Tempe to Prescott Valley Shuttle
Explore other routes: Tempe to Anthem Shuttle, Tempe to Apache Junction Shuttle, Tempe to Avondale Shuttle, Tempe to Buckeye Shuttle.
Travelers moving between Tempe and Prescott Valley cover roughly 85 miles as the crow flies, with the road stretching a little farther along the I‑10 and Loop 202 corridors. The typical door‑to‑door drive lasts between 115 and 158 minutes, giving you a predictable window for meetings, appointments, or a relaxed start to a weekend in the high desert.
In Tempe the shuttle collects passengers from the Mill Avenue district, the Arizona State University campus, downtown hotels, and residential neighborhoods near the Tempe Town Lake waterfront. Heading north, the vehicle merges onto Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) before joining I‑10 westbound for a short stretch, then transitions onto I‑17 north toward the Prescott Valley area. Along the way you pass the Salt River, the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, and the expansive Prescott National Forest.
Prescott Valley drop‑offs include the Prescott Valley Town Center, the Lynx Lake recreation area, and the many homes clustered around the intersection of Highway 69 and Highway 89A. Drivers are familiar with the seasonal traffic patterns on the mountain grades and adjust speed to keep the ride smooth.
- Direct routing via I‑10 and Loop 202
- Door‑to‑door service from your specified location
- Professional drivers with local knowledge
How long does the trip take?
Most trips fall between 115 and 158 minutes, depending on real‑time traffic on I‑10, Loop 202, and I‑17.
Where will the driver meet me in Tempe?
We confirm the exact pickup address when you book, whether it’s a hotel lobby, a campus building, or a private residence.
What happens if my flight into Phoenix Sky Harbor is delayed?
We monitor incoming flights and shift the pickup time to match the updated arrival, so you won’t be left waiting.
Ready to reserve your seat? Call (480) 710-3441 or book online and apply promo code ONLINE for 10 % off round‑trip journeys.
Route Overview
Heading north, the vehicle merges onto Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) before joining I‑10 westbound for a short stretch, then transitions onto I‑17 north toward the Prescott Valley area. Prescott Valley drop‑offs include the Prescott Valley Town Center, the Lynx Lake recreation area, and the many homes clustered around the intersection of Highway 69 and Highway 89A.
Travel Time and Distance
Based on publicly available measurements, the distance from Tempe to the halfway‑point town of Rock Springs is about 53 miles, and from Rock Springs to Prescott Valley is about 48 miles, giving a total road distance of approximately 101 miles. Driving non‑stop takes about 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes). Real‑world door‑to‑door times usually fall between 115 and 158 minutes depending on traffic on I‑10, Loop 202, and I‑17.
Cost and Environmental Impact
Using the average U.S. regular‑gas price of $4.35 per gallon, the estimated fuel expense for the trip is $17.43. An average passenger car will emit roughly 78.48 pounds of CO₂ over the route, which works out to about 0.79 pounds of CO₂ per mile.
Service Comparison
| Option | Distance (mi) | Estimated Drive Time (mins) | Estimated Gas Cost | CO₂ Emitted (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Service | ≈101 | 115‑158 | $17.43 | 78.48 |
| Personal Car | ≈101 | 115‑158 | $17.43 | 78.48 |
Features
- Door‑to‑door pickup from your hotel, residence, or business
- Professional drivers familiar with local traffic patterns
- Pick‑up available from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport terminals 3 and 4
We pick up at any address you provide — hotel, residence, or business — and confirm the exact location when you book.
What is the best route to take?
The standard route uses Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) north to I‑17 north toward Prescott Valley. An alternative description is I‑10 eastbound to Loop 202, then I‑17 north.
Are there any stops along the way?
Our service is non‑stop unless you request a specific drop‑off point such as the Prescott Valley Town Center, Lynx Lake, or a residential address along Highway 69 or Highway 89A.
Can I book a round trip and get a discount?
Yes. When you book online and apply the promo code ONLINE, you receive 10 % off round‑trip journeys.
Call (480) 710-3441 or book online and apply promo code ONLINE for 10 % off round‑trip journeys.
How Far Is Tempe from Prescott Valley?
