How far is Tempe, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from Tempe, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 5.8 miles (9.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5 miles (8.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 29m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 14m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
A census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tempe and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe and Mesa.
-
1
Start on East Apache Boulevard
925 ft · 28 sec · East Apache Boulevard
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2
Continue on East Apache Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · East Apache Boulevard
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3
Continue on West Main Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
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4
Turn left onto South Alma School Road
2729 ft · 1 min · South Alma School Road
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5
Turn right onto West University Drive
2 mi · 4 min · West University Drive
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tempe and Mesa.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West University Drive
Turn right onto West University Drive
1.95 mi · 00h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Tempe and Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tempe to Mesa?
The road trip is about 5.8 miles (9.4 km) and usually takes 00h 14m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tempe Junction is a useful midpoint, sitting about 2.9 miles from Tempe and 2.9 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5 miles (8.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.04 one way or $2.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tempe and Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Tempe Junction
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
The Phoenix Police Museum
Planning department - City of Mesa
Tempe City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tempe Junction.
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 and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 5.03 mi (8.09 km).
#1 Tempe
The third most populous city in Arizona.
| Population | 200,402 |
| Coordinates | 33.4147700, -111.9093100 |
| Altitude | 360 |
| 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: 9 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $1.04 | $2.08 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $1.12 | $2.24 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $1.17 | $2.34 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $1.34 | $2.67 |
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
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.