How far is Payson, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
Fastest route
The distance between Payson, Arizona 85541, and Mesa, Arizona is approximately 76.0 miles (122.3 kilometers). The fastest route, considering current traffic conditions, is via AZ-87 S. The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 7 minutes.
Directions
- Head southwest on AZ-87 S toward E Main St.
- Pass by Carl's Jr (on the right) after approximately 73.2 miles.
- Turn left onto W Main St.
- Continue for 0.3 miles.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Check Traffic Conditions: Before starting your journey, it's recommended to check the traffic conditions to ensure you're aware of any possible delays or alternative routes.
- ⛽ Refuel: Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the entire trip to avoid any unexpected stops.
- 🕒 Plan Sufficient Time: Consider additional time for potential traffic, road conditions, and unexpected delays to reach your destination comfortably.
- 🚧 Follow Road Signs: Stay attentive to road signs and follow the directions provided to navigate accurately.
- 📱 Use GPS Navigation: Utilize a reliable GPS navigation system or smartphone app to stay on track and receive real-time updates.
- 🚘 Maintain Vehicle Safety: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, including brakes, tires, and fluids, to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
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 17m.
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 Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
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 Payson and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson and Mesa.
-
1
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi · 1 hr 25 min · South Beeline Highway
-
2
Continue on North Country Club Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · North Country Club Drive
-
3
Turn left onto West McKellips Road
1 mi · 2 min · West McKellips Road
-
4
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · North Mesa Drive
-
5
Turn left onto East University Drive
22 m · 2 sec · East University Drive
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Payson 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
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi · 01h 25m
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 Payson and Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Payson to Mesa?
The road trip is about 76.2 miles (122.7 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Fountain Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38.1 miles from Payson and 38.2 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.8 miles (101 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 3:54 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.32 one way or $26.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Payson and Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Fountain Hills
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 Fountain Hills.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Payson and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 62.75 mi (100.98 km).
#1 Payson
Town in Gila County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 15,947 |
| Coordinates | 34.2308700, -111.3251400 |
| Altitude | 1500 |
| 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: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $13.32 | $26.64 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $14.36 | $28.72 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $14.97 | $29.95 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $17.12 | $34.25 |
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.