Origin
South Tucson, AZ
Afternoon in South Tucson on Sunday
Local time
4:17 PM
MST
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Tucson, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
2h 3m
Distance
114.7 mi
185 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 55m
★
6 AM
2h 4m
8 AM
2h 21m
10 AM
2h 10m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 11m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Tucson, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
Traveling between South Tucson and Phoenix covers 114.9 miles across the Arizona desert. You can expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, making this a straightforward day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your journey begins on West 22nd Street before transitioning to the South Freeway Road and eventually connecting to I-10 West. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, it is a budget-friendly transit between these two major hubs in the Desert Southwest. Whether you are heading north for business or leisure, this route offers a direct path through the heart of the state.
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
57.3 miles from South Tucson, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you navigate the initial segments of your trip. While the transition from West 22nd Street to the South Freeway Road requires your full attention, the path eventually levels out into a more standard interstate experience. The route is characterized by its local navigation rather than a high-speed highway grind, with zero percent of the travel occurring on traditional limited-access highways. Since the longest stretch on West 22nd Street is negligible, you will remain engaged with the road layout throughout the transit. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that shifts from city streets to the open desert landscape.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.5 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 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in near I 10 / South Freeway.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 114.7 miles you will encounter 8 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 1.5 miles (I 10 / South Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.7 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 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 10 / South Freeway
Merge onto I 10 / South Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
9.9 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
110.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m 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
112.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m 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
114.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Grande-Tucson Highway | 54.5 mi | 55m |
| Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway | 38.1 mi | 38m |
| Maricopa Freeway | 13.9 mi | 16m |
| South Freeway | 4.6 mi | 5m |
| South 7th Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West 22nd Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| East Washington Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South 6th Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
— 54.5 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on US 80 Hist
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South 6th Avenue
2
Turn left onto West 22nd Street
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
West 22nd Street
3
Turn right onto South Freeway Road
363 ft
·
11 sec
·
South Freeway Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 10 West
5
Merge onto I 10
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 10
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
51 mi
·
51 min
·
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 10
38 mi
·
38 min
·
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 10
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn straight onto East Maricopa Freeway
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Maricopa Freeway
13
Turn right onto South 7th Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South 7th Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
15
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever your schedule allows. Keep in mind that there are no formal stops scheduled along the 114.9-mile path, so ensure your fuel tank is ready for the $22 expense before you leave South Tucson. Because this route involves a higher volume of local turns, staying alert during the first leg on West 22nd Street is your best strategy for a smooth journey. You should plan your departure to avoid peak local traffic, as the turn-heavy nature of the route can become more challenging during busy periods. Use the simplicity of the 1-hour and 44-minute duration to your advantage by planning your arrival in Phoenix with ease.
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 57.3 miles from South Tucson, AZ, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.5 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 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.3 miles or 1h in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 37m
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 South Tucson, 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 South Tucson, AZ
This is one driving day of about 114.7 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Tucson, 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 Casa Grande-Tucson Highway for about 54.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 57.3 mi from South Tucson, AZ · 1h into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
57 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 57.3 miles from South Tucson, 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
$22.83 one way
$45.65 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $24.11 | $48.21 |
| premium | $5.59 | $25.23 | $50.46 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $25.48 | $50.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.4 | 0 | $12.04 | $5.51 |
| Efficient EV | 28.7 | 0 | $10.04 | $4.59 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.9 | 0 | $16.06 | $7.34 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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
4:17 PM
MST
Current temp
61°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
7 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
2h 3m 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 South Tucson, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 114.7 miles and takes about 2h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway, Maricopa Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 57.3 miles from South Tucson, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.83 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 114.7 miles you will encounter 8 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 1.5 miles (I 10 / South Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles (I 10 / Casa Grande-Tucson Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.7 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from South Tucson, AZ to Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ
More from South Tucson, AZ
More trips to Phoenix, AZ
Explore more options from South Tucson, AZ or browse trips ending in Phoenix, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.
Explore maps for South Tucson, AZ or Phoenix, AZ on MapSof.net.