62.92 | $125.84 |
| premium | $5.59 | $65.86 | $131.71 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.52 | $133.03 |
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: 104.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.8 | 1 | $31.44 | $14.37 |
| Efficient EV | 74.9 | 0 | $26.20 | $11.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.8 | 1 | $41.92 | $19.16 |
Gas CO2
105 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
Safford, AZ
Afternoon in Safford on Sunday
Local time
2:55 PM
MST
Current temp
47°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
17 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
5h 54m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Flagstaff, AZ to Safford, AZ covers 299.4 miles and takes about 5h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, Globe-Show Low Highway, Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 149.7 miles from Flagstaff, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.59 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 straightforward 5h 54m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (South Ponderosa Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.4 miles (US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / Holbrook-Springerville Highway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.4 miles (US 180; AZ 77 / Navajo Boulevard): Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Flagstaff, AZ to Safford, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Show Low along the way.
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