How far is Payson, AZ from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance from Payson, AZ to Phoenix, AZ is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.1 miles (111.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 00m 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 30m.
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 Phoenix.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson and Phoenix.
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1
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi · 1 hr 25 min · South Beeline Highway
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2
Continue on North Country Club Drive
2377 ft · 48 sec · North Country Club Drive
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3
Take the exit right toward AZ 202 Loop West
1930 ft · 49 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
12 mi · 14 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
1.2 km · 50 sec · Papago Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward 7th Street
1587 ft · 39 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on 7th Street South, Downtown Cultural/Sports Facilitles
635 ft · 18 sec
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9
Turn straight onto North 7th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · North 7th Street
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10
Turn right onto East Washington Street
2695 ft · 2 min · East Washington Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Payson and Phoenix.
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 Phoenix.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Payson to Phoenix?
The road trip is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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 44.4 miles from Payson and 44.5 miles from Phoenix.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.1 miles (111.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.8 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 3:30 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.55 one way or $31.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Payson and Sunny near Phoenix.
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 Phoenix. Straight-line distance: 69.07 mi (111.15 km).
#1 Payson
Town in Gila County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 15,947 |
| Coordinates | 34.2308700, -111.3251400 |
| Altitude | 1500 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Phoenix
The fifth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,708,127 |
| Coordinates | 33.4483800, -112.0740400 |
| Altitude | 331 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Washington Street (-112.074064, 33.448223)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $15.55 | $31.09 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $16.76 | $33.52 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $17.48 | $34.95 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $19.99 | $39.98 |
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.