Bismarck, ND to Phoenix, AZ

State capital to state capital route

25h 54m
Drive Time
1425
Miles
$166
Gas Cost
11
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Bismarck Nd to Phoenix Az?

The drive from Bismarck Nd to Phoenix Az takes approximately 25h 54m, covering 1425 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $166 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 35–36+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
22h 1m
🔵 Typical
25h 54m
🔴 Heavy traffic
37h 33m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1425 miles
Drive Time25h 54min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$166
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$181-$216

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Bismarck Nd to Phoenix Az

For a long drive like Bismarck Nd to Phoenix Az, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
25h 54m
~$166 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 21m
~$214–$499 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 51m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
25h 54m
~$166
🚌 Bus
31h 40m
~$114–$256
🚂 Train
25h 55m
~$171–$428

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Bismarck, ND to Phoenix, AZ?
The drive takes approximately 25 hours and 54 minutes covering 1425 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 47 gallons of gas, costing approximately $166 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.