How far is Tempe, AZ from South Tucson, AZ?
The driving distance from Tempe, AZ to South Tucson, AZ is about 111.3 miles (179.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100.2 miles (161.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 01m 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 02h 00m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tempe and South Tucson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe and South Tucson.
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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
Take the ramp right toward US 60 West: Phoenix
1823 ft · 46 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Superstition Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Superstition Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 10 East: Tucson
1.5 km · 2 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 10 East: Tucson
2266 ft · 55 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Maricopa Freeway
6.1 mi · 7 min · Maricopa Freeway
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9
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
37.8 mi · 38 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
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10
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
54.6 mi · 56 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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11
Continue on North Freeway
4.6 mi · 5 min · North Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward 22nd Street - 29th Street, Starr Pass Boulevard, Silverlake Road
1986 ft · 39 sec
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13
Continue on South Freeway Road
115 m · 8 sec · South Freeway Road
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14
Turn left onto West 22nd Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West 22nd Street
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15
Turn right onto South 6th Avenue
2677 ft · 58 sec · South 6th Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tempe and South Tucson.
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
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
54.6 mi · 00h 56m
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 and Sunny near South Tucson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tempe to South Tucson?
The road trip is about 111.3 miles (179.1 km) and usually takes 02h 00m 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 55.7 miles from Tempe and 55.6 miles from South Tucson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 100.2 miles (161.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.1 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 2:28 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.46 one way or $38.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tempe and Sunny near South Tucson.
Stop Ideas Near Eloy
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Casa Grande
Eloy City Hall
Arizona City Plaza
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 Tempe and South Tucson. Straight-line distance: 100.18 mi (161.22 km).
#1 Tempe
The third most populous city in Arizona.
| Population | 200,402 |
| Coordinates | 33.4147700, -111.9093100 |
| Altitude | 360 |
| Country | United States |
#2 South Tucson
City in Pima County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 5,742 |
| Coordinates | 32.1995200, -110.9684200 |
| Altitude | 739 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Tucson (-110.96842, 32.19952)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 179 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $19.46 | $38.91 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $20.98 | $41.96 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $21.87 | $43.75 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $25.02 | $50.04 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.