How far is Tempe, AZ from Clifton, AZ?
The driving distance from Tempe, AZ to Clifton, AZ is about 197.7 miles (318.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 153.1 miles (246.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 22m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Census-designated place in Gila and Graham counties in Arizona, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tempe and Clifton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe and Clifton.
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1
Start on East Apache Boulevard
925 ft · 28 sec · East Apache Boulevard
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2
Continue on East Apache Boulevard
1053 ft · 38 sec · East Apache Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
2 mi · 4 min · South McClintock Drive
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4
Turn left onto US 60 East: Globe
2243 ft · 59 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Superstition Freeway
23.5 mi · 27 min · Superstition Freeway
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6
Continue on Phoenix–Globe Highway
43 mi · 56 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway
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7
Continue on Live Oak Street
1.9 mi · 4 min · Live Oak Street
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8
Continue on US 60
4 mi · 8 min · US 60
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9
Continue on North Broad Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Broad Street
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10
Turn left onto North Broad Street
2703 ft · 1 min · North Broad Street
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11
Turn left onto East Oak Street
112 m · 9 sec · East Oak Street
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12
Turn right onto South Hill Street
1816 ft · 40 sec · South Hill Street
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13
Turn left onto East Ash Street
2.3 mi · 4 min · East Ash Street
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14
Continue on Globe-Lordsburg Highway
1.3 km · 1 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Globe-Lordsburg Highway
70.4 mi · 1 hr 27 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway
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16
Continue on West Main Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
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17
Continue on West Thatcher Boulevard
2.3 mi · 5 min · West Thatcher Boulevard
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18
Continue on West 5th Street
10.5 mi · 15 min · West 5th Street
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19
Turn left
23.7 mi · 28 min
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20
At the end of the road, turn straight
27 m · 3 sec
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21
Turn left
25 m · 2 sec
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22
Turn slight right onto Coronado Boulevard
9 mi · 14 min · Coronado Boulevard
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Coronado Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tempe and Clifton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
Keep slight left to continue on Globe-Lordsburg Highway
70.4 mi · 01h 27m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Tempe and Mostly Clear near Clifton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tempe to Clifton?
The road trip is about 197.7 miles (318.1 km) and usually takes 04h 22m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Peridot is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.7 miles from Tempe and 98.9 miles from Clifton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 153.1 miles (246.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:16 AM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.42 one way or $66.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 60 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tempe and Mostly Clear near Clifton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tempe and Clifton. Straight-line distance: 153.09 mi (246.38 km).
#1 Tempe
The third most populous city in Arizona.
| Population | 200,402 |
| Coordinates | 33.4147700, -111.9093100 |
| Altitude | 360 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clifton
Town in Arizona
| Population | 3,636 |
| Coordinates | 33.0509000, -109.2961800 |
| Altitude | 1060 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clifton (-109.29618, 33.0509)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 318 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $33.42 | $66.84 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $36.03 | $72.06 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $37.57 | $75.14 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $42.97 | $85.94 |
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 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.