How far is Mesa, AZ from Catalina, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to Catalina, AZ is about 96.5 miles (155.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.1 miles (132.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 03m 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 02h 01m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mesa and Catalina.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and Catalina.
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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
Continue on South Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · South Mesa Drive
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4
Turn left onto US 60 East: Globe
2094 ft · 55 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Superstition Freeway
18.5 mi · 21 min · Superstition Freeway
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6
Continue on Phoenix–Globe Highway
12.3 mi · 15 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 79 South: Florence, Tucson
2630 ft · 1 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on AZ 79 South: Florence, Tucson
15.7 mi · 20 min
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9
Continue on South Pinal Parkway Avenue
6.2 mi · 8 min · South Pinal Parkway Avenue
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10
Continue on Pinal Pioneer Parkway
35.9 mi · 41 min · Pinal Pioneer Parkway
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11
Continue on State Route 79
1935 ft · 30 sec · State Route 79
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12
Turn right onto Tucson-Globe Highway
3.2 mi · 5 min · Tucson-Globe Highway
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13
Turn left onto Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
826 ft · 29 sec · Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto Edwin Road
1569 ft · 45 sec · Edwin Road
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15
Turn right onto North Elkins Road
1991 ft · 1 min · North Elkins Road
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16
Turn right onto East Pinto Place
150 m · 22 sec · East Pinto Place
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Pinto Place
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and Catalina.
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Mesa and Mostly Sunny near Catalina.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Catalina?
The road trip is about 96.5 miles (155.3 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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 Mesa and 48.2 miles from Catalina.
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 14.4 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 2:26 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.88 one way or $33.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Mesa and Mostly Sunny near Catalina.
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 Mesa and Catalina. Straight-line distance: 82.11 mi (132.15 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 Catalina
Census designated place in Pima County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 7,569 |
| Coordinates | 32.5055600, -110.9211100 |
| Altitude | 962 |
| Country | United States |
End: Catalina (-110.92111, 32.50556)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 155 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 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 | $16.88 | $33.77 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $18.20 | $36.41 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $18.98 | $37.96 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $21.71 | $43.42 |
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.