The drive from Phoenix to Denver takes approximately 10h 0min, covering 600 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $70 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 14–15+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
8h 30m
🔵 Typical
10h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
14h 30m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance600 miles (965 km)
Drive Time10h 0min
RouteI-10
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~20.0 gallons
Est. Cost$70
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Phoenix to Denver
For a long drive like Phoenix to Denver, 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:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
10h 0min
~$70 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 42m
~$90–$210 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 12m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
10h 0min
~$70
🚌 Bus
13h 20m
~$48–$108
🚂 Train
10h 55m
~$72–$180
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Mesa Verde
📍 Monument Valley
📍 Telluride
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Phoenix to Denver?
The drive from Phoenix to Denver takes approximately 10h 0min covering 600 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Phoenix to Denver?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $70 on gas for this 600-mile trip. You'll need about 20.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Phoenix to Denver?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Phoenix to Denver route?
Yes, expect approximately $18 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a ExpressToll transponder for faster toll payment.
