How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix takes approximately 10h 0min, covering 660 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $77 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
Distance660 miles (1062 km)
Drive Time10h 0min
RouteI-80
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~22.0 gallons
Est. Cost$77
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to Phoenix, 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
~$77 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 49m
~$99–$231 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 19m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
10h 0min
~$77
🚌 Bus
14h 40m
~$53–$119
🚂 Train
12h 0m
~$79–$198
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:
📍 Horseshoe Bend
📍 Bryce Canyon
📍 Antelope Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix takes approximately 10h 0min covering 660 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to Phoenix?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $77 on gas for this 660-mile trip. You'll need about 22.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix?
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 Salt Lake City to Phoenix route?
Yes, expect approximately $19 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
