Trip from Maryvale, AZ to Safford, AZ

Drive Time

3h 49m

Distance

174.9 mi

281 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 37m ★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
4h 0m
5 PM
4h 14m
8 PM
3h 42m

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

Downtown Maryvale, AZ, AZ

Maryvale, AZ

Mikhail Nilov

Downtown Safford, AZ, AZ

Safford, AZ

SHOX ART

Trip Overview

Traveling from Maryvale to Safford covers 174.9 miles across the Desert Southwest, typically taking about 3 hours and 49 minutes of drive time. Because this is a manageable distance, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Phoenix–Globe Highway, US 60, and the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Plan for a fuel budget of approximately $35 to cover the trip. It is a straightforward route that keeps you within the desert landscape from start to finish, making it a practical choice for a direct commute or a quick getaway.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

87.4 miles from Maryvale, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a mindless cruise on an interstate. With only 26% of the route consisting of highway, you will spend most of your time navigating local roads that require more engagement behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted section is a 71.2-mile stretch on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway, which offers the most consistent pace of the entire journey. As you transition between these segments, the road character shifts from suburban exits to more technical stretches, so be prepared for varied driving conditions throughout the 174.9-mile trip.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Globe-Lordsburg Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 71.2 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 0.5 miles in near West Indian School Road.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 174.9 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 0.5 miles (West Indian School Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (North 51st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | West Indian School Road

Turn left onto West Indian School Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | North 51st Avenue

Turn right onto North 51st Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
7
3.2 mi into trip | ~6m in

Turn left toward I 10 East: Tucson

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 10 East: Tucson
6
12.2 mi into trip | ~17m in | I 10 / Papago Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 / Papago Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
18.3 mi into trip | ~24m in | US 60

Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe

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 154 Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Maryvale, AZ to Safford, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Globe along the way.

Globe

18.3 mi in | ~24m | via US 60

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Globe-Lordsburg Highway 71.2 mi 1h 28m
Phoenix–Globe Highway 43 mi 55m
US 60 31.9 mi 39m
Papago Freeway 9.3 mi 10m
Maricopa Freeway 4.8 mi 5m
West Thatcher Boulevard 2.3 mi 4m
East Ash Street 2.3 mi 4m
North 51st Avenue 2.3 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Globe-Lordsburg Highway — 71.2 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Maryvale, AZ and Safford, AZ.

1

Start on North 55th Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · North 55th Avenue
2

Turn left onto West Indian School Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Indian School Road
Use the none lane.
3

Turn right onto North 51st Avenue

2.3 mi · 4 min · North 51st Avenue
Use the none lane.
4

Turn left

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 10 East: Tucson Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 10

4.9 mi · 5 min · Papago Freeway
Use the none lane.
6

Continue on I 10

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
7

Continue on I 10

3.2 mi · 3 min · Papago Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 10; US 60

4.8 mi · 5 min · Maricopa Freeway
Use the none lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 60

28 mi · 32 min · US 60
Exit 154 Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist

43 mi · 55 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
12

Continue on US 60

1.9 mi · 3 min · Live Oak Street
13

Continue on US 60

4.0 mi · 7 min · US 60
Use the none lane.
14

Continue on US 60

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Broad Street
Use the none lane.
15

Turn left onto North Broad Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Broad Street
Use the left lane.
16

Turn left onto East Oak Street

366 ft · 9 sec · East Oak Street
17

Turn right onto South Hill Street

0.3 mi · 39 sec · South Hill Street
18

Turn left onto US 60

2.3 mi · 4 min · East Ash Street
Use the none lane.
19

Continue on US 70; AZ 77

0.8 mi · 1 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway
Use the none lane.
20

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77

70 mi · 1 hr 27 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway
21

Continue on US 70

1.1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
22

Continue on US 70

2.3 mi · 4 min · West Thatcher Boulevard
23

Continue on US 70

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 5th Street
24

Turn right onto US 191

151 ft · 3 sec · South 1st Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

US 191

Trip Plan

Since the trip takes nearly four hours, you should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and manage your fuel consumption. Aim to depart early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially when navigating the segments that rely on local roads. Keep your $35 fuel budget in mind as you pace your stops, ensuring you don't find yourself low on gas during the longer stretches. A helpful tip for this specific route is to prioritize your fuel stops before hitting the 71.2-mile stretch on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway, as this section provides the least opportunity for quick, convenient turn-offs.

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 87.4 miles from Maryvale, AZ, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.4 miles or 1h 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 3h 6m

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 Maryvale, 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 Maryvale, AZ

This is one driving day of about 174.9 miles and 3h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Maryvale, 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 Globe-Lordsburg Highway for about 71.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 87.4 mi from Maryvale, AZ · 1h 49m into the drive

Downtown Queen Creek, AZ, AZ

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Queen Creek, AZ

87 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

Queen Creek, AZ

Fuel and coffee

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

Queen Creek, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.4 miles from Maryvale, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Globe-Lordsburg Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 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

$34.81 one way

$69.62 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.34 $36.76 $73.51
premium $5.59 $38.47 $76.94
diesel $5.64 $38.86 $77.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.5 0 $18.36 $8.40
Efficient EV 43.7 0 $15.30 $7.00
EV Truck/SUV 70 0 $24.49 $11.19

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Maryvale, AZ

Afternoon in Maryvale on Sunday

Local time

4:45 PM

MST

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Safford, AZ

Afternoon in Safford on Sunday

Local time

4:45 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

13 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

3h 49m 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 Maryvale, AZ to Safford, AZ covers 174.9 miles and takes about 3h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Globe-Lordsburg Highway, Phoenix–Globe Highway, US 60. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.4 miles from Maryvale, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.81 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 174.9 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 0.5 miles (West Indian School Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (North 51st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Maryvale, AZ to Safford, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Globe along the way.

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