Origin
Phoenix, AZ
Evening in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
MST
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Phoenix, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ
Drive Time
26m
Distance
15.5 mi
25 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 24m
★
6 AM
0h 26m
8 AM
0h 31m
10 AM
0h 28m
12 PM
0h 27m
3 PM
0h 28m
5 PM
0h 31m
8 PM
0h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Scottsdale, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Trip Overview
Traveling from Phoenix to Scottsdale is a quick, 19.6-mile commute that typically takes about 23 minutes. Because this is a short, turn-heavy local drive within the Desert Southwest, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics; it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. You can expect to spend roughly $4 on fuel for the journey, making it a very economical route. Navigating through the city involves utilizing North 7th Avenue and I-10 East, including a pass through the Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel. Since both cities are located within the same region, you will experience a consistent desert environment throughout the entire trip. Overall, it is a straightforward connection that offers plenty of flexibility for your schedule.
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
7.7 miles from Phoenix, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a technical, turn-heavy experience rather than a long, monotonous highway cruise. With a 0% highway share, this route relies entirely on local roads and city streets to get you to your destination. You won't find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the longest segment is 0 miles on North 7th Avenue. Instead, you will navigate constant turns and city transitions as you move between Phoenix and Scottsdale. Staying alert is essential, as the urban nature of the roads requires your full attention compared to a standard interstate drive.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
East McDowell Road is the longest continuous segment at about 3.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near North 7th Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 15.5 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 0.5 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 4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese 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
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
6.6 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowell Road
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 3
Toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowel...
7
6.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward McDowell Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward McDowell Road
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East McDowell Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 3 mi | 3m |
| North Scottsdale Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| North Hayden Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Papago Freeway | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| East Osborn Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| North 7th Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Chaparral Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
East McDowell Road
— 3.3 mi, about 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, 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
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 3
Toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowell Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward McDowell Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Merge onto AZ 143
478 ft
·
9 sec
·
Hohokam Expressway
12
Turn right onto East McDowell Road
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
East McDowell Road
Use the left lane.
13
Turn left onto North Scottsdale Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Scottsdale Road
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto East Osborn Road
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
East Osborn Road
Use the right lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto East Osborn Road
90 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Osborn Road
16
Continue on East Osborn Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Osborn Road
17
Turn left onto North Hayden Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Hayden Road
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Chaparral Road
Use the right lane.
19
Turn right
64 ft
·
4 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the short 23-minute duration, you have total flexibility in your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always a smart move in this metropolitan area. Since there are no scheduled stops required for a drive of this length, you can easily complete the trip in one go without needing to refuel or rest. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between North 7th Avenue and I-10 East, as the turn-heavy nature of the route can be tricky. If you are traveling during the heat of the day, ensure your vehicle's air conditioning is fully operational before you head out. Enjoy the ease of this quick transit, as the minimal distance allows you to focus on your arrival rather than the logistics of the road.
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 7.7 miles from Phoenix, AZ, or about 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 3.3 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 15.5 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.7 miles or 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsdale, 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 15.5 miles and 26m.
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 East McDowell Road for about 3.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.7 mi from Phoenix, AZ · 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 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
Arriving in Scottsdale, AZ
The final approach into Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, 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
$3.08 one way
$6.17 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $3.26 | $6.51 |
| premium | $5.59 | $3.41 | $6.82 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $3.44 | $6.89 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.63 | $0.74 |
| Efficient EV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.36 | $0.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.2 | 0 | $2.17 | $0.99 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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.
Destination
Scottsdale, AZ
Evening in Scottsdale on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
MST
Current temp
58°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
3 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
26m 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 Scottsdale, AZ covers 15.5 miles and takes about 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are East McDowell Road, Red Mountain Freeway, North Scottsdale Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 7.7 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 $3.08 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 is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 15.5 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 0.5 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 4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Phoenix, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Scottsdale, AZ
More trips to Scottsdale, AZ
Explore more options from Phoenix, AZ or browse trips ending in Scottsdale, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.
Explore maps for Phoenix, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ on MapSof.net.