How far is Apache Junction, AZ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance from Apache Junction, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ is about 30 miles (48.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.2 miles (34.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 36m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Mesa metropolitan area.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apache Junction and Scottsdale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apache Junction and Scottsdale.
-
1
Start on North Apache Trail
60 m · 11 sec · North Apache Trail
-
2
Continue on North Apache Trail
115 m · 23 sec · North Apache Trail
-
3
Continue on West Apache Trail
4.8 mi · 8 min · West Apache Trail
-
4
Turn right onto North Ellsworth Road
2523 ft · 44 sec · North Ellsworth Road
-
5
Turn left onto East University Drive
914 ft · 33 sec · East University Drive
-
6
Take the ramp right toward AZ 202 Loop North
2019 ft · 49 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
13.8 mi · 16 min · Red Mountain Freeway
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 87: Payson
2281 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn right onto North Country Club Drive
2344 ft · 44 sec · North Country Club Drive
-
10
Continue on North Beeline Highway
1635 ft · 38 sec · North Beeline Highway
-
11
Turn left onto East McDowell Road
2.6 mi · 4 min · East McDowell Road
-
12
Take the ramp right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1974 ft · 50 sec
-
13
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
2.3 mi · 3 min · Pima Freeway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward Chaparral Road
2092 ft · 53 sec
-
15
Turn left onto East Chaparral Road
1.1 km · 2 min · East Chaparral Road
-
16
Turn left
19 m · 5 sec
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apache Junction and Scottsdale.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Red Mountain Freeway
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
13.8 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Apache Junction and Sunny near Scottsdale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apache Junction to Scottsdale?
The road trip is about 30 miles (48.3 km) and usually takes 00h 36m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mesa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.6 miles from Apache Junction and 16.4 miles from Scottsdale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.2 miles (34.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:16 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.25 one way or $10.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Apache Junction and Sunny near Scottsdale.
Stop Ideas Near Mesa
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
City of Mesa Construction Permits
Chandler Passport Acceptance Office
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mesa.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apache Junction and Scottsdale. Straight-line distance: 21.17 mi (34.07 km).
#1 Apache Junction
A town in Pinal County, Arizona.
| Population | 43,386 |
| Coordinates | 33.4150500, -111.5495800 |
| Altitude | 525 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Scottsdale
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Scottsdale metropolitan area.
| Population | 262,647 |
| Coordinates | 33.5092100, -111.8990300 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-111.898944, 33.509209)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 48 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $5.25 | $10.50 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $5.66 | $11.32 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $5.90 | $11.80 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $6.75 | $13.50 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Arizona · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.