How far is Carefree, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from Carefree, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 34.8 miles (56 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 46m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carefree and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carefree and Mesa.
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1
Start on North Tranquil Trail
3 m · 1 sec · North Tranquil Trail
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2
Continue on North Bloody Basin Road
2056 ft · 1 min · North Bloody Basin Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto North Tom Darlington Drive
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Tom Darlington Drive
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4
Continue on North Scottsdale Road
9.8 mi · 16 min · North Scottsdale Road
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5
Turn left onto AZ 101 Loop East
2195 ft · 58 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
14.3 mi · 16 min · Pima Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward McDowell Road
1807 ft · 46 sec
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8
Turn left onto East McDowell Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · East McDowell Road
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9
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.1 km · 1 min · North Alma School Road
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10
Turn left onto West McKellips Road
2.1 mi · 4 min · West McKellips Road
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11
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · North Mesa Drive
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12
Turn left onto East University Drive
22 m · 2 sec · East University Drive
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carefree and Mesa.
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.
Pima Freeway
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
14.3 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Carefree and Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carefree to Mesa?
The road trip is about 34.8 miles (56 km) and usually takes 00h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Paradise Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.7 miles from Carefree and 18.1 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.1 miles (45.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:58 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.09 one way or $12.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carefree and Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Paradise Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
City of Mesa Construction Permits
City of Tempe City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Paradise Valley.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carefree and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 28.18 mi (45.35 km).
#1 Carefree
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 3,974 |
| Coordinates | 33.8222600, -111.9182000 |
| Altitude | 726 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mesa
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Mesa metropolitan area.
| Population | 528,159 |
| Coordinates | 33.4222700, -111.8226400 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| Country | United States |
End: East University Drive (-111.82264, 33.422353)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $6.09 | $12.18 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $6.57 | $13.13 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $6.85 | $13.69 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $7.83 | $15.66 |
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.