How far is Surprise, AZ from Gilbert, AZ?

The driving distance from Surprise, AZ to Gilbert, AZ is about 49 miles (78.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 36.8 miles (59.2 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
48.93 mi
00h 58m
Flight
36.77 mi
59.17 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Surprise.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
36.77 mi
Kilometers
59.17 km
Flight Time
00h 04m

Driving Distance

Road route
48.93 mi
Kilometers
78.75 km
Drive Time
00h 58m

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 00h 58m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Gilbert
Wed, Apr 22, 5:23 PM MST
Return by in Surprise
Wed, Apr 22, 6:21 PM MST
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Surprise
2026-04-22T16:24
Arrive Gilbert
Wed, Apr 22, 5:23 PM MST
Route Timing
00h 58m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
8:59 AM to 10:59 AM MST

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:32 PM MST
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Surprise
9:30 PM MST
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Phoenix
AZ

The fifth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

From Surprise
24.4 mi
00h 29m
To Gilbert
24.5 mi
00h 29m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
87°F
Wednesday

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM MST
Wind
0 to 15 mph SW
Destination
87°F
Wednesday

Sunny

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM MST
Wind
0 to 10 mph SW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Surprise and Gilbert.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Surprise and Gilbert.

  1. 1

    Start on North Nash Street

    1464 ft · 52 sec · North Nash Street

  2. 2

    At the end of the road, turn left onto West Santa Fe Drive

    1322 ft · 35 sec · West Santa Fe Drive

  3. 3

    Turn right onto West Greenway Road

    66 m · 7 sec · West Greenway Road

  4. 4

    Turn left onto Grand Avenue

    4.6 mi · 8 min · Grand Avenue

  5. 5

    Take the exit right toward AZ 101 Loop South

    1947 ft · 47 sec

  6. 6

    Merge slight left onto Agua Fria Freeway

    8.9 mi · 10 min · Agua Fria Freeway

  7. 7

    Keep slight left to continue on I 10 East: Phoenix

    1.3 km · 1 min

  8. 8

    Merge slight left onto Papago Freeway

    10.4 mi · 12 min · Papago Freeway

  9. 9

    Continue on Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel

    2704 ft · 35 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel

  10. 10

    Continue on Papago Freeway

    3.2 mi · 4 min · Papago Freeway

  11. 11

    Keep slight left to continue on Papago Freeway

    1.2 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway

  12. 12

    Merge slight right onto Maricopa Freeway

    4.8 mi · 6 min · Maricopa Freeway

  13. 13

    Take the exit slight right toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe

    10.6 mi · 12 min

  14. 14

    Take the exit slight right toward Gilbert Road

    2149 ft · 56 sec

  15. 15

    Turn right onto South Gilbert Road

    2.1 mi · 4 min · South Gilbert Road

  16. 16

    Turn left onto East Vaughn Avenue

    134 m · 22 sec · East Vaughn Avenue

  17. 17

    Turn right onto North Elm Street

    1134 ft · 41 sec · North Elm Street

  18. 18

    Turn right

    62 m · 15 sec

  19. 19

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Surprise and Gilbert.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Highway-focused drive

Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.

Directions
19 steps
7 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
6
3 merges, 3 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
38.9 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Papago Freeway
14.9 mi · 30%
US 60 East
10.6 mi · 22%
Agua Fria Freeway
8.94 mi · 18%
Maricopa Freeway
4.82 mi · 10%
Grand Avenue
4.61 mi · 9%
South Gilbert Road
2.07 mi · 4%
Longest Stretch

US 60 East

Take the exit slight right toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe

10.6 mi · 00h 12m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
00h 58m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
01h 58m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+12.2 mi
36.8 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Phoenix
00h 29m from Surprise
Leave By
4:32 PM MST
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Mostly Sunny leaving Surprise and Sunny near Gilbert.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Surprise to Gilbert?

The road trip is about 49 miles (78.8 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?

Phoenix is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.4 miles from Surprise and 24.5 miles from Gilbert.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 36.8 miles (59.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.2 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 4:32 PM MST.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.57 one way or $17.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.4 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Surprise and Sunny near Gilbert.

Stop Ideas Near Phoenix

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
These suggestions come from reviewed places and nearby services around Phoenix and the surrounding midpoint area.
Mastro's City Hall
Food stop 10.1 mi away

Mastro's City Hall

Scottsdale , AZ
6991 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States
Rating 4.6/5 1,194 reviews Fine dining restaurant,Restaurant,Steak house
The Phoenix Police Museum
Scenic stop 1.7 mi away

The Phoenix Police Museum

Phoenix , AZ
Historic City Hall, 17 S 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States
Rating 4.7/5 201 reviews Tourist attraction,Children's museum,Historical landmark,Local history museum,History museum
Tempe Economic Development
Meeting point 9.7 mi away

Tempe Economic Development

Tempe , AZ
31 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Rating 5.0/5 2 reviews City government office
Stop photo coming soon
Nearby stop 9.6 mi away

Tolleson City Hall

Tolleson , AZ
9555 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, AZ 85353, United States
Rating 4.9/5 32 reviews City or town hall

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Phoenix.

BUS

Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona

4 mi away
2115 East Buckeye Road
BUS

Phoenix (Airport), Arizona

6 mi away
3400 East Sky Harbor Blvd.
BUS

Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona

12 mi away
9617 North Metro Parkway West
RAIL

Maricopa

43 mi away
19427 N. John Wayne Parkway

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Surprise and Gilbert. Straight-line distance: 36.77 mi (59.17 km).

Surprise

#1 Surprise

The seventh most populous city in Arizona.

Population147,965
Coordinates33.6305900, -112.3332200
Altitude358
CountryUnited States
Gilbert

#2 Gilbert

The fifth most populous city in Arizona.

Population257,658
Coordinates33.3528300, -111.7890300
Altitude377
CountryUnited States
Start: North Nash Street (-112.333438, 33.630589)
End: (-111.788735, 33.35291)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 79 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)01h 37m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)01h 13m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)00h 58m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)00h 48m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)00h 41m
80 mph (129 km/h)00h 36m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
1.73 gal
6.54 L · about $8.57
Round trip
$17.13
3.46 gal · 13.08 L
Estimated CO2
15.4 kg one way
Round trip: 30.7 kg / 68 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $4.95 $8.57 $17.13
Mid-grade $5.34 $9.23 $18.47
Premium $5.57 $9.63 $19.26
Diesel $6.37 $11.01 $22.03

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 22, 2026

There is no time difference between Surprise and Gilbert. The current time is 16:24:47.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.