Road Trip from Arizona to Utah: How Long Will It Take You?

Are you planning a trip from Arizona to Utah? Whether you are going to visit the stunning National Parks or just going on a quick weekend getaway, it’s important to know how long it will take to get there. There are different routes you can take, and traffic patterns can also affect your travel time. In this post, we’ll break down the fastest and slowest routes and share estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The distance between Arizona and Utah depends on your starting and ending point, but the most common routes will take you through either Las Vegas or Flagstaff. The fastest route is to take I-15 N through Las Vegas, which is about a 400-mile drive and it should take around 6 hours at normal driving speeds. However, this route can be affected by traffic around Las Vegas, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.

The slowest route is to take US-89 N through Flagstaff, which is about 500 miles, and it should take around 7 hours and 30 minutes at normal driving speeds. The reason why this route is slower is because of the winding roads and mountain passes around Flagstaff. However, this route can offer some breathtaking scenery and tranquil towns along the way.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns can have a significant impact on your travel time, especially around large cities and during peak hours. If you are traveling from Phoenix to St. George, Utah, which is approximately a 390-mile drive, you can expect to spend around 5-6 hours on the road under normal driving conditions. However, if you are traveling during peak hours and encounter traffic, the drive time can increase up to 8 hours.

If you are traveling from Tucson to Salt Lake City, which is approximately an 800-mile drive, you can expect to spend around 11-12 hours on the road under normal driving conditions. However, if you encounter traffic around Provo or Salt Lake City during peak hours, your drive time can increase up to 15-17 hours.

Different Options and Drive Times

When planning your road trip from Arizona to Utah, it’s important to explore different options and find the best possible route based on your preferences. If you want to save time and speed through the desert, you can take the I-15 N route through Las Vegas. This is a great option if you are traveling during non-peak hours, or if you are looking to make fewer stops along the way.

On the other hand, if you have more time and want to enjoy the stunning nature and small towns around Arizona and Utah, consider taking the US-89 N route through Flagstaff. This can be a more leisurely experience, but it can also be affected by traffic around national parks and mountain passes, so plan accordingly.

In conclusion, the time it takes to travel from Arizona to Utah depends on the route you take, traffic patterns, and your driving speed. Take into account the estimated time of your drive and plan your itinerary accordingly. Keep in mind that the journey is just as important as the destination, so choose the route that suits your preferences and schedule and enjoy your road trip!