The short answer: Prescott Valley, Arizona sits roughly 100 road miles northwest of Tempe — about 160.52 kilometers by car. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is shorter, around 86 miles (138 km), since Tempe sits at coordinates 33.4148, -111.9093 and Prescott Valley at 34.61, -112.3157 (per DistanceCalculator.net). Depending on the exact starting point in Tempe and your final destination in Prescott Valley, most drivers log somewhere between 100 and 103 miles door to door.
| Measurement | Distance |
|---|---|
| Driving distance (via I-17 and US-60/SR-69) | ~100 miles (160.52 km) |
| Driving distance (alt. measurement) | 103 miles (165.57 km) |
| Straight-line (flying) distance | 86 miles (138 km) |
| Non-stop driving time | About 1 hour 40 minutes |
Best Driving Route from Tempe to Prescott Valley
The most direct route follows I-17 and US-60 for the majority of the trip. Here's how the drive typically unfolds:
Step-by-Step Directions
- Tempe to the I-17 interchange. From central Tempe, most drivers head west on the Loop 202 (Red Mountain or Santan portions, depending on your start point) or surface streets like Baseline Road to reach the I-17 corridor in Phoenix.
- North on I-17. You'll climb out of the Phoenix metro through north Phoenix, passing major landmarks like the Adobe Dam area and the Anthem outlet centers as the desert begins to give way to high-desert terrain.
- The Black Canyon grades. Between Rock Springs and Cordes Junction, I-17 climbs steeply — this is the most scenic (and steepest) stretch, gaining well over 2,000 feet in elevation.
- Exit at SR-69. At Cordes Junction, take the SR-69 exit toward Prescott and Prescott Valley.
- SR-69 into Prescott Valley. The highway passes through the small communities of Dewey-Humboldt before rolling into Prescott Valley along the Glassford Hill corridor.
How Long Does the Drive Take?
Under normal traffic conditions, Tempe and Prescott Valley are about 1 hour 40 minutes apart if you drive non-stop, according to Distance-Cities.com. In practice, plan on closer to two hours. The variable is almost always the Phoenix side: leaving Tempe at 3 p.m. on a Friday can add 30–45 minutes just getting through the I-17 northbound congestion in north Phoenix. Early-morning departures consistently deliver the fastest times.
Note that if you could maintain highway speeds of 70 mph for the entire trip, the drive would take roughly 1 hour 28 minutes — but real-world conditions on I-17 and through the SR-69 corridor make the 1 hour 40 minute figure more realistic.
Halfway Point: Rock Springs, Arizona
If you need to meet someone in the middle or break up the drive, the closest town to the halfway point is Rock Springs, AZ. It sits approximately 53 miles from Tempe and 48 miles from Prescott Valley — about 53 minutes from Tempe and 50 minutes from Prescott Valley by car (figures via Distance-Cities.com). The mathematical midpoint itself is 49.87 miles from Tempe and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach from either end.
Rock Springs is best known to Arizona drivers as the home of the Rock Springs Café, a longtime stop for pies and road-trip food right off I-17. It's a practical spot for a coffee break before the final climb into the Prescott area.
Estimated Gas Cost: Tempe to Prescott Valley
Based on an average Arizona regular gas price of $4.66 per gallon (the figure used in Distance-Cities.com's calculation), the estimated cost of gas to drive from Tempe to Prescott Valley is about $18.67 one way for an average vehicle. If gas prices drop, your cost drops proportionally.
Gas Consumption and Emissions
Wondering about the environmental footprint of the trip? An average car releases approximately 78.48 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere driving from Tempe to Prescott Valley — a carbon footprint of about 0.79 pounds of CO2 per mile (per Distance-Cities.com). Carpooling or consolidating trips naturally cuts that per-person figure. If you take a shared shuttle instead of driving solo, the per-rider footprint drops even further since the emissions are spread across multiple passengers.
Weather: What to Expect in Tempe vs. Prescott Valley
One of the biggest reasons people make this drive is the weather difference — and it's dramatic for a trip under two hours.
- Tempe sits in the Sonoran Desert lowlands around 1,150 feet in elevation. Summers routinely push past 110°F, and winters are mild, with daytime highs typically in the 60s and 70s.
- Prescott Valley sits at roughly 5,000 feet in elevation. Expect summer highs 15–25 degrees cooler than Tempe, chilly winter nights that regularly dip below freezing, and occasional snow between December and February. Summer monsoon storms (July–September) bring afternoon thunderstorms to the Prescott area more frequently than to the Valley floor.
Practical tip: check the Prescott Valley forecast before you leave Tempe, especially November through March. A sunny 75°F morning in Tempe can mean ice on the SR-69 corridor by evening.
