Drive Time
2h 42m
Distance
150.2 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Same-day tripSame Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
The drive from Safford, AZ to Mesa, AZ covers 150.2 miles and takes about 2h 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
This route mixes long travel segments with more detailed approach driving, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.28 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
Use the map to pace the middle of the drive
Expect a 2h 42m drive with frequent turns across 150.2 miles of local and secondary roads.
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.
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.
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 150.2 miles and 2h 42m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First break window
Fuel and coffeeA short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The final approach into Mesa, 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 Mesa, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$29.28 one way
$58.55 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $31.57 | $63.13 |
| premium | $5.57 | $32.91 | $65.83 |
| diesel | $6.37 | $37.64 | $75.29 |
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals (1 day)
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.6 kg one way.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Late night in Safford on Saturday
Local time
2:06 AM
MST
Current temp
47°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
2:06 AM
MST
Current temp
59°F
Forecast unavailable right now
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Explore more options from Safford, AZ or browse trips ending in Mesa, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.
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