Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 22m
Distance
176.3 mi
284 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Williams, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
This 176-mile journey from Mesa, AZ to Williams, AZ takes approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. The route primarily utilizes AZ 69, the Black Canyon Freeway, and the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway, with about 43% of the drive on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $35 for this excursion through the Desert Southwest. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, so plan for a single day of travel. This drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.
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
88.1 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 176.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
The drive offers a mixed experience, blending faster highway sections with other road types. With 43% of the route on highways, you'll encounter stretches that allow for steady progress. The longest uninterrupted segment is 43.4 miles on the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway, providing a good run without frequent turns. This route isn't a constant interstate grind; expect the road conditions to vary, offering a more engaging drive than a purely freeway experience. The character of the drive shifts as you progress through different segments of the chosen roads.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.6 miles in.
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 176.3 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69 toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mesa, AZ and Williams, AZ, road signs point toward Prescott and Chino Valley.
Prescott
Chino Valley
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Prescott–Ash Fork Highway | 43.4 mi | 50m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 38.3 mi | 41m |
| AZ 69 | 21.6 mi | 25m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 14.8 mi | 14m |
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 13.4 mi | 13m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 10.9 mi | 12m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| Fain Road | 7.6 mi | 9m |
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Williams, AZ.
Start on East University Drive
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
Turn left
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
Take the exit
Merge onto I 10
Continue on I 10
Continue on I 10
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 17; US 60
Continue on I 17
Continue on I 17
Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69
Turn right onto Fain Road
Continue on AZ 89A
Take the exit
Turn right onto AZ 89
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
Continue on AZ 89
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
Continue on AZ 89
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
Continue on AZ 89
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
Continue on AZ 89
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
Continue on AZ 89
Take the exit onto I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist
Merge onto I 40; US 66 Hist
Take the exit onto I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Turn right onto I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Continue on I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Arrive at destination
Given the 3-hour and 22-minute duration, starting your drive in Mesa, AZ, in the morning is recommended to maximize your day. This 176-mile trip allows for flexibility, but planning for one stop is suggested. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $35. A key tip for this route: pay attention to the transition onto the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway, as it represents your longest continuous stretch and offers a chance for consistent travel. Enjoy the varied scenery as you make your way to Williams, AZ.
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.
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 39 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.1 miles or 1h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williams, AZ than in the middle of the route.
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 176.3 miles and 3h 22m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88.1 mi from Mesa, AZ · 1h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
88 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.
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 88.1 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Williams, 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 Williams, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$35.12 one way
$70.24 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $37.17 | $74.34 |
| premium | $5.59 | $38.81 | $77.61 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.92 | $77.85 |
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: 61.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.9 | 0 | $18.51 | $8.46 |
| Efficient EV | 44.1 | 0 | $15.43 | $7.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.5 | 0 | $24.68 | $11.28 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Mesa on Thursday
Local time
3:54 PM
MST
Current temp
78°F
Sunny
Destination
Afternoon in Williams on Thursday
Local time
3:54 PM
MST
Current temp
53°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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