Trip from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ

Q: How long is the trip from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ?

The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ covers 89.6 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are Beeline Highway, Red Mountain Freeway, North Beeline Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 44.8 miles from Phoenix, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.83 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Q: What towns show up on signs driving from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ?

The route from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Drive Time

1h 47m

Distance

89.6 mi

144 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min

4 AM

1h 39m ★

6 AM

1h 47m

8 AM

2h 3m

10 AM

1h 53m

12 PM

1h 51m

3 PM

1h 54m

5 PM

2h 2m

8 PM

1h 43m

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

If you are looking to escape the city for a change of pace, the 89.6-mile journey from Phoenix to Payson is an ideal day trip. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 47 minutes behind the wheel, making it a manageable drive for a quick getaway within the Desert Southwest. Budget roughly $17 for fuel to cover the distance, which is efficient enough for a spontaneous outing. Because the drive is relatively short, you won't need to plan for overnight stays, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. Navigating the route involves a transition from North 7th Avenue onto I-10 East and eventually reaching the Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel. It is a straightforward trip that replaces desert heat with the higher elevation of Payson, providing a refreshing shift in environment without the fatigue of a long-haul trek.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

44.8 miles from Phoenix, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. The route features a 0% highway share, meaning you will navigate local roads rather than long, straight stretches of freeway. You will find that the longest stretch of travel is 0 miles on North 7th Avenue, highlighting the technical, winding nature of this path. As you move away from the metropolitan area, the road profile shifts significantly, moving away from simple highway driving toward more involved, maneuver-intensive segments. Staying sharp at the wheel is essential as you navigate the curves that define this connection between Phoenix and Payson.

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

There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Beeline Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 67.7 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 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near North 7th Avenue.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.6 miles you will encounter 8 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 0.5 miles (North 7th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 key points

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

6

0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | North 7th Avenue

Turn right onto North 7th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

8

3.6 mi into trip | ~5m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East

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 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East

6

3.7 mi into trip | ~6m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East

8

4 mi into trip | ~6m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East

8

16.5 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson

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 13 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Beeline Highway	67.7 mi	1h 18m
Red Mountain Freeway	12.9 mi	15m
North Beeline Highway	4.5 mi	5m
Papago Freeway	1.4 mi	1m
North 7th Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
North Country Club Drive	0.5 mi	1m
West Washington Street	0.5 mi	1m
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel	0.5 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Beeline Highway — 67.7 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Phoenix, AZ and Payson, AZ.

1

Start on West Washington Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Washington Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

2

Turn right onto North 7th Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 7th Avenue

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec

Toward I 10 East: Tucson

4

Merge onto I 10

0.5 mi · 31 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel

5

Continue on I 10

1.4 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

6

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.1 mi · 7 sec · Red Mountain Freeway

Exit 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

7

Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Red Mountain Freeway

Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East

8

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

12 mi · 14 min · Red Mountain Freeway

Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Exit 13 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson Use the slight right lane.

10

Turn left onto AZ 87

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Country Club Drive

11

Continue on AZ 87

4.5 mi · 5 min · North Beeline Highway

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

12

Continue on AZ 87

68 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Beeline Highway

Use the left lane.

13

Arrive at destination

AZ 87

Trip Plan

Since this is a compact 1 hour and 47 minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. While you don't need to worry about multiple stops or long-distance fatigue, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving, as the $17 estimate assumes a standard vehicle's efficiency. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, prioritize leaving during daylight hours to better navigate the local roads safely. Because there are no mandatory stops built into this 89.6-mile path, you are free to drive straight through or take a break whenever you feel the need. A great tip for this specific drive is to ensure your vehicle is ready for the elevation change, as the shift from the Phoenix valley floor to the higher terrain of Payson can be taxing on older engines.

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 44.8 miles from Phoenix, AZ, or about 55m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.7 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 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 44.8 miles or 55m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ

This is one driving day of about 89.6 miles and 1h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Phoenix, AZ.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Beeline Highway for about 67.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 44.8 mi from Phoenix, AZ · 55m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cave Creek, AZ

45 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

Cave Creek, AZ

Fuel and coffee

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

Cave Creek, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 44.8 miles from Phoenix, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.7 miles.

Arriving in Payson, AZ

The final approach into Payson, 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 Payson, 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

$17.83 one way

$35.66 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.34	$18.83	$37.66
premium	$5.59	$19.71	$39.42
diesel	$5.64	$19.91	$39.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	26.9	$9.41	$4.30
Efficient EV	22.4	$7.84	$3.58
EV Truck/SUV	35.8	$12.54	$5.73

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Phoenix, AZ

Afternoon in Phoenix on Sunday

Local time

4:38 PM

MST

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Payson, AZ

Afternoon in Payson on Sunday

Local time

4:38 PM

MST

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

57°F

Cave Creek, AZ

45 mi in

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

18 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

1h 47m 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 Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ covers 89.6 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Beeline Highway, Red Mountain Freeway, North Beeline Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 44.8 miles from Phoenix, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.83 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 89.6 miles you will encounter 8 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 0.5 miles (North 7th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

The route from Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.