How far is Payson, AZ from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance from Payson, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ is about 76.6 miles (123.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.8 miles (96.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 18m.
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 Scottsdale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson and Scottsdale.
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1
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.1 mi · 1 hr 25 min · South Beeline Highway
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2
Turn right onto East McDowell Road
2.6 mi · 4 min · East McDowell Road
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3
Take the ramp right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1974 ft · 50 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
2.3 mi · 3 min · Pima Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Chaparral Road
2092 ft · 53 sec
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6
Turn left onto East Chaparral Road
1.1 km · 2 min · East Chaparral Road
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7
Turn left
19 m · 5 sec
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Payson and Scottsdale.
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
72.1 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 Scottsdale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Payson to Scottsdale?
The road trip is about 76.6 miles (123.2 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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 39.2 miles from Payson and 37.3 miles from Scottsdale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 59.8 miles (96.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 3:52 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.37 one way or $26.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Payson and Sunny near Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale. Straight-line distance: 59.75 mi (96.16 km).
#1 Payson
Town in Gila County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 15,947 |
| Coordinates | 34.2308700, -111.3251400 |
| Altitude | 1500 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Scottsdale
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Scottsdale metropolitan area.
| Population | 262,647 |
| Coordinates | 33.5092100, -111.8990300 |
| Altitude | 383 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-111.898944, 33.509209)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 123 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 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 | $13.37 | $26.74 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $14.41 | $28.83 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $15.03 | $30.06 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $17.19 | $34.38 |
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 · 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.