Trip from Tempe, AZ to Bisbee, AZ

Drive Time

3h 54m

Distance

207.4 mi

334 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 42m ★

6 AM

3h 55m

8 AM

4h 20m

10 AM

4h 4m

12 PM

4h 1m

3 PM

4h 5m

5 PM

4h 19m

8 PM

3h 47m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Tempe, AZ

Vladimir Srajber

Bisbee, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

Trip Overview

Traveling from Tempe to Bisbee covers 207.4 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 54 minutes. Because this journey remains entirely within the Desert Southwest, you will experience a consistent regional landscape throughout the trip. While it is technically possible to complete this drive as a one-day excursion, the duration makes it a full commitment. Budgeting approximately $41 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for your departure. Since you only have one stop scheduled, this route works best for those who prefer steady progress over frequent sightseeing breaks. It is a straightforward trek that connects the Phoenix metro area to the unique atmosphere of Bisbee.

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

103.7 miles from Tempe, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip defined by a turn-heavy local profile that requires your full attention behind the wheel. You will spend about 28% of your time on highways, navigating a mix of the Phoenix-Casa Grande, Casa Grande-Tucson, and Tucson-Benson highways. The longest uninterrupted section you will face is a 54.6-mile stretch along the Casa Grande-Tucson Highway. As you transition from major thoroughfares to more local roads, the driving experience shifts from high-speed cruising to more technical maneuvers. This variation ensures the drive remains engaging rather than monotonous as you make your way toward your destination.

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.

Casa Grande-Tucson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near South McClintock Drive.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 207.4 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 0.4 miles (South McClintock Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.7 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | South McClintock Drive

Turn right onto South McClintock Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward US 60 West: Phoenix

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward US 60 West: Phoenix

2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 60 / Superstition Freeway

Merge onto US 60 / Superstition Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

5.2 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the exit toward I 10 East: Tucson

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 10 East: Tucson

152.5 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward AZ 90 East: Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 302 Toward AZ 90 East: Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Tempe, AZ to Bisbee, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Sierra Vista along the way.

Sierra Vista

152.5 mi in | ~2h 42m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway	54.6 mi	55m
Tucson-Benson Highway	41.4 mi	43m
Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway	37.8 mi	38m
State Route 90	16.5 mi	19m
Whetstone TI-Junction SR 80 Highway	13.3 mi	16m
Huachuca Boulevard	9.1 mi	10m
AZ 80	6.9 mi	9m
Maricopa Freeway	6.1 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Casa Grande-Tucson Highway — 54.6 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tempe, AZ and Bisbee, AZ.

Start on US 80 Hist

0.2 mi · 27 sec · East Apache Boulevard

Continue on US 80 Hist

0.2 mi · 37 sec · East Apache Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto South McClintock Drive

2.0 mi · 3 min · South McClintock Drive

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward US 60 West: Phoenix Use the right lane.

Merge onto US 60

2.5 mi · 2 min · Superstition Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min

Toward I 10 East: Tucson Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 55 sec

Toward I 10 East: Tucson

Merge onto I 10

6.1 mi · 7 min · Maricopa Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

38 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

55 mi · 55 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 10

6.1 mi · 6 min · North Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 10

41 mi · 43 min · Tucson-Benson Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 302 Toward AZ 90 East: Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista

Turn right onto AZ 90

1.2 mi · 1 min · South State Highway 90

Continue on AZ 90

9.1 mi · 10 min · Huachuca Boulevard

Continue on AZ 90

12 mi · 14 min · State Route 90

Continue on AZ 90

2.2 mi · 3 min · North Huachuca Boulevard

Continue on AZ 90

3.0 mi · 3 min · State Route 90

Turn left onto AZ 90

4.4 mi · 6 min · State Route 90 Bypass

Turn left onto AZ 90

1.5 mi · 2 min · Whetstone TI-Junction SR 80 Highway

Use the left lane.

Continue on AZ 90

1.6 mi · 2 min · State Route 90

Continue on AZ 90

12 mi · 14 min · Whetstone TI-Junction SR 80 Highway

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 80; US 80 Hist

6.9 mi · 9 min · AZ 80; US 80 Hist

Take the exit

290 ft · 9 sec

Turn right

158 ft · 4 sec

Keep slight right at fork

117 ft · 3 sec

Continue on US 80 Hist

0.5 mi · 1 min · Tombstone Canyon Road

Turn left onto Moon Canyon

47 ft · 4 sec · Moon Canyon

Turn right

86 ft · 6 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Planning your departure is key to managing this four-hour drive comfortably. Since you have only one planned stop, ensure you choose a location that allows you to refuel and stretch your legs effectively during the mid-point of your journey. Given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads, it is wise to avoid driving during peak traffic hours if you want a smoother experience. Keep your $41 fuel budget handy and fill up before hitting the more rural, turn-heavy sections of the route. Because this trip is designed as a one-day affair, having the flexibility to leave early gives you the best chance to arrive in Bisbee with plenty of daylight remaining.

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 103.7 miles from Tempe, AZ, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 27m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 103.7 miles or 1h 51m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bisbee, AZ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Tempe, 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 Tempe, AZ

This is one driving day of about 207.4 miles and 3h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tempe, 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 Casa Grande-Tucson Highway for about 54.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 103.7 mi from Tempe, AZ · 1h 51m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Tucson, AZ

104 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

Tucson, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tucson, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.7 miles from Tempe, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Bisbee, AZ

The final approach into Bisbee, 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 Bisbee, 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

$41.28 one way

$82.55 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.34	$43.59	$87.17
premium	$5.59	$45.62	$91.24
diesel	$5.64	$46.08	$92.15

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.2	0	$21.78	$9.96
Efficient EV	51.9	0	$18.15	$8.30
EV Truck/SUV	83	1	$29.04	$13.27

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Tempe, AZ

Afternoon in Tempe on Sunday

Local time

4:38 PM

MST

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bisbee, AZ

Afternoon in Bisbee on Sunday

Local time

4:38 PM

MST

Current temp

48°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

11 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

3h 54m 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 Tempe, AZ to Bisbee, AZ covers 207.4 miles and takes about 3h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Casa Grande-Tucson Highway, Tucson-Benson Highway, Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 103.7 miles from Tempe, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.28 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.

On the drive from Tempe, AZ to Bisbee, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Sierra Vista along the way.

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Trip from Tempe, AZ to Bisbee, AZ

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Bisbee, AZ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Tempe, AZ

Bisbee, AZ

Same local time

11 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 54m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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