Trip from Ganado, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

Drive Time

5h 40m

Distance

270.8 mi

436 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$54

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 27m ★

6 AM

5h 40m

8 AM

6h 7m

10 AM

5h 49m

12 PM

5h 47m

3 PM

5h 51m

5 PM

6h 5m

8 PM

5h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Ganado, AZ

Denitsa Kireva

Phoenix, AZ

Carter Marchant

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ganado to Phoenix covers 318.7 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 52 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate sprint, it functions best as a focused day trip. You should budget approximately $62 for fuel to complete the journey across the Desert Southwest. While the route is manageable in a single day, the winding nature of the roads means you should plan for a steady pace. It is a straightforward trip that moves you from the high desert landscape of Ganado down to the Phoenix metro area. Knowing the time commitment ahead of time allows you to adjust your departure to avoid fatigue.

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

135.4 miles from Ganado, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a dynamic experience behind the wheel, as this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate grind. You will navigate via the Purple Heart Trail, I-40, and Navajo Boulevard, requiring your full attention as the road conditions shift frequently. With 0% of the route categorized as highway and no long, uninterrupted stretches on the Purple Heart Trail, you will find yourself constantly adjusting your speed and handling. The drive demands active engagement, keeping the journey interesting as you transition between various local road types. Prepare for a technical drive that feels more like a series of connected segments than a singular, high-speed corridor.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 27 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. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 84 miles in near AZ 77.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 270.8 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 84 miles (AZ 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 267.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

84 mi into trip | ~1h 42m 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...

254.8 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in

Take the exit toward AZ 202 Loop West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward AZ 202 Loop West

267.2 mi into trip | ~5h 33m in

Take the exit toward I 10 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 10 West

268.9 mi into trip | ~5h 35m in

Take the exit toward 7th Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 145A Toward 7th Street

269.2 mi into trip | ~5h 35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward 7th Street South, Downtown Cultural/Sports Facilitles

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward 7th Street South, Downtown Cultural/Spor...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Ganado, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.

Heber

84 mi in | ~1h 42m | 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	37.8 mi	56m
Heber Road	30.9 mi	36m
Payson-Show Low Highway	24.2 mi	30m
Hwy 260	15.9 mi	22m
Payson-Heber Highway	12.7 mi	17m
Red Mountain Freeway	12 mi	13m

Longest stretch: South Beeline Highway — 73.1 mi, about 1h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ganado, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.

Start on N9021

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Post Office Road

Continue on US 191

38 mi · 56 min · US 191

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Merge onto I 40

46 mi · 45 min · Purple Heart Trail

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

Turn left onto I 40 Bus; AZ 77; US 66 Hist

1.2 mi · 2 min · Navajo Boulevard

Continue on US 180; AZ 77

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Holbrook-Springerville Highway

Continue on AZ 77

1.6 mi · 2 min · Show Low-Holbrook Highway

Turn right onto AZ 377

31 mi · 36 min · Heber Road

Turn straight onto AZ 377

2.9 mi · 3 min · Heber-Holbrook Highway

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 277

4.9 mi · 6 min · West 3rd Street North

Continue on AZ 277

1.9 mi · 3 min · Highway 277

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 260

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Highway 260

Continue on AZ 260

16 mi · 22 min · Hwy 260

Continue on AZ 260

13 mi · 17 min · Payson-Heber Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on AZ 260

24 mi · 30 min · Payson-Show Low Highway

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto AZ 87

73 mi · 1 hr 26 min · South Beeline Highway

Use the left lane.

Continue on AZ 87

0.5 mi · 47 sec · North Country Club Drive

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward AZ 202 Loop West

Merge onto AZ 202 Loop

12 mi · 13 min · Red Mountain Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward I 10 West Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 10

0.7 mi · 50 sec · Papago Freeway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 145A Toward 7th Street Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward 7th Street South, Downtown Cultural/Sports Facilitles Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto North 7th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · North 7th Street

Turn right onto East Washington Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Washington Street

Arrive at destination

West Washington Street

Trip Plan

Since this 318.7-mile journey requires nearly five hours of driving, try to hit the road early in the morning to beat potential traffic as you approach Phoenix. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which will help keep your energy up given the turn-heavy nature of the terrain. Keep your $62 fuel budget in mind when planning your refueling stops along the way to ensure you aren't caught off guard. Because the route relies on local roads like Navajo Boulevard, keep a close eye on your GPS to stay on track through the various intersections. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so use your single planned stop to break up the drive whenever you feel you need a breather.

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 135.4 miles from Ganado, AZ, or about 2h 49m 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 38m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 135.4 miles or 2h 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 4h 39m

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 Ganado, 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 Ganado, AZ

This is one driving day of about 270.8 miles and 5h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ganado, 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 135.4 mi from Ganado, AZ · 2h 49m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Payson, AZ

135 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.

Popular next leg

Payson, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

88.8 mi · 1h 47m

Pacing Suggestions

Show Low, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Show Low, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 135.4 miles from Ganado, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.1 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

$53.89 one way

$107.79 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.34	$56.91	$113.82
premium	$5.59	$59.57	$119.13
diesel	$5.64	$60.16	$120.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$54

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	81.2	1	$28.43	$13.00
Efficient EV	67.7	0	$23.70	$10.83
EV Truck/SUV	108.3	1	$37.91	$17.33

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Ganado, AZ

Evening in Ganado on Sunday

Local time

5:39 PM

MDT

Current temp

38°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Phoenix, AZ

Afternoon in Phoenix on Sunday

Local time

4:39 PM

MST

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

43°F

Payson, AZ

135 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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

23 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 40m 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 Ganado, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 270.8 miles and takes about 5h 40m 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 135.4 miles from Ganado, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.89 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.

On the drive from Ganado, AZ to Phoenix, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.

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Return Trip

Phoenix, AZ to Ganado, AZ

Plan the drive back the other way.

271.6 mi 5h 39m

Explore more options from Ganado, AZ or browse trips ending in Phoenix, AZ.

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Trip from Ganado, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Phoenix, AZ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Ganado, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

1 hour earlier

23 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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