How Long Is the Drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley?
The drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley takes approximately 6h 6min, covering 336 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $39 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 8–9+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 11m
🔵 Typical
6h 6min
🔴 Heavy traffic
8h 51m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance336 miles (540 km)
Drive Time6h 6min
RouteI-10
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~11.2 gallons
Est. Cost$39
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.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley
For a long drive like Phoenix to Monument Valley, 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)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
6h 6min
~$39 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 10m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~40 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
6h 6min
~$39
🚌 Bus
7h 28m
~$27–$60
🚂 Train
6h 7m
~$40–$101
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:
📍 Flagstaff
📍 Sedona
📍 Petrified Forest
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley?
The drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley takes approximately 6h 6min covering 336 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Phoenix to Monument Valley?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $39 on gas for this 336-mile trip. You'll need about 11.2 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley?
Early morning (6-8 AM) 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 Monument Valley route?
There may be minor tolls (around $10) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
