Origin
Safford, AZ
Afternoon in Safford on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
MST
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Safford, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ
Drive Time
5h 54m
Distance
299.6 mi
482 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 42m
★
6 AM
5h 55m
8 AM
6h 21m
10 AM
6h 4m
12 PM
6h 1m
3 PM
6h 5m
5 PM
6h 20m
8 PM
5h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Safford, AZ
SHOX ART
Flagstaff, AZ
Mark Direen
Trip Overview
Embarking on the 299.6-mile trek from Safford to Flagstaff is a substantial undertaking that typically requires about 5 hours and 54 minutes of travel time. Because this route is a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited as a dedicated, one-day trip rather than a quick jaunt. You should budget approximately $60 for fuel to complete the journey, which keeps you entirely within the Desert Southwest. While the entire drive can be completed in a single day, the winding nature of the roads means you should prepare for a full day behind the wheel. It is a practical, straightforward transition between two distinct points in Arizona, though the technical road profile makes it more demanding than a standard interstate cruise.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
149.8 miles from Safford, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a uniquely technical experience, as this route is almost entirely comprised of local roads and highways. You will navigate a series of turns that define the character of the trip, shifting away from the monotony of a typical interstate grind. The longest single push you will encounter is an 86.1-mile stretch along the Purple Heart Trail, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Because the route is 100% highway-based but heavily reliant on local corridors like the Globe-Show Low Highway and East Center Street, your focus will need to remain sharp. This is not a route for cruising on autopilot, as the road's personality changes significantly from one segment to the next.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 86.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Main Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 54m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (South 8th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 76.3 miles (AZ 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Main Street
Turn right onto West Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
South 8th Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto South 8th Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
76.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
|
AZ 77
Take the exit onto AZ 77
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
4
162.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 21m in
|
AZ 77 / North Penrod Road
Turn left onto AZ 77 / North Penrod Road
Navigation decision point
4
209.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m in
|
US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / West Hopi Drive
Turn left onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist / West Hopi Drive
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 86.1 mi | 1h 26m |
| Globe-Show Low Highway | 83.4 mi | 1h 35m |
| East Center Street | 66.5 mi | 1h 21m |
| Show Low-Holbrook Highway | 37.1 mi | 44m |
| Globe-Lordsburg Highway | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| North Penrod Road | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| West Deuce of Clubs | 3 mi | 6m |
| South Main Street | 2.9 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 86.1 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Safford, AZ and Flagstaff, AZ.
1
Start on US 191
253 ft
·
8 sec
·
South 1st Avenue
2
Turn right onto West Main Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto South 8th Avenue
436 ft
·
16 sec
·
South 8th Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Thatcher Boulevard
5
Continue on US 70
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
6
Continue on US 70
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
7
Continue on US 70
66 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
East Center Street
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ash Street
9
Take the exit onto AZ 77
239 ft
·
6 sec
·
AZ 77
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto US 60; AZ 77
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Globe-Show Low Highway
11
Continue on US 60; AZ 77
3.0 mi
·
6 min
·
West Deuce of Clubs
12
Turn left onto AZ 77
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Penrod Road
13
Continue on AZ 77
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
14
Continue on AZ 77
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Main Street
15
Continue on AZ 77
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
16
Continue on AZ 77
2.4 mi
·
5 min
·
South Main Street
17
Continue on AZ 77
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
18
Continue on AZ 77
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Arizona State Highway 77
19
Continue on AZ 77
24 mi
·
28 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
20
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
21
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Navajo Boulevard
22
Turn left onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West Hopi Drive
23
Take the ramp onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
24
Merge onto I 40; US 180
86 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Butler Avenue
26
Turn right onto East Butler Avenue
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
East Butler Avenue
27
Continue on South Ponderosa Parkway
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
South Ponderosa Parkway
28
Turn left onto US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Route 66
29
Continue on US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Historic Route 66
30
Arrive at destination
US 180; I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour drive, plan to depart early in the morning to account for the technical nature of the roads and the need for at least one planned stop. Since the route is entirely highway-dependent, check your fuel levels before leaving Safford to ensure you stay within your $60 budget without needing to hunt for stations in remote spots. Given the turn-heavy profile of the Globe-Show Low Highway, you should pace yourself and take breaks to stay alert behind the wheel. Because you are tackling nearly 300 miles of winding road, prioritize physical comfort and hydration throughout the day. Flexibility is your greatest asset here; keep an eye on your travel time to ensure you reach Flagstaff before nightfall, when local road visibility may decrease.
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 149.8 miles from Safford, AZ, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 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 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.8 miles or 3h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Flagstaff, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Safford, 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 Safford, AZ
This is one driving day of about 299.6 miles and 5h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Safford, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 86.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 149.8 mi from Safford, AZ · 3h 3m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
150 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 149.8 miles from Safford, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.1 miles.
Arriving in Flagstaff, AZ
The final approach into Flagstaff, 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 Flagstaff, 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
$59.63 one way
$119.25 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $62.96 | $125.93 |
| premium | $5.59 | $65.90 | $131.80 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.56 | $133.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.9 | 1 | $31.46 | $14.38 |
| Efficient EV | 74.9 | 0 | $26.22 | $11.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.8 | 1 | $41.94 | $19.17 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Flagstaff, AZ
Afternoon in Flagstaff on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
MST
Current temp
30°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
17 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
5h 54m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Safford, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ covers 299.6 miles and takes about 5h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, Globe-Show Low Highway, East Center Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 149.8 miles from Safford, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.63 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 5h 54m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (South 8th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 76.3 miles (AZ 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Safford, AZ to Flagstaff, 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 Flagstaff, AZ
More trips to Flagstaff, AZ
Explore more options from Safford, AZ or browse trips ending in Flagstaff, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.
Explore maps for Safford, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ on MapSof.net.