How far is South Tucson, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from South Tucson, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 116.6 miles (187.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98 miles (157.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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.
City in Pinal County, Arizona, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Tucson and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Tucson and Mesa.
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1
Start on South 6th Avenue
2673 ft · 1 min · South 6th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto West 22nd Street
3124 ft · 55 sec · West 22nd Street
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3
Turn right onto South Freeway Road
111 m · 10 sec · South Freeway Road
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 10 West
1791 ft · 44 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto South Freeway
4.6 mi · 5 min · South Freeway
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6
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
3.7 mi · 4 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
50.7 mi · 51 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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8
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
24.1 mi · 24 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 587 North: Chandler, Gilbert
1404 ft · 54 sec
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10
Turn left
5.8 mi · 9 min
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11
Continue on South Arizona Avenue
11 mi · 19 min · South Arizona Avenue
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12
Continue on South Country Club Drive
4 mi · 7 min · South Country Club Drive
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13
Turn right onto West University Drive
1.6 km · 2 min · West University Drive
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between South Tucson 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.
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Keep slight left to continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
50.7 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving South Tucson and Partly Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from South Tucson to Mesa?
The road trip is about 116.6 miles (187.6 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Eloy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.4 miles from South Tucson and 63.1 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98 miles (157.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 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 2:56 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.35 one way or $40.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around South Tucson and Partly Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Eloy
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 Eloy.
Maricopa
Tucson
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between South Tucson and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 97.97 mi (157.67 km).
#1 South Tucson
City in Pima County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 5,742 |
| Coordinates | 32.1995200, -110.9684200 |
| Altitude | 739 |
| 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: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $20.35 | $40.70 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $21.94 | $43.88 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $22.88 | $45.75 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $26.16 | $52.33 |
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.