Driving Cost from Carefree, Arizona to Tucson, Arizona

A picture depicting a gas pump

The True Cost of a Road Trip between Carefree and Tucson

Arizona is a beautiful state filled with gorgeous desert scenery and exciting desert cities. For those itching to get out on the open road, a road trip from Carefree to Tucson is a great option. This journey of about 140 miles offers plenty of opportunities to explore the desert and learn more about the state's unique history. But before you pack up the car and hit the road, it’s important to consider the cost of the trip. In this article, we’ll break down the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for your wallet.

Route One: Carefree to Tucson via AZ-303 and I-10

One possible route for your road trip is to take AZ-303 and I-10. This route is the shortest, covering a distance of about 140 miles and taking around two hours. However, because it involves interstate travel, there will be tolls on this route. In fact, at the time of writing, the toll for this route is $4.50.

Route Two: Carefree to Tucson via AZ-87 and I-10

Another possible route is to take AZ-87 and I-10. This route is longer, covering a distance of about 160 miles and taking around two and a half hours. However, because it does not involve interstate travel, there are no tolls on this route. Additionally, this route passes through the Tonto National Forest, offering some beautiful desert scenery.

Route Three: Carefree to Tucson via AZ-87, AZ-188, and AZ-287

A third possible route is to take AZ-87 to AZ-188, then AZ-287 into Tucson. This is the longest route, covering a distance of about 180 miles and taking around three hours. However, this route also passes through the Tonto National Forest, offering stunning desert scenery. Additionally, this route takes you through the towns of Strawberry and Payson, offering opportunities to explore some small-town Arizona charm.

The Cost Breakdown

Now that we’ve discussed the different possible routes, let's take a closer look at the cost breakdown for each one. The cost of your road trip will depend on a variety of factors, including the price of gas, your MPG, and the number of tolls on the route you choose.

According to AAA, the average price of gas in Arizona as of August 2021 was $3.34 per gallon. Let's assume that your car gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Using these numbers, the cost breakdown for each route is as follows:

  • Route One: At a distance of about 140 miles, this route will require 5.6 gallons of gas, costing approximately $18.62. Additionally, there is a toll of $4.50.
  • Route Two: At a distance of about 160 miles, this route will require 6.4 gallons of gas, costing approximately $21.38. There are no tolls on this route.
  • Route Three: At a distance of about 180 miles, this route will require 7.2 gallons of gas, costing approximately $24.27. There are no tolls on this route.

As you can see, the cost of your road trip will depend on the route you choose. Route One is the most expensive due to the toll, while Route Two is the cheapest due to the lack of tolls. However, if you're looking for stunning desert scenery, Route Three may be the best choice despite its extra distance and fuel cost.

Our Recommendation

Based on the cost breakdown and the overall experience of each route, our recommendation is to take Route Two: Carefree to Tucson via AZ-87 and I-10. This route offers the perfect combination of affordability, length, and scenery. You can enjoy the beautiful desert landscape without having to pay any tolls, and the length of the trip is reasonable at around two and a half hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of your road trip from Carefree to Tucson will depend on the route you choose, gas prices, and other factors. However, by following the cost breakdown and our recommendation, you can get the most bang for your buck on this trip. We wish you safe travels and a wonderful journey through the beautiful state of Arizona.