How far is Mesa, AZ from New River, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to New River, AZ is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 08m 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 04m.
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 second most populous city in 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 Mesa and New River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and New River.
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1
Start on East University Drive
2 mi · 4 min · East University Drive
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2
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · North Alma School Road
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3
Turn left onto AZ 202 Loop West
1717 ft · 46 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
10.9 mi · 13 min · Red Mountain Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 10 West
1 mi · 1 min
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6
Merge slight right onto Papago Freeway
1.3 mi · 2 min · Papago Freeway
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7
Continue on Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
2756 ft · 36 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
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8
Continue on Papago Freeway
1.2 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
1069 ft · 17 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 17 North: Flagstaff
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Black Canyon Freeway
30.8 mi · 34 min · Black Canyon Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward New River
1404 ft · 35 sec
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13
Turn right onto North New River Road
1249 ft · 38 sec · North New River Road
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto I-17 Frontage Road
1415 ft · 29 sec · I-17 Frontage Road
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15
Turn right onto West New River Road
1769 ft · 37 sec · West New River Road
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16
Turn right onto North Kelley Road
1083 ft · 37 sec · North Kelley Road
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Kelley Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and New River.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Black Canyon Freeway
Merge slight left onto Black Canyon Freeway
30.8 mi · 00h 34m
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 Mesa and Sunny near New River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to New River?
The road trip is about 51.8 miles (83.4 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Glendale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26 miles from Mesa and 25.9 miles from New River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.2 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 4:22 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.06 one way or $18.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Mesa and Sunny near New River.
Stop Ideas Near Glendale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
The Phoenix Police Museum
City of Peoria Municipal Operations Center
Tolleson City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Glendale.
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mesa and New River. Straight-line distance: 38.57 mi (62.08 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 New River
Census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 10,740 |
| Coordinates | 33.9158700, -112.1359900 |
| Altitude | 614 |
| Country | United States |
End: New River (-112.13599, 33.91587)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $9.06 | $18.12 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $9.77 | $19.54 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $10.19 | $20.37 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $11.65 | $23.30 |
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.