Trip from Mesa, AZ to Bullhead City, AZ

Drive Time

4h 56m

Distance

239.4 mi

385 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 43m ★

6 AM

4h 57m

8 AM

5h 24m

10 AM

5h 6m

12 PM

5h 4m

3 PM

5h 8m

5 PM

5h 22m

8 PM

4h 49m

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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Mesa, AZ

Zsolt Pujsz

Bullhead City, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

Trip Overview

Traveling from Mesa to Bullhead City covers 239.4 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 56 minutes. You will navigate through the Desert Southwest via Grand Avenue, the Purple Heart Trail, and the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, it works well as a straightforward day trip without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $48 for fuel to complete the trek. This route offers a direct connection between these two Arizona desert hubs, providing a practical transit option for those looking to reach the Colorado River area efficiently.

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

119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While about 14% of the journey consists of highway travel, the rest of the route relies on local roads that require more frequent adjustments than a standard interstate cruise. You will face a longest uninterrupted stretch of 106.7 miles on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, which serves as the primary backbone of the trip. The road’s personality shifts from the busy urban corridors near Mesa into the more technical, winding sections as you head toward the destination. Be prepared for a driving experience that feels more interactive and varied than a simple highway slog.

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

There are about 47 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Wickenburg–Kingman Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 106.7 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 2 miles in near North Alma School Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 239.4 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 2 miles (North Alma School Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 26 key points

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

2 mi into trip | ~3m in | North Alma School Road

Turn right onto North Alma School Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

3.6 mi into trip | ~7m in

Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward AZ 202 Loop West

28.1 mi into trip | ~35m in

Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 133B Toward AZ 101 Loop North

37.8 mi into trip | ~47m in

Take the exit toward US 60

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 11 Toward US 60

209.5 mi into trip | ~4h 18m in

Take the exit toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 67 Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin

Towns Along This Route

Between Mesa, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas and Laughlin.

Las Vegas

205.8 mi in | ~4h 13m | via US 93

Laughlin

209.5 mi in | ~4h 18m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway	106.7 mi	2h 9m
Grand Avenue	27.4 mi	37m
Purple Heart Trail	21.5 mi	21m
Bullhead City-Kingman Highway	18.3 mi	21m
Papago Freeway	11.8 mi	13m
Red Mountain Freeway	10.9 mi	12m
Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway	9 mi	10m
Bullhead City–Kingman Highway	8.9 mi	11m

Longest stretch: Wickenburg–Kingman Highway — 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ.

Start on East University Drive

2.0 mi · 3 min · East University Drive

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto North Alma School Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Alma School Road

Use the none lane.

Turn left

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward AZ 202 Loop West Use the left lane.

Merge onto AZ 202 Loop

11 mi · 12 min · Red Mountain Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward I 10 West Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 10

1.3 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 10

0.5 mi · 36 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel

Continue on I 10

10 mi · 12 min · Papago Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min

Exit 133B Toward AZ 101 Loop North Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on AZ 101 Loop

8.8 mi · 10 min · Agua Fria Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 11 Toward US 60 Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto US 60

20 mi · 28 min · Grand Avenue

Use the left / right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 60

159 ft · 3 sec · Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway

Continue on US 60

0.9 mi · 1 min · Grand Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway

Continue on US 60

0.1 mi · 8 sec · Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

6.3 mi · 7 min · Grand Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

0.5 mi · 31 sec · Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

8.7 mi · 10 min · Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Wickenburg Way

Enter roundabout onto US 93

2 ft · 0 sec · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Continue on US 93

1.2 mi · 2 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93

0.5 mi · 1 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93

0.9 mi · 1 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93

0.9 mi · 1 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Enter roundabout onto US 93

100 ft · 4 sec · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Continue on US 93

1.2 mi · 2 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Enter roundabout onto US 93

155 ft · 6 sec · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Continue on US 93

0.6 mi · 1 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Turn left onto US 93

112 ft · 4 sec · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 93

101 mi · 1 hr 58 min · Wickenburg–Kingman Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 93

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Wickenburg-Kingman Highway

Take the exit onto US 93

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 93

Toward I 40 West

Merge onto I 40; US 93

22 mi · 21 min · Purple Heart Trail

Take the exit onto US 93

0.3 mi · 42 sec · US 93

Exit 48 Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas

Turn slight right onto US 93

222 ft · 7 sec · US 93

Exit 48 Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas Use the right lane.

Merge onto US 93

1.8 mi · 2 min · West Beale Street

Use the right lane.

Continue on US 93

1.4 mi · 1 min · Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Exit 67 Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin Use the right lane.

Continue on AZ 68

6.5 mi · 8 min · Bullhead City–Kingman Highway

Continue on AZ 68

1.9 mi · 2 min · Bullhead City-Kingman Highway

Continue on AZ 68

1.5 mi · 1 min · Bullhead City–Kingman Highway

Continue on AZ 68

16 mi · 19 min · Bullhead City-Kingman Highway

Continue on AZ 68

0.8 mi · 1 min · Bullhead City–Kingman Highway

Continue on AZ 95

1.7 mi · 2 min · Mohave Valley Highway

Turn left onto 4th Street

20 ft · 0 sec · 4th Street

Arrive at destination

4th Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 4-hour and 56-minute travel time, plan for at least one stop to break up the drive. Since this is a turn-heavy route, starting your trip early in the day is a smart way to navigate the more technical stretches while you are fresh and alert. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $48 estimate is based on current conditions and can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because the trip is compact enough for a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected traffic or road conditions. Use your single planned stop to stretch and ensure you are ready for the final, more winding segments of the road.

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 119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 35m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 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 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 119.7 miles or 2h 35m 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 3m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bullhead City, AZ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Mesa, 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 Mesa, AZ

This is one driving day of about 239.4 miles and 4h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Mesa, 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 Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 119.7 mi from Mesa, AZ · 2h 35m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Surprise, AZ

120 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

Surprise, AZ

Fuel and coffee

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

Surprise, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Wickenburg–Kingman Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.7 miles.

Arriving in Bullhead City, AZ

The final approach into Bullhead City, 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 Bullhead City, AZ.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.64 one way

$95.29 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.34	$50.31	$100.62
premium	$5.59	$52.66	$105.32
diesel	$5.64	$53.19	$106.37

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	71.8	0	$25.14	$11.49
Efficient EV	59.9	0	$20.95	$9.58
EV Truck/SUV	95.8	1	$33.52	$15.32

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Mesa, AZ

Afternoon in Mesa on Sunday

Local time

4:08 PM

MST

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bullhead City, AZ

Afternoon in Bullhead City on Sunday

Local time

4:08 PM

MST

Current temp

60°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

1 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

4h 56m 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 Mesa, AZ to Bullhead City, AZ covers 239.4 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, Grand Avenue, Purple Heart Trail. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 119.7 miles from Mesa, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.64 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.

Between Mesa, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas and Laughlin.

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Trip from Mesa, AZ to Bullhead City, 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 Bullhead City, AZ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Mesa, AZ

Bullhead City, AZ

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 56m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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