How far is Gilbert, AZ from Carefree, AZ?
The driving distance from Gilbert, AZ to Carefree, AZ is about 40.5 miles (65.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.3 miles (53.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 57m.
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.
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Scottsdale metropolitan area.
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 Gilbert and Carefree.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilbert and Carefree.
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1
Start on the route
62 m · 20 sec
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2
Turn left onto North Elm Street
1134 ft · 44 sec · North Elm Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Vaughn Avenue
134 m · 24 sec · East Vaughn Avenue
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4
Turn right onto North Gilbert Road
2.1 mi · 5 min · North Gilbert Road
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5
Turn left onto US 60 West: Phoenix
1717 ft · 46 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Superstition Freeway
4.5 mi · 5 min · Superstition Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1.6 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Price Freeway
2.6 mi · 3 min · Price Freeway
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9
Continue on Pima Freeway
16.8 mi · 19 min · Pima Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Scottsdale Road
1841 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Pima Freeway
579 ft · 14 sec · Pima Freeway
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12
Turn right onto North Scottsdale Road
9.7 mi · 15 min · North Scottsdale Road
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13
Continue on North Tom Darlington Drive
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Tom Darlington Drive
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14
Turn slight right onto North Bloody Basin Road
2156 ft · 1 min · North Bloody Basin Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Tranquil Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gilbert and Carefree.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Pima Freeway
Continue on Pima Freeway
16.8 mi · 00h 19m
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.
Clear leaving Gilbert and Clear near Carefree.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gilbert to Carefree?
The road trip is about 40.5 miles (65.1 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Scottsdale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.3 miles from Gilbert and 20.2 miles from Carefree.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.3 miles (53.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.2 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 4:36 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.08 one way or $14.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Gilbert and Clear near Carefree.
Stop Ideas Near Scottsdale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
The Phoenix Police Museum
Mesa City Council Chambers
Phoenix City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Scottsdale.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gilbert and Carefree. Straight-line distance: 33.27 mi (53.55 km).
#1 Gilbert
The fifth most populous city in Arizona.
| Population | 257,658 |
| Coordinates | 33.3528300, -111.7890300 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carefree
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 3,974 |
| Coordinates | 33.8222600, -111.9182000 |
| Altitude | 726 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carefree (-111.9182, 33.82226)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 65 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $7.08 | $14.16 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $7.63 | $15.27 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $7.96 | $15.92 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $9.10 | $18.21 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.