Origin
Show Low, AZ
Evening in Show Low on Sunday
Local time
7:41 PM
MST
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Show Low, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
174.6 mi
281 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 26m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Show Low, AZ
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
Stretching 178.9 miles across the Desert Southwest, this journey from Show Low to Phoenix takes approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $35 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly option for your schedule. Navigating this route involves transitioning through the Globe-Show Low Highway, East Ash Street, and South Hill Street. While the drive is straightforward, its turn-heavy nature requires your full attention behind the wheel. It is a practical route for those looking to connect these two Arizona hubs efficiently without a massive time commitment.
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
87.3 miles from Show Low, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a hands-on driving experience rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features zero highway miles and relies entirely on local roads. You will encounter a turn-heavy environment that demands constant engagement, with no long, uninterrupted stretches to zone out on. The road requires you to stay alert through every curve and intersection along the Globe-Show Low Highway and local street segments. Because you aren't spending time on high-speed interstates, the pace feels slower and more deliberate. This technical profile makes the trip feel like a continuous series of transitions, keeping you focused on the road ahead until you reach the Phoenix metro area.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Globe-Show Low Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 83.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 165.2 miles in near US 60.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 174.6 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 165.2 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 165.7 miles (I 10; US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 170.6 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
165.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 25m in
|
US 60
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60 toward I 10 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 10 North
5
165.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
|
I 10; US 60 / Maricopa Freeway
Merge onto I 10; US 60 / Maricopa Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
170.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m 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
172.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m 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
6
174.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Globe-Show Low Highway | 83.5 mi | 1h 35m |
| Phoenix–Globe Highway | 42.9 mi | 55m |
| Superstition Freeway | 27.1 mi | 31m |
| Maricopa Freeway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| US 60 | 4.5 mi | 8m |
| East Deuce of Clubs | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| West Live Oak Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| North Broad Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Globe-Show Low Highway
— 83.5 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Show Low, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Deuce of Clubs
2
Continue on US 60; AZ 77
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Globe-Show Low Highway
3
Turn right onto US 60
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Ash Street
4
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Hill Street
5
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft
·
11 sec
·
East Oak Street
6
Turn right onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Broad Street
7
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broad Street
8
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60
9
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Live Oak Street
10
Continue on US 60
43 mi
·
55 min
·
Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
27 mi
·
31 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 60
Toward I 10 North
13
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto East Maricopa Freeway
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Maricopa Freeway
17
Turn right onto South 7th Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South 7th Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is simple since the drive is manageable in one go, but aim to leave early to avoid potential traffic build-up as you approach Phoenix. With only one recommended stop planned for the 178.9-mile journey, you have plenty of flexibility to pull over whenever you need a quick break or a stretch. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of these local roads can be fatiguing, so prioritize your comfort by pacing yourself accordingly. Since you won't be traveling on major interstates, ensure your navigation is set for the specific local streets like East Ash and South Hill before you pull out of Show Low. Budgeting $35 for gas should cover your needs, but always verify your fuel levels before heading out to ensure a stress-free arrival.
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 87.3 miles from Show Low, AZ, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.5 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.3 miles or 1h 43m 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 59m
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 Show Low, 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 Show Low, AZ
This is one driving day of about 174.6 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Show Low, 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 Globe-Show Low Highway for about 83.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.3 mi from Show Low, AZ · 1h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 87.3 miles from Show Low, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Globe-Show Low Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.5 miles.
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
$34.75 one way
$69.50 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $36.69 | $73.39 |
| premium | $5.59 | $38.41 | $76.81 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $38.79 | $77.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.33 | $8.38 |
| Efficient EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.28 | $6.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.8 | 0 | $24.44 | $11.17 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Phoenix, AZ
Evening in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
7:41 PM
MST
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
55°F
Florence, AZ
87 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
27 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
3h 38m 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 Show Low, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 174.6 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Globe-Show Low Highway, Phoenix–Globe Highway, Superstition Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.3 miles from Show Low, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.75 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 174.6 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 165.2 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 165.7 miles (I 10; US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 170.6 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Show Low, AZ to Phoenix, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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