Phoenix to Tucson is Arizona's most straightforward drive — 115 miles south on I-10 through classic Sonoran Desert scenery. It's a comfortable 2-hour trip, easily done as a day trip from either city.
The drive descends gradually from the Phoenix metro through open desert, passing the town of Casa Grande before the landscape gives way to the Rincon and Tucson Mountains framing the approach to Tucson.
Stops Along the Way
Home of the mysterious Casa Grande Ruins National Monument — a 700-year-old Hohokam "great house" with a dramatic protective canopy.
Tips for This Trip
It's an easy day trip in either direction
At 2 hours each way, Phoenix–Tucson is very manageable as a day trip. But Tucson deserves an overnight for its food scene and hiking.
Saguaro National Park is next to Tucson
Both the East and West districts of Saguaro National Park are just outside Tucson — the forest of giant saguaro cacti is extraordinary.
Watch out for dust storms (haboobs) in summer
July and August bring dramatic dust storms across the I-10 corridor. If visibility drops, pull over and turn off lights — never stop on the shoulder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tucson is about 100 miles (161 km) from Phoenix in a straight line, and approximately 115 miles (185 km) by road via Interstate 10 south.