Origin
Queen Creek, AZ
Afternoon in Queen Creek on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
MST
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Queen Creek, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
51m
Distance
37.9 mi
61 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 47m
★
6 AM
0h 52m
8 AM
1h 0m
10 AM
0h 54m
12 PM
0h 54m
3 PM
0h 55m
5 PM
1h 0m
8 PM
0h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Queen Creek, AZ
Fernando Capetillo
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
Traveling from Queen Creek to Phoenix covers a straightforward 37.8-mile distance that typically takes about 46 minutes to complete. This trip serves perfectly as a quick day excursion, as it does not require an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $7 in fuel for the entire journey through the Desert Southwest. Because the route stays entirely on local roads, you will avoid the high-speed intensity of major interstates. It is a practical, efficient connection between these two Arizona locations that favors local navigation over highway travel.
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
19 miles from Queen Creek, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel rather than settling into a cruise-controlled highway rhythm. You will navigate via East Ocotillo Road, South Ellsworth Loop Road, and South Ellsworth Road, which account for 0% highway share. Since this path is entirely composed of local surface streets, there is no single longest uninterrupted stretch to speak of. The experience is defined by frequent turns and changing local scenery as you transition from the outskirts of Queen Creek into the heart of Phoenix. You should be prepared for a steady pace that reflects the character of suburban and urban surface driving.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Superstition Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 17.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Superstition Freeway and Maricopa Freeway. 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 East Ocotillo Road.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 37.9 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 (East Ocotillo Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
10
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East Ocotillo Road
Turn uturn onto East Ocotillo Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
5.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward AZ 202 Loop North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward AZ 202 Loop North
7
9.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward US 60 West: Phoenix
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 30B
Toward US 60 West: Phoenix
8
33.9 mi into trip
|
~44m in
|
US 60 / Maricopa Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60 / Maricopa Freeway toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
8
35.9 mi into trip
|
~46m in
Take the exit toward 7th Street, Central 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 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Superstition Freeway | 17.4 mi | 20m |
| Maricopa Freeway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| South Ellsworth Road | 3.8 mi | 6m |
| Santan Freeway | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| South 7th Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| South Ellsworth Loop Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| US 60 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| East Washington Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Superstition Freeway
— 17.4 mi, about 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Queen Creek, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on East Ocotillo Road
380 ft
·
35 sec
·
East Ocotillo Road
2
Turn uturn onto East Ocotillo Road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Ocotillo Road
Use the none lane.
3
Turn right onto South Ellsworth Loop Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Ellsworth Loop Road
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on South Ellsworth Road
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
South Ellsworth Road
Use the none lane.
5
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward AZ 24 West
Use the left lane.
6
Merge onto AZ 24
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
Gateway Freeway
7
Keep slight right at fork
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward AZ 202 Loop North
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Santan Freeway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
3 min
Exit 30B
Toward US 60 West: Phoenix
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto US 60
17 mi
·
20 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 60
Toward I 10 North
Use the none lane.
12
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Use the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto East Maricopa Freeway
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Maricopa Freeway
16
Turn right onto South 7th Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South 7th Street
Use the none lane.
17
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 46-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though avoiding local rush hour traffic is always a wise strategy. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way given the short duration and direct nature of the route. Keep in mind that your $7 fuel estimate is based on current averages, so filling up before you leave Queen Creek ensures you have enough range for the trip and any city driving once you arrive. A helpful tip for this route is to keep your GPS active, as the reliance on local roads like South Ellsworth Loop Road requires careful attention to turn-by-turn navigation.
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 19 miles from Queen Creek, AZ, or about 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.4 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 37.9 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19 miles or 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Phoenix, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Queen Creek, 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 Queen Creek, AZ
This is one driving day of about 37.9 miles and 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Queen Creek, 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 Superstition Freeway for about 17.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19 mi from Queen Creek, AZ · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 19 miles from Queen Creek, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Phoenix, AZ
The final approach into Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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
$7.54 one way
$15.09 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $7.96 | $15.93 |
| premium | $5.59 | $8.34 | $16.67 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.42 | $16.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.4 | 0 | $3.98 | $1.82 |
| Efficient EV | 9.5 | 0 | $3.32 | $1.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 15.2 | 0 | $5.31 | $2.43 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Phoenix, AZ
Afternoon in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
MST
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
63°F
Mesa, AZ
19 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
5 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
51m 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 Queen Creek, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 37.9 miles and takes about 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Superstition Freeway, Maricopa Freeway, South Ellsworth Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19 miles from Queen Creek, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.54 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 14 significant decision points across 37.9 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 (East Ocotillo Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Queen Creek, AZ to Phoenix, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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