Trip from Peoria, AZ to Arivaca Junction, AZ

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

3h 1m

Distance

162.2 mi

261 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

13 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 50m ★

6 AM

3h 1m

8 AM

3h 24m

10 AM

3h 9m

12 PM

3h 7m

3 PM

3h 10m

5 PM

3h 23m

8 PM

2h 54m

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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Trip Overview

This 162.2-mile drive from Peoria, AZ, to Arivaca Junction, AZ, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. You'll primarily be on the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway, and Nogales–Tucson Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Desert Southwest region. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a more local and less highway-intensive experience. One stop is recommended along the way, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway or a leg of a longer adventure.

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

81.1 miles from Peoria, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 162.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (16%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" for this 162.2-mile journey. While 16% of the route involves highway driving, the overall feel is more about navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 54.6 miles along the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway. This suggests a drive that will require your attention with frequent adjustments rather than long periods of cruising on a single major interstate. The road's personality will likely shift as you transition between different local and highway segments.

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

There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Casa Grande-Tucson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 60 / Grand Avenue.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 162.2 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (US 60 / Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles (US 60 / West Thomas Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles (US 60 / North Black Canyon Highway): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

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

6

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 60 / Grand Avenue

Turn right onto US 60 / Grand Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

6

9.9 mi into trip | ~17m in | US 60 / West Thomas Road

Turn left onto US 60 / West Thomas Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / slight left lanes.

5

10.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | US 60 / North Black Canyon Highway

Turn right onto US 60 / North Black Canyon Highway

Navigation decision point

5

10.4 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward I 17 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 17 South

7

128.2 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Take the exit toward I 19 South: Nogales

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 260 Toward I 19 South: Nogales

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway	54.6 mi	55m
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway	37.8 mi	38m
Nogales–Tucson Highway	33 mi	37m
Maricopa Freeway	16.3 mi	18m
Grand Avenue	9.3 mi	16m
North Freeway	5.4 mi	6m
Black Canyon Freeway	3.5 mi	4m
US 60	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Casa Grande-Tucson Highway — 54.6 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Peoria, AZ and Arivaca Junction, AZ.

1

Start on North 83rd Avenue

128 ft · 8 sec · North 83rd Avenue

2

Turn right onto US 60

9.3 mi · 16 min · Grand Avenue

Use the left lane.

3

Take the exit onto US 60

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 60

Toward 27th Avenue

4

Turn left onto US 60

0.2 mi · 26 sec · West Thomas Road

Use the left / slight left lanes.

5

Turn right onto US 60

0.3 mi · 28 sec · North Black Canyon Highway

6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 17 South

7

Merge onto I 17; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Black Canyon Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

8

Continue on I 17; US 60

16 mi · 18 min · Maricopa Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

9

Continue on I 10

38 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

10

Continue on I 10

55 mi · 55 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

11

Continue on I 10

5.4 mi · 6 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 37 sec

Exit 260 Toward I 19 South: Nogales Use the straight / slight right lanes.

13

Continue on I 19

33 mi · 37 min · Nogales–Tucson Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward Arivaca Road

15

Turn right onto West Arivaca Road

0.1 mi · 18 sec · West Arivaca Road

16

Continue on West Arivaca Road

424 ft · 8 sec · West Arivaca Road

17

Arrive at destination

West Arivaca Road

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, this 162.2-mile trip offers flexibility. You can depart anytime, but starting in the morning will give you ample daylight and time for your single recommended stop. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 54.6-mile stretch on the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, as services might be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost is $32, so plan accordingly. Paying attention to the frequent turns is key to a smooth drive on this route.

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 81.1 miles from Peoria, AZ, or about 1h 33m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 36 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.1 miles or 1h 33m 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 27m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Peoria, 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 Peoria, AZ

This is one driving day of about 162.2 miles and 3h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Peoria, 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 Casa Grande-Tucson Highway for about 54.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 81.1 mi from Peoria, AZ · 1h 33m into the drive

city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chandler, AZ

81 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.

Popular next leg

Chandler, AZ to Arivaca Junction, AZ

131.1 mi · 2h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Chandler, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Casa Grande, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.1 miles from Peoria, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Arivaca Junction, AZ

The final approach into Arivaca Junction, 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 Arivaca Junction, AZ.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 23.2

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+14805657081

Visit website

Titan Missile Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 150.6

Green Valley, Arizona

Hours: 9:45 am–5 pm

+15209341863

Visit website

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 11.6

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+16022541200

Visit website

Arizona History Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 127.4

Tucson, Arizona

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15206285774

Visit website

Villago Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 57.9

Casa Grande, Arizona

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+15204218600

Visit website

Arizona Science Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 11.6

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+16027162000

Visit website

Tempe Festival of the Arts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 23.2

Tempe, Arizona

+14803556060

Visit website

Tempe Town Lake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 23.2

Tempe, Arizona

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

National Monument

An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 61.5

View on nps.gov

Tumacácori National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Tumacácori sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour $10 near mile 162.2

View on nps.gov

Saguaro National Park

National Park

Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are pr...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $25 near mile 128.6

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.31 one way

$64.62 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.36	$34.20	$68.39
premium	$5.59	$35.70	$71.41
diesel	$5.61	$35.81	$71.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

13 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Park West - Tesla Supercharger

Peoria, AZ

Tesla

16 DCFC

Westgate Entertainment District - Tesla Supercharger

Glendale, AZ

Tesla

16 DCFC

Northern Crossing - Tesla Supercharger

Glendale, AZ

Tesla

16 DCFC

Metro Commons - Tesla Supercharger

Phoenix, AZ

Tesla

16 DCFC

Target - Tesla Supercharger

Phoenix, AZ

Tesla

12 DCFC

Walmart 3241 (Glendale, AZ)

Glendale, AZ

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Walmart 3465 (Glendale, AZ)

Glendale, AZ

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Circle K - Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

CIRCLE_K

4 DCFC

Tesla: 5 Non-Networked: 4 Electrify America: 2 CIRCLE_K: 1 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	48.7	$17.03	$7.79
Efficient EV	40.6	$14.19	$6.49
EV Truck/SUV	64.9	$22.71	$10.38

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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 as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Peoria, AZ

Night in Peoria on Thursday

Local time

11:47 PM

MST

Current temp

88°F

Partly Sunny

SSE 0 to 10 mph 0% chance Live 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

Destination

Arivaca Junction, AZ

Night in Arivaca Junction on Thursday

Local time

11:47 PM

MST

Current temp

48°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

40 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 1m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Peoria, AZ to Arivaca Junction, AZ covers 162.2 miles and takes about 3h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway, Nogales–Tucson Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 81.1 miles from Peoria, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.31 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 162.2 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (US 60 / Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles (US 60 / West Thomas Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles (US 60 / North Black Canyon Highway): Navigation decision point.

The route from Peoria, AZ to Arivaca Junction, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Tumacácori National Historical Park and Saguaro National Park.

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