This 96.6-mile drive from Payson, AZ to Maryvale, AZ is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the South Beeline Highway, Red Mountain Freeway, and Papago Freeway, with about 19% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $19 for this route. Given its relatively short duration and the absence of designated stops, this trip offers flexibility for when you depart and how you pace yourself. Both Payson and Maryvale are situated within the Desert Southwest region, so you'll remain in a familiar environment throughout your journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Payson, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi
1h 25m
Red Mountain Freeway
12 mi
13m
Papago Freeway
6.2 mi
7m
North 51st Avenue
2.2 mi
3m
North 55th Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
West Indian School Road
0.5 mi
1m
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
0.5 mi
<1m
North Country Club Drive
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
South Beeline Highway
— 72.4 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson, AZ and Maryvale, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 87
72 mi·1 hr 25 min·South Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
2
Continue on AZ 87
0.5 mi·47 sec·North Country Club Drive
3
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
4
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
12 mi·13 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 WestUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
8
Continue on I 10
4.9 mi·5 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 139Toward 51st Avenue, 59th AvenueUse the slight right lane.
10
Turn right onto North 51st Avenue
2.2 mi·3 min·North 51st Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn left onto West Indian School Road
0.5 mi·1 min·West Indian School Road
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto North 55th Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·North 55th Avenue
13
Continue on North 55th Avenue
169 ft·16 sec·North 55th Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
North 55th Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under two hours, this is a flexible drive where you can depart at your convenience. Consider starting earlier in the day to avoid potential afternoon heat in the Desert Southwest. Since there are no recommended stops and the longest continuous stretch is 72.4 miles, plan for a brief break if needed, perhaps before or after the longest segment on South Beeline Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $19, and it's always wise to fill up before heading out on local routes where services might be less frequent than on major interstates.
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 48.3 miles from Payson, AZ, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.4 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 21 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryvale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Payson, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Payson, AZ
This is one driving day of about 96.6 miles and 1h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Payson, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on South Beeline Highway for about 72.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 72.8 and 92.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
72.8 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward AZ 202 Loop West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
5
73.2 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
85.2 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 West
5
86.2 mi into trip|~1h 41m in|I 10 / Papago Freeway
Merge onto I 10 / Papago Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
92.9 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward 51st Avenue, 59th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 139
Toward 51st Avenue, 59th Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.24 one way
$38.49 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$20.37
$40.73
premium
$5.59
$21.26
$42.53
diesel
$5.61
$21.33
$42.66
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29
0
$10.14
$4.64
Efficient EV
24.2
0
$8.45
$3.86
EV Truck/SUV
38.6
0
$13.52
$6.18
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Payson, AZ
Afternoon
in Payson on Saturday
Local time
1:29 PM
MST
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Maryvale, AZ
Afternoon
in Maryvale on Saturday
Local time
1:29 PM
MST
Current temp
88°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 3:13AM PDT until April 17 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 3:13AM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
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
44 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
1h 57m on the road
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Tonto National Monument
National Monument
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant gr...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
$10
near mile 46.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting a dynamic driving experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. While 19% of the drive is on highways, the majority involves navigating local roads with frequent turns. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 72.4 miles along the South Beeline Highway. This means you'll be actively engaged with the road, adapting to changing conditions and directions throughout the trip, rather than settling into a long period of monotonous driving.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.4 mi on South Beeline Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 72.8 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 96.6 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 72.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.2 miles (AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Payson is a town in Gila County, Arizona. Known as the "Heart of Arizona," it is a gateway to the Colorado Plateau and the Mogollon Rim in Northern and Eastern Arizona.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 96.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Payson, AZ to Maryvale, AZ covers 96.6 miles and takes about 1h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South Beeline Highway, Red Mountain Freeway, Papago Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.3 miles from Payson, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.24 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 96.6 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.2 miles (AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Payson, AZ to Maryvale, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Tonto National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