Getting There Without Driving: Shuttle and Ground Transportation
If you'd rather not make the I-17 climb yourself — whether because of winter weather, a airport pickup at Phoenix Sky Harbor, or simply wanting to relax — a private shuttle is a popular option for this corridor. Airport Shuttle of Phoenix provides door-to-door service between Tempe, Sky Harbor International Airport, and Prescott Valley, which is especially convenient for ASU students, snowbirds, and families with luggage.
For related routes, see our guides to Phoenix to Prescott and Tempe to Flagstaff, or browse all of our Arizona airport shuttle services.
Things to Do in Prescott Valley
Prescott Valley has grown into one of Arizona's fastest-expanding towns, and it's more than a waypoint on the way to Prescott proper:
- Findlay Toyota Center — the town's indoor arena hosts events, concerts, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League.
- Glassford Hill — the dormant volcano that anchors the town's skyline offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the Bradshaw Mountains.
- Prescott Valley's Entertainment District — restaurants, shops, and community events cluster around the Civic Center and Theater on the Hill.
- Fain Park — a 100-acre park along Lynx Creek with trails, historic mining remnants, and picnic areas.
- Day trips to Prescott — historic Whiskey Row, Courthouse Plaza, and Thumb Butte are about 20 minutes west via SR-69.
Where to Stay in Prescott Valley
Recommended hotels in Prescott Valley, AZ cluster near the SR-69 corridor and the Glassford Hill Road commercial area. Chains with locations in or near town include:
- Hampton Inn Prescott Valley — near the Glassford Hill retail corridor.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Prescott Valley — convenient to the Entertainment District.
- Holiday Inn Express Prescott Valley — along the SR-69 frontage.
- Residence Inn Prescott — a short drive west if you want to base yourself in downtown Prescott instead.
Availability tightens during summer weekends, Prescott's Acker Musical Afterdark in August, and holiday-season events, so book ahead if your trip coincides with peak periods. We don't list room rates here — check current prices directly, as they fluctuate with demand.
Tempe to Prescott Valley: Quick Reference Table
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary route | I-17 North → SR-69 West |
| Driving distance | 100–103 miles (160.52–165.57 km) |
| Typical drive time | 1 hour 40 minutes non-stop |
| Estimated one-way gas cost | ~$18.67 (estimate based on $4.66/gal AZ average) |
| CO2 emissions (avg. car) | ~78.48 lbs per trip |
| Halfway point | Rock Springs, AZ (~50 minutes from each end) |
| Elevation change | ~1,150 ft (Tempe) to ~5,000 ft (Prescott Valley) |
Driving Tips for the I-17 and SR-69 Corridor
- Time your departure. Northbound I-17 out of Phoenix backs up badly on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends. Leaving Tempe before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. makes the trip far smoother.
- Watch the grades. The Black Canyon section between Sunset Point and Cordes Junction is steep. Downshift on the descent if you're driving a loaded vehicle or towing.
- Fuel up in Anthem or Camp Verde territory. Gas is pricier at the highway exits; filling up in Tempe or north Phoenix before the climb saves money.
- Winter readiness. Between roughly November and March, check road conditions on AZ511.gov before departing. Ice and occasional snow affect SR-69 more than the Phoenix side of I-17.
- Rest stop strategy. Rock Springs (near the midpoint) and Sunset Point rest area are the two most convenient leg-stretch stops.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tempe to Prescott Valley
How far is it between Tempe and Prescott Valley?
The driving distance is approximately 100 miles (160.52 kilometers) via I-17 and US-60/SR-69, though some measurements put it at 103 miles (165.57 km) depending on exact start and end points. The straight-line flying distance is 86 miles (138 km), per DistanceCalculator.net.
How long does it take to drive from Tempe to Prescott Valley?
About 1 hour 40 minutes driving non-stop under normal conditions. Add buffer time for Phoenix traffic on the I-17 side, winter weather on SR-69, or stops along the way — two hours is a safe planning figure.
What is the halfway point between Tempe and Prescott Valley?
Rock Springs, AZ is the closest town to the halfway point — roughly 53 miles from Tempe and 48 miles from Prescott Valley, or about 50 minutes from each. The Rock Springs Café, just off I-17, makes it a classic rest stop.
How much does gas cost for the trip?
Estimates put the one-way fuel cost at about $18.67 for an average car, based on an Arizona average regular gas price of $4.66 per gallon. Treat this as an estimate — check current prices for a tighter figure.
Is there