How far is Maricopa, AZ from Sun City, AZ?
The driving distance from Maricopa, AZ to Sun City, AZ is about 57 miles (91.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.5 miles (63.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 20m 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 10m.
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.
A census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Maricopa and Sun City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maricopa and Sun City.
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1
Start on North John Wayne Parkway
38 m · 4 sec · North John Wayne Parkway
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2
Continue on North John Wayne Parkway
2.2 mi · 5 min · North John Wayne Parkway
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3
Continue on Maricopa Road
11.8 mi · 14 min · Maricopa Road
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4
Continue on West Queen Creek Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · West Queen Creek Road
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5
Turn left onto I 10 West: Phoenix
2405 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
2.3 mi · 3 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
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7
Continue on Maricopa Freeway
12 mi · 14 min · Maricopa Freeway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Papago Freeway
2 mi · 2 min · Papago Freeway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Papago Freeway
2.7 mi · 3 min · Papago Freeway
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10
Continue on Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
2756 ft · 36 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
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11
Continue on Papago Freeway
10.4 mi · 12 min · Papago Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on Agua Fria Freeway
8.8 mi · 10 min · Agua Fria Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 60
1831 ft · 37 sec
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15
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Grand Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Maricopa and Sun City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Maricopa Freeway
Continue on Maricopa Freeway
12 mi · 00h 14m
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 Maricopa and Sunny near Sun City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Maricopa to Sun City?
The road trip is about 57 miles (91.8 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
Tempe Junction is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.5 miles from Maricopa and 28.5 miles from Sun City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.5 miles (63.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:10 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.95 one way or $19.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Maricopa and Sunny near Sun City.
Stop Ideas Near Tempe Junction
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
The Phoenix Police Museum
Tempe Economic Development
Tempe City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tempe Junction.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maricopa and Sun City. Straight-line distance: 39.46 mi (63.5 km).
#1 Maricopa
The most populous city in Maricopa County, Arizona.
| Population | 54,539 |
| Coordinates | 33.0581100, -112.0476400 |
| Altitude | 358 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sun City
Census designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 37,499 |
| Coordinates | 33.5975400, -112.2718200 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sun City (-112.27182, 33.59754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $9.95 | $19.90 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $10.73 | $21.46 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $11.19 | $22.38 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $12.80 | $25.59 |
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.