How far is Tucson, AZ from Cave Creek, AZ?
The driving distance from Tucson, AZ to Cave Creek, AZ is about 143.7 miles (231.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.2 miles (203.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 36m 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 48m.
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.
Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tucson and Cave Creek.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tucson and Cave Creek.
-
1
Start on North Country Club Road
1.6 km · 2 min · North Country Club Road
-
2
Turn left onto East Speedway Boulevard
3.3 mi · 8 min · East Speedway Boulevard
-
3
Turn right onto North Freeway Road
127 m · 7 sec · North Freeway Road
-
4
Take the ramp straight toward I 10 West
1942 ft · 47 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto North Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · North Freeway
-
6
Continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
3.7 mi · 4 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
50.7 mi · 51 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
-
8
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
38.1 mi · 39 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
-
9
Continue on Maricopa Freeway
12 mi · 14 min · Maricopa Freeway
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Papago Freeway
2 mi · 2 min · Papago Freeway
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on Piestewa Freeway
15.9 mi · 20 min · Piestewa Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 101 Loop East
1.5 km · 1 min
-
13
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
2188 ft · 29 sec · Pima Freeway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward Tatum Boulevard
1557 ft · 38 sec
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on Tatum Boulevard
552 ft · 15 sec
-
16
Turn straight onto North Tatum Boulevard
6.3 mi · 11 min · North Tatum Boulevard
-
17
Turn right onto North Cave Creek Road
6 mi · 11 min · North Cave Creek Road
-
18
Continue on East Cave Creek Road
42 m · 11 sec · East Cave Creek Road
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Cave Creek Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tucson and Cave Creek.
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.
Sunny leaving Tucson and Clear near Cave Creek.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tucson to Cave Creek?
The road trip is about 143.7 miles (231.3 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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 72 miles from Tucson and 71.8 miles from Cave Creek.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.2 miles (203.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.5 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 12:54 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.58 one way or $55.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tucson and Clear near Cave Creek.
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 Cave Creek. Straight-line distance: 126.17 mi (203.05 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 Cave Creek
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 5,341 |
| Coordinates | 33.8333300, -111.9508300 |
| Altitude | 648 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cave Creek (-111.95083, 33.83333)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 231 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 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 | $27.58 | $55.15 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $29.73 | $59.47 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $31.00 | $62.01 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $35.46 | $70.92 |
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.