Drive Time
6h 35m
Distance
411 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Long day tripThe drive from Kayenta, AZ to Tucson, AZ covers 411 miles and takes about 6h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Kayenta-Utah State Line Highway, Navajo Trail, Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $80.11 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
205.5 miles from Kayenta, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 17m into the drive .
Expect a 6h 35m drive with frequent turns across 411 miles of local and secondary roads.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kayenta-Utah State Line Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Navajo Trail | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 89 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Cameron–Bitter Springs Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Flagstaff-Cameron Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 89 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Country Club Drive | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Step-by-step road directions between Kayenta, AZ and Tucson, AZ.
Start on Comb Ridge Road
Turn right
Turn right onto Kayenta-Utah State Line Highway
Turn right onto Navajo Trail
At the end of the road, turn left onto Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
Continue on US 89
Continue on Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Cameron–Bitter Springs Highway
Exit the rotary onto Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
Continue on US Highway 89
Continue on Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
Turn left onto Country Club Drive
Take the exit right
Merge slight left onto Purple Heart Trail
Take the exit slight right toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
Keep slight left to continue on I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
Merge slight left onto Arizona Veterans Highway
Continue on Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Continue on Black Canyon Freeway
Continue on North Black Canyon Highway
Continue on Black Canyon Freeway
Continue on Maricopa Freeway
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Continue on North Freeway
Take the exit slight right toward Congress Street, Broadway Boulevard
Turn straight onto North Freeway Road
Turn left onto West Congress Street
Continue on West Broadway Boulevard
Turn left onto North Country Club Road
Arrive at your destination
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.
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 90 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 205.5 miles or 3h 17m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tucson, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Kayenta, 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 Kayenta, AZ
This is one driving day of about 411 miles and 6h 35m.
These towns line up with the pace of this drive and give you clearer places to stop with a purpose.
Late stop town
Meal stop
206 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 205.5 mi from Kayenta, AZ
A short stop after about 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 205.5 miles from Kayenta, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions for the drive, so the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| regular | $4.95 | $80.11 | $160.23 |
| midgrade | $5.34 | $86.37 | $172.75 |
| premium | $5.57 | $90.06 | $180.13 |
| diesel | $6.37 | $103.01 | $206.02 |
Based on 25.4 MPG average. Estimated CO2 emission: 143.8 kg one way.
Travel Intel
Compare the departure city with the arrival city before you leave so the route feels predictable, not reactive.
Origin
Late night in Kayenta on Saturday
Local time
1:58 AM
MDT
Current temp
42°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Tucson on Saturday
Local time
12:58 AM
MST
Current temp
53°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Time zone
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Continue From Tucson, AZ
Explore more options from Kayenta, AZ or browse trips ending in Tucson, AZ .
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