How far is Tucson, AZ from Carefree, AZ?
The driving distance from Tucson, AZ to Carefree, AZ is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 124.6 miles (200.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 45m.
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.
The most populous city in Pinal County, Arizona.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tucson and Carefree.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tucson and Carefree.
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1
Start on North Country Club Road
1.6 km · 2 min · North Country Club Road
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2
Turn left onto East Speedway Boulevard
3.3 mi · 8 min · East Speedway Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto North Freeway Road
127 m · 7 sec · North Freeway Road
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 10 West
1942 ft · 47 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto North Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · North Freeway
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6
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
3.7 mi · 4 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
50.7 mi · 51 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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8
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
38.1 mi · 39 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 202 Loop
847 ft · 14 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on AZ 202 Loop East
1.2 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Santan Freeway
3.1 mi · 4 min · Santan Freeway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1.2 mi · 1 min · Price Freeway
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13
Merge slight left onto Price Freeway
9.3 mi · 11 min · Price Freeway
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14
Continue on Pima Freeway
16.8 mi · 19 min · Pima Freeway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Scottsdale Road
1841 ft · 45 sec
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16
Turn straight onto Pima Freeway
579 ft · 14 sec · Pima Freeway
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17
Turn right onto North Scottsdale Road
9.7 mi · 15 min · North Scottsdale Road
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18
Continue on North Tom Darlington Drive
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Tom Darlington Drive
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19
Turn slight right onto North Bloody Basin Road
2156 ft · 1 min · North Bloody Basin Road
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Tranquil Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tucson and Carefree.
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
Keep slight left to continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
50.7 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Tucson and Mostly Sunny near Carefree.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tucson to Carefree?
The road trip is about 143.2 miles (230.5 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Casa Grande is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.7 miles from Tucson and 71.6 miles from Carefree.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 124.6 miles (200.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.00 one way or $50.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tucson and Mostly Sunny near Carefree.
Stop Ideas Near Casa Grande
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Casa Grande
Coolidge City Hall
City of Coolidge Council Chambers
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Casa Grande.
Maricopa
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tucson and Carefree. Straight-line distance: 124.62 mi (200.55 km).
#1 Tucson
The second most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Tucson metropolitan area.
| Population | 553,571 |
| Coordinates | 32.2217400, -110.9264800 |
| Altitude | 759 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carefree
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 3,974 |
| Coordinates | 33.8222600, -111.9182000 |
| Altitude | 726 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carefree (-111.9182, 33.82226)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $25.00 | $50.01 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $26.96 | $53.91 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $28.11 | $56.22 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $32.15 | $64.30 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.