Phoenix to San Carlos is 111.9 miles and takes about 2h 30m via the Phoenix–Globe Highway and US 60, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day trip stays within the Desert Southwest region, making it an easy excursion from Phoenix. The drive offers a mixed terrain, so expect varied driving conditions. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a spontaneous adventure or a quick getaway.
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
55.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, the most populous city in the American Southwest. Warm and sunny winter weather have ensured a thriving tourism industry, and the city has become the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is extremely hot and dry in the summertime, so always have sunscreen with you! It had about 1,625,000 residents in 2021, and is the fifth largest city in the United States.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 30m. Total distance: 111.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (38%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive is a mixed bag, featuring 38% highway driving interspersed with other road types. You'll experience a substantial 43-mile stretch on the Phoenix–Globe Highway, which likely offers a more open-road feel. As you progress, expect the character of the drive to evolve, moving from more urbanized areas around Phoenix to the landscapes characteristic of the Desert Southwest. The profile suggests a journey that isn't just pure interstate cruising, but rather a dynamic route with varying speeds and road conditions.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Phoenix–Globe Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 43 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 0.1 miles in near South 1st Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 111.9 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 0.1 miles (South 1st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (South 1st Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2 miles (East Maricopa Freeway): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|South 1st Avenue
Turn left onto South 1st Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|South 1st Avenue
Keep slight left at fork onto South 1st Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
2 mi into trip|~5m in|East Maricopa Freeway
Turn left onto East Maricopa Freeway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
2 mi into trip|~5m in
Take the ramp toward I 17 South, US 60 East
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 17 South, US 60 East
8
8.8 mi into trip|~13m in|US 60
Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
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 154
Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Phoenix, AZ to San Carlos, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Globe along the way.
Globe
8.8 mi in|~13m|via US 60
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Phoenix–Globe Highway
43 mi
55m
US 60
31.9 mi
39m
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
17.9 mi
22m
Maricopa Freeway
6.5 mi
7m
Indian Route 170
3.6 mi
6m
East Ash Street
2.3 mi
4m
North Broad Street
2 mi
3m
Live Oak Street
1.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Phoenix–Globe Highway
— 43 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Phoenix, AZ and San Carlos, AZ.
1
Start on West Washington Street
322 ft·18 sec·West Washington Street
2
Turn left onto South 1st Avenue
436 ft·9 sec·South 1st Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Keep slight left at fork onto South 1st Avenue
350 ft·14 sec·South 1st Avenue
4
Turn left onto West Madison Street
0.1 mi·31 sec·West Madison Street
5
At end of road, turn right onto South 1st Street
0.3 mi·55 sec·South 1st Street
6
Turn left onto East Lincoln Street
0.4 mi·1 min·East Lincoln Street
7
Turn right onto South 7th Street
0.9 mi·2 min·South 7th Street
Use the right lane.
8
Turn left onto East Maricopa Freeway
290 ft·8 sec·East Maricopa Freeway
Use the left lane.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 17 South, US 60 EastUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 17; US 60
6.5 mi·7 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 60
28 mi·32 min·US 60
Exit 154Toward US 60 East: Mesa, GlobeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
43 mi·55 min·Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi·3 min·Live Oak Street
14
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi·7 min·US 60
15
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi·2 min·North Broad Street
16
Turn left onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft·9 sec·East Oak Street
18
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi·39 sec·South Hill Street
19
Turn left onto US 60
2.3 mi·4 min·East Ash Street
20
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
0.8 mi·1 min·Globe-Lordsburg Highway
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77
17 mi·20 min·Globe-Lordsburg Highway
22
Turn left onto BIA 170
0.2 mi·19 sec·Indian Route 170
23
At end of road, turn left onto BIA 170
3.4 mi·5 min·Indian Route 170
24
Keep slight left at fork onto Aravaipa Road
0.2 mi·22 sec·Aravaipa Road
25
Arrive at destination
Aravaipa Road
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 30m drive time, starting your journey in the morning is recommended to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops or to simply enjoy the drive. With only one stop suggested, you have a lot of flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a services opportunity is 43 miles on the Phoenix–Globe Highway. Planning to refuel before departing Phoenix or shortly after leaving the immediate metro area is a wise move to avoid any range anxiety.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 55.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43 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 25 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.9 miles or 1h 10m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Carlos, 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 111.9 miles and 2h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Phoenix, 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 Phoenix–Globe Highway for about 43 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 55.9 mi from Phoenix, AZ
· 1h 10m into the drive
The midpoint is around 55.9 miles from Phoenix, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in San Carlos, AZ
The final approach into San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 50.2
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...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
$10
near mile 73.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.29 one way
$44.58 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$23.59
$47.18
premium
$5.59
$24.63
$49.26
diesel
$5.61
$24.71
$49.41
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.6
0
$11.75
$5.37
Efficient EV
28
0
$9.79
$4.48
EV Truck/SUV
44.8
0
$15.67
$7.16
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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 15, 2026
Origin
Phoenix, AZ
Evening
in Phoenix on Friday
Local time
8:06 PM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
San Carlos, AZ
Evening
in San Carlos on Friday
Local time
8:06 PM
MST
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
87°F
Superior, AZ
56 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
6 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
2h 30m 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 San Carlos, AZ covers 111.9 miles and takes about 2h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Phoenix–Globe Highway, US 60, Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 55.9 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 $22.29 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 111.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South 1st Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (South 1st Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2 miles (East Maricopa Freeway): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Phoenix, AZ to San Carlos, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Globe along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
