How far is Tempe Junction, AZ from Payson, AZ?
The driving distance from Tempe Junction, AZ to Payson, AZ is about 80.7 miles (129.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 66.7 miles (107.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 16m 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 38m.
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
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tempe Junction and Payson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe Junction and Payson.
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1
Start on West 13th Street
1876 ft · 1 min · West 13th Street
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2
Turn straight onto East Apache Boulevard
1 km · 2 min · East Apache Boulevard
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3
Turn left onto South Rural Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Rural Road
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4
Continue on North Scottsdale Road
2278 ft · 59 sec · North Scottsdale Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward AZ 202 Loop East: Red Mountain Freeway
1743 ft · 45 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Red Mountain Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson
1828 ft · 47 sec
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8
Turn left onto North Country Club Drive
2799 ft · 1 min · North Country Club Drive
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9
Continue on North Beeline Highway
4.5 mi · 5 min · North Beeline Highway
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10
Continue on Beeline Highway
67.7 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Beeline Highway
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Beeline Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tempe Junction and Payson.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Beeline Highway
Continue on Beeline Highway
67.7 mi · 01h 19m
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 Tempe Junction and Sunny near Payson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tempe Junction to Payson?
The road trip is about 80.7 miles (129.8 km) and usually takes 01h 38m 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 40.4 miles from Tempe Junction and 40.3 miles from Payson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 66.7 miles (107.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14 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 3:14 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.11 one way or $28.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tempe Junction and Sunny near Payson.
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 Tempe Junction and Payson. Straight-line distance: 66.66 mi (107.28 km).
#1 Tempe Junction
A census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona.
| Population | 158,368 |
| Coordinates | 33.4142100, -111.9434800 |
| Altitude | 354 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Payson
Town in Gila County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 15,947 |
| Coordinates | 34.2308700, -111.3251400 |
| Altitude | 1500 |
| Country | United States |
End: Payson (-111.32514, 34.23087)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $14.11 | $28.22 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $15.21 | $30.43 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $15.86 | $31.73 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $18.14 | $36.29 |
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.