Origin
Tempe Junction, AZ
Afternoon in Tempe Junction on Sunday
Local time
4:13 PM
MST
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tempe Junction, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Drive Time
3h 39m
Distance
163.9 mi
264 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 27m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 48m
12 PM
3h 46m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 3m
8 PM
3h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tempe Junction, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Mark Direen
Trip Overview
Spanning 163.9 miles through the Desert Southwest, this journey from Tempe Junction to Swift Trail Junction typically takes about 3 hours and 39 minutes. You will primarily navigate via the Superstition Freeway, the Phoenix–Globe Highway, and the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Given the manageable duration, this route works perfectly as a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $33 for fuel to cover the distance. Because you remain within the same desert region throughout the trip, you can expect consistent arid landscapes as you transition between these two Arizona points.
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
82 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mix of road types, as this trip is only 18% highway-based, making it a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating secondary roads that require more focus than a standard freeway trek. Your longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway, stretching for 71.2 miles. Be prepared for a driving experience that shifts from the fast-paced flow of the Phoenix area into more technical, winding local passages. This variability keeps the drive engaging, so stay alert as the road configuration changes.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Globe-Lordsburg Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 71.2 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 0.2 miles in near South Mill Avenue.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 163.9 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 0.2 miles (South Mill Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Mill Avenue
Turn right onto South Mill Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
2.3 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Turn left toward US 60 East: Mesa
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 60 East: Mesa
5
2.6 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
78.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
North Broad Street
Turn left onto North Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
79.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
US 60 / East Ash Street
Turn left onto US 60 / East Ash Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Globe-Lordsburg Highway | 71.2 mi | 1h 28m |
| Phoenix–Globe Highway | 43 mi | 55m |
| Superstition Freeway | 25.3 mi | 29m |
| South 1st Avenue | 7.3 mi | 11m |
| US 60 | 4 mi | 7m |
| West Thatcher Boulevard | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| East Ash Street | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| South Mill Avenue | 2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe Junction, AZ and Swift Trail Junction, AZ.
1
Start on West 13th Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
West 13th Street
2
Turn right onto South Mill Avenue
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
South Mill Avenue
Use the none lane.
3
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 60 East: Mesa
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto US 60
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
43 mi
·
55 min
·
Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
6
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Live Oak Street
7
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broad Street
Use the none lane.
9
Turn left onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Broad Street
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Oak Street
11
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Hill Street
12
Turn left onto US 60
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Ash Street
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77
70 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
15
Continue on US 70
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
16
Continue on US 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Thatcher Boulevard
17
Continue on US 70
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West 5th Street
18
Turn right onto US 191
7.3 mi
·
11 min
·
South 1st Avenue
Use the none lane.
19
Turn left onto West Swift Trail
102 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Swift Trail
20
Arrive at destination
West Swift Trail
Trip Plan
Since this is a straightforward 3-hour and 39-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time around traffic patterns. I recommend scheduling at least one solid stop along the way to break up the 163.9-mile journey and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before heading out, as the $33 cost is an estimate that can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local station prices. Because this is a turn-heavy route, try to avoid driving during peak fatigue hours to ensure you remain sharp for the tighter sections. Prioritize checking your tire pressure before leaving Tempe Junction, as the varied road surfaces will be more noticeable on this specific drive.
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 82 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82 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 2h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Swift Trail Junction, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tempe Junction, 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 Junction, AZ
This is one driving day of about 163.9 miles and 3h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tempe Junction, 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-Lordsburg Highway for about 71.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 82 mi from Tempe Junction, AZ · 1h 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
82 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 82 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Globe-Lordsburg Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 miles.
Arriving in Swift Trail Junction, AZ
The final approach into Swift Trail Junction, 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 Swift Trail Junction, 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
$32.62 one way
$65.24 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $34.44 | $68.89 |
| premium | $5.59 | $36.05 | $72.10 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $36.41 | $72.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.2 | 0 | $17.21 | $7.87 |
| Efficient EV | 41 | 0 | $14.34 | $6.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.6 | 0 | $22.95 | $10.49 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Afternoon in Swift Trail Junction on Sunday
Local time
4:13 PM
MST
Current temp
51°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
9 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 39m 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 Junction, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ covers 163.9 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Globe-Lordsburg 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 82 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.62 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 163.9 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 0.2 miles (South Mill Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Tempe Junction, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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Return Trip
Swift Trail Junction, AZ to Tempe Junction, AZPlan the drive back the other way.
163.8 mi
3h 39m
Continue From Swift Trail Junction, AZ
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