How far is Catalina, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from Catalina, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.1 miles (132.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 25m 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 01h 42m.
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 and county seat of Pinal 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 Catalina and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Catalina and Mesa.
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1
Start on East Pinto Place
150 m · 27 sec · East Pinto Place
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2
Turn left onto North Elkins Road
1991 ft · 2 min · North Elkins Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Edwin Road
1569 ft · 43 sec · Edwin Road
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4
Turn left onto Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
733 ft · 29 sec · Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
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5
Turn right onto Tucson-Globe Highway
3.2 mi · 5 min · Tucson-Globe Highway
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6
Turn left onto State Route 79
2019 ft · 28 sec · State Route 79
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7
Continue on Pinal Pioneer Parkway
35.9 mi · 41 min · Pinal Pioneer Parkway
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8
Continue on South Pinal Parkway Avenue
6.2 mi · 8 min · South Pinal Parkway Avenue
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9
Continue on North Pinal Parkway
15.6 mi · 20 min · North Pinal Parkway
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10
Continue on Oracle Junction–Florence Highway
1552 ft · 43 sec · Oracle Junction–Florence Highway
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11
Turn left onto US 60 West: Apache Junction, Mesa, Phoenix
2520 ft · 34 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Phoenix–Globe Highway
12.1 mi · 15 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway
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13
Continue on Superstition Freeway
18.6 mi · 21 min · Superstition Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Mesa Drive
2416 ft · 1 min
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15
Turn right onto South Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · South Mesa Drive
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16
Continue on North Mesa Drive
2684 ft · 1 min · North Mesa Drive
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17
Turn right onto East University Drive
22 m · 2 sec · East University Drive
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Catalina and Mesa.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Pinal Pioneer Parkway
Continue on Pinal Pioneer Parkway
35.9 mi · 00h 41m
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 Catalina and Clear near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Catalina to Mesa?
The road trip is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km) and usually takes 01h 42m 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?
Florence is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.3 miles from Catalina and 48.5 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.1 miles (132.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.7 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 3:04 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.93 one way or $33.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Catalina and Clear near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Florence
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Florence.
Maricopa
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Catalina and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 82.11 mi (132.15 km).
#1 Catalina
Census designated place in Pima County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 7,569 |
| Coordinates | 32.5055600, -110.9211100 |
| Altitude | 962 |
| 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: 156 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $16.93 | $33.86 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $18.26 | $36.51 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $19.04 | $38.07 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $21.77 | $43.54 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.