This 349.5-mile journey from Tempe, AZ, to Fredonia, AZ, will take approximately 6 hours and 54 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing Arizona Veterans Highway, Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway, and Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway, this route is best tackled as a single-day adventure, especially given its manageable duration. You can expect a fuel cost of around $70 for this trip. The drive offers a distinct local feel, making it a practical choice for those exploring the Desert Southwest region of Arizona.
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
174.7 miles from Tempe, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 11m into the drive
.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 54m. Total distance: 349.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 54m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with only 16% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 90.6 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. This drive will likely feel more like navigating through local roads and less like a high-speed interstate cruise. The character of the road can change as you progress, so be prepared for varying conditions and speeds.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 90.6 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 9.7 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 349.5 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 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
9.7 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 West
8
13.8 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
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 143A-B
Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
8
14 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 143A
Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
6
158.9 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|US 180; I 40 Bus / Country Club Drive
Turn left onto US 180; I 40 Bus / Country Club Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
159.4 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|US 89 / Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
Turn right onto US 89 / Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Tempe, AZ to Fredonia, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Albuquerque along the way.
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe, AZ and Fredonia, AZ.
1
Start on US 80 Hist
0.2 mi·24 sec·East Apache Boulevard
2
Turn right onto South Una Butte Avenue
321 ft·11 sec·South Una Butte Avenue
3
Turn right
22 ft·1 sec
4
Turn right onto South Butte Avenue
254 ft·10 sec·South Butte Avenue
5
Turn right onto East 12th Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·East 12th Street
6
Turn left onto South McClintock Drive
1.4 mi·2 min·South McClintock Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
8
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
7.5 mi·8 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 WestUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
12
Continue on I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 143A-BToward I 17 South, I 17 North: FlagstaffUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 143AToward I 17 North: FlagstaffUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 17; US 60
38 mi·41 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 17
8.9 mi·9 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 17
13 mi·13 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 17
77 mi·1 hr 17 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
19
Continue on I 17; AZ 89A
0.6 mi·43 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 40 East, Albuquerque
21
Merge onto I 40
5.1 mi·5 min·Purple Heart Trail
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 89 North: Page
23
Turn left onto US 180; I 40 Bus
0.5 mi·50 sec·Country Club Drive
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Turn right onto US 89
2.3 mi·3 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 89
6.4 mi·8 min·US Highway 89
26
Continue on US 89
38 mi·44 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
27
Enter roundabout onto US 89
156 ft·2 sec·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
28
Continue on US 89
1.4 mi·2 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
29
Continue on US 89
0.3 mi·27 sec·US 89
30
Continue on US 89
57 mi·1 hr 6 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
31
Turn left onto US 89A
84 mi·1 hr 53 min·Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway
32
Continue on US 89A
1.6 mi·2 min·South Main Street
33
Turn left onto AZ 389
47 ft·1 sec·West Pratt Street
34
Arrive at destination
AZ 389
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 54-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Tempe to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 90.6 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway, as services might be less frequent. The approximate $70 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to budget a little extra.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.7 miles from Tempe, AZ, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.6 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 77 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.7 miles or 3h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fredonia, 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 349.5 miles and 6h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 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 Arizona Veterans Highway for about 90.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 174.7 mi from Tempe, AZ
· 3h 11m into the drive
The midpoint is around 174.7 miles from Tempe, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 90.6 miles.
Arriving in Fredonia, AZ
The final approach into Fredonia, 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 Fredonia, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
$25
near mile 156.7
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$25
near mile 180.8
Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of mil...
11 mi from route
~29 min detour
$30
near mile 277.2
The rich history of Pipe Spring and its flowing water comes alive as you explore the traditions of the Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers through the museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Hike...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$10
near mile 349.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$69.62 one way
$139.25 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$73.68
$147.37
premium
$5.59
$76.93
$153.86
diesel
$5.61
$77.17
$154.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$70
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.9
1
$36.70
$16.78
Efficient EV
87.4
0
$30.58
$13.98
EV Truck/SUV
139.8
1
$48.93
$22.37
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Tempe, AZ
Late night
in Tempe on Saturday
Local time
2:22 AM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fredonia, AZ
Late night
in Fredonia on Saturday
Local time
2:22 AM
MST
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
W 12 mph11% chanceLive 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
30 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
6h 54m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 Fredonia, AZ covers 349.5 miles and takes about 6h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway, Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 174.7 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 $69.62 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 349.5 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Tempe, AZ to Fredonia, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Albuquerque along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
