Origin
Goodyear, AZ
Evening in Goodyear on Sunday
Local time
5:49 PM
MST
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Goodyear, AZ to Tempe, AZ
Drive Time
38m
Distance
30 mi
48 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 35m
★
6 AM
0h 38m
8 AM
0h 45m
10 AM
0h 40m
12 PM
0h 40m
3 PM
0h 41m
5 PM
0h 44m
8 PM
0h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Goodyear, AZ
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Tempe, AZ
Vladimir Srajber
Trip Overview
Spanning just 30 miles across Arizona’s Desert Southwest, this quick trip from Goodyear to Tempe typically takes about 38 minutes behind the wheel. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that is easily managed in a single day, making it ideal for a direct commute or a short excursion. You can expect to spend approximately $6 on fuel for the journey, keeping it a budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Since both cities are located within the same desert region, you will experience a consistent environment throughout the entire trip. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, this route offers a simple and efficient path between two major hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
15 miles from Goodyear, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 86% of this journey takes place on major highways. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating the Papago Freeway and the Red Mountain Freeway, which provide the primary infrastructure for your transit. The longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Papago Freeway, where you will cover a 17.4-mile stretch of road. Transitioning onto South Litchfield Road helps round out the drive, though the overall character remains firmly rooted in fast-paced interstate travel. It is a functional, efficient route designed for speed rather than slow-paced scenic wandering, ensuring you reach your destination with minimal fuss.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Papago Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 17.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Papago Freeway and Red Mountain Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 30 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 19.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 10 East: Phoenix
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 10 East: Phoenix
8
19.7 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
Red Mountain Freeway
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
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 147
Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
8
19.8 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
8
20.2 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
7
28 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward McClintock Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward McClintock Drive
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Papago Freeway | 17.4 mi | 20m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 8.3 mi | 10m |
| South Litchfield Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| South McClintock Drive | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East Apache Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Papago Freeway
— 17.4 mi, about 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Goodyear, AZ and Tempe, AZ.
1
Start on South Litchfield Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Litchfield Road
Use the none lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 10 East: Phoenix
Use the right lane.
3
Merge onto I 10
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
5
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147
Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 8
Toward McClintock Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
South McClintock Drive
Use the right lane.
11
Turn right onto US 80 Hist
60 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Apache Boulevard
Use the right lane.
12
Arrive at destination
US 80 Hist
Trip Plan
Because this is a short, 30-mile drive with zero required stops, you have maximum flexibility when planning your departure time. You can easily complete the entire trip in under 40 minutes, so there is no need to worry about pacing or overnight stays. Keep in mind that since the majority of the route is highway-based, traffic patterns on the Papago and Red Mountain Freeways will be the biggest factor in your total travel time. If you want to avoid the heaviest congestion, try to time your departure outside of standard rush hours. Since the trip is so brief, ensure your fuel levels are sufficient before you start, as you will not have any designated stops along the way.
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 15 miles from Goodyear, AZ, or about 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.4 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 30 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 15 miles or 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 31m
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 Goodyear, 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 Goodyear, AZ
This is one driving day of about 30 miles and 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Goodyear, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Papago Freeway for about 17.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 15 mi from Goodyear, AZ · 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
15 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 15 miles from Goodyear, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Tempe, AZ
The final approach into Tempe, 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 Tempe, 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
$5.97 one way
$11.94 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
11 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $6.30 | $12.61 |
| premium | $5.59 | $6.60 | $13.20 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $6.66 | $13.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9 | 0 | $3.15 | $1.44 |
| Efficient EV | 7.5 | 0 | $2.63 | $1.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 12 | 0 | $4.20 | $1.92 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (60% 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.
Destination
Tempe, AZ
Evening in Tempe on Sunday
Local time
5:49 PM
MST
Current temp
59°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
3 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
38m 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 Goodyear, AZ to Tempe, AZ covers 30 miles and takes about 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Papago Freeway, Red Mountain Freeway, South Litchfield Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 15 miles from Goodyear, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.97 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 is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 30 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 19.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Goodyear, AZ to Tempe, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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