Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
San Diego to Phoenix: the drive
The drive from San Diego to Phoenix covers 354 miles (570 km) and takes about 5 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on I-8, AZ-85 and I-10.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 7 hr 15 min door to door.
We found 2 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Julian and Yuma Territorial Prison.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-8 | 272 |
| AZ-85 | 34 |
| I-10 | 31 |
Best time to go: October to April. Summer days in Phoenix often top 110°F, so start drives at dawn.
Best stops between San Diego and Phoenix
- 1
Julian
A mountain gold-rush town known for its apple pie. It sits on the scenic back route between San Diego and the desert.
Photo: --Microsomen 17:11, 31 May 2005 (UTC) · CC BY 2.0 - 2
Yuma Territorial Prison
An 1876 hilltop prison above the Colorado River, now a state historic park with cells you can walk through.
Photo: Ralph Hawkins · CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to stay in Phoenix
Arizona's hub, two hours from red-rock Sedona and three and a half from the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Phoenix →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at PHX. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at SAN
Compare prices from major and local agencies at San Diego International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Phoenix? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from San Diego to Phoenix:
San Diego to Phoenix road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from San Diego to Phoenix?
About 5 hr 30 min without stops for 354 miles via I-8, AZ-85 and I-10. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 7 hr 15 min.
What is the halfway point between San Diego and Phoenix?
Yuma, AZ is about halfway, roughly 177 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from San Diego to Phoenix in one day?
Yes. At 5 hr 30 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between San Diego and Phoenix?
Top stops include Julian and Yuma Territorial Prison. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from San Diego to Phoenix?
About $46 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Phoenix?
October to April. Summer days in Phoenix often top 110°F, so start drives at dawn.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
