Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ

State capital to state capital route

26h 46m
Drive Time
1473
Miles
$171
Gas Cost
12
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ?

The drive from Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ takes approximately 26h 46m, covering 1473 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $171 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 36–37+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
22h 45m
🔵 Typical
26h 46m
🔴 Heavy traffic
38h 49m

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

Route Details

Distance1473 miles
Drive Time26h 46min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$171
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$186-$221

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 Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ

For a long drive like Little Rock, AR 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
26h 46m
~$171 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 27m
~$221–$516 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 57m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
26h 46m
~$171
🚌 Bus
32h 44m
~$118–$265
🚂 Train
26h 47m
~$177–$442

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 Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ?
The drive takes approximately 26 hours and 46 minutes covering 1473 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 49 gallons of gas, costing approximately $171 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.

Driving Tips: Little Rock AR to Phoenix AZ

Planning a trip from Little Rock AR to Phoenix AZ? The most common route runs along the highway, covering 1473 miles in about 26h 46m. Gas will set you back roughly $171 for the one-way trip. For the best experience, hit the road during early morning when traffic is lightest.

Covering 1473 miles, this epic drive takes you across a huge swath of the country. Prepare for varied weather conditions, different speed limits by state, and long stretches between services. A well-planned itinerary makes all the difference.

Related Routes

Little Rock, AR → Jackson, MS · 4h 54mLittle Rock, AR → Jefferson City, MO · 6h 15mLittle Rock, AR → Baton Rouge, LA · 7h 9mLittle Rock, AR → Nashville, TN · 7h 40mLittle Rock, AR → Oklahoma City, OK · 7h 4mLittle Rock, AR → Springfield, IL · 8h 54mSanta Fe, NM → Phoenix, AZ · 9h 1mSalt Lake City, UT → Phoenix, AZ · 11h 55mCarson City, NV → Phoenix, AZ · 13h 44mDenver, CO → Phoenix, AZ · 13h 50mSacramento, CA → Phoenix, AZ · 14h 58mCheyenne, WY → Phoenix, AZ · 15h 41m