How far is Linden, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from Linden, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 165.2 miles (265.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.7 miles (181.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Gila 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 Linden and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Linden and Mesa.
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1
Start on the route
35 m · 14 sec
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2
Turn left onto Payson-Show Low Highway
27.4 mi · 34 min · Payson-Show Low Highway
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3
Continue on Hwy 260
15.9 mi · 22 min · Hwy 260
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4
Continue on Payson-Heber Highway
12.7 mi · 18 min · Payson-Heber Highway
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5
Continue on Payson-Show Low Highway
24.2 mi · 31 min · Payson-Show Low Highway
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6
Turn left onto South Beeline Highway
73.1 mi · 1 hr 27 min · South Beeline Highway
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7
Continue on North Country Club Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · North Country Club Drive
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8
Turn left onto West McKellips Road
1 mi · 2 min · West McKellips Road
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9
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · North Mesa Drive
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10
Turn left onto East University Drive
22 m · 2 sec · East University Drive
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Linden 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.
South Beeline Highway
Turn left onto South Beeline Highway
73.1 mi · 01h 27m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Linden and Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Linden to Mesa?
The road trip is about 165.2 miles (265.8 km) and usually takes 03h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Payson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.5 miles from Linden and 86.6 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.7 miles (181.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:40 AM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.25 one way or $54.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Linden and Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Payson
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 Payson.
Camp Verde, Arizona
Sedona (Center Bus Stop), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Winslow
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Linden and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 112.64 mi (181.27 km).
#1 Linden
Located in Navajo County along the Mogollon Rim, this unincorporated community sits at an elevation of 6,293 feet within the White Mountains region of Arizona.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 34.2850400, -110.1570600 |
| Altitude | 1918 |
| 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: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $27.25 | $54.50 |
| Mid-grade | $5.03 | $29.35 | $58.70 |
| Premium | $5.36 | $31.27 | $62.53 |
| Diesel | $6.27 | $36.57 | $73.13 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026