How far is Mesa, AZ from Apache Junction, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to Apache Junction, AZ is about 16.3 miles (26.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 15.8 miles (25.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 27m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 fifth most populous city in Arizona.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mesa and Apache Junction.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and Apache Junction.
-
1
Start on East University Drive
22 m · 9 sec · East University Drive
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2
Turn left onto North Mesa Drive
2619 ft · 56 sec · North Mesa Drive
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3
Turn left onto East Main Street
2740 ft · 60 sec · East Main Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East Main Street
26 m · 3 sec · East Main Street
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5
Exit the rotary onto East Main Street
8.5 mi · 14 min · East Main Street
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6
Continue on East Apache Trail
6.7 mi · 11 min · East Apache Trail
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7
Turn slight left
646 ft · 26 sec
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8
Turn left onto North Apache Trail
54 m · 8 sec · North Apache Trail
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Apache Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and Apache Junction.
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.
East Main Street
Exit the rotary onto East Main Street
8.47 mi · 00h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Partly Sunny leaving Mesa and Partly Cloudy near Apache Junction.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Apache Junction?
The road trip is about 16.3 miles (26.3 km) and usually takes 00h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gilbert is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.1 miles from Mesa and 8.2 miles from Apache Junction.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 15.8 miles (25.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:34 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.87 one way or $5.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Mesa and Partly Cloudy near Apache Junction.
Stop Ideas Near Gilbert
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 Gilbert.
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Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mesa and Apache Junction. Straight-line distance: 15.76 mi (25.36 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Apache Junction
A town in Pinal County, Arizona.
| Population | 43,386 |
| Coordinates | 33.4150500, -111.5495800 |
| Altitude | 525 |
| Country | United States |
End: Apache Junction (-111.54958, 33.41505)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $2.87 | $5.74 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $3.10 | $6.19 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $3.23 | $6.46 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $3.69 | $7.38 |
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 · May 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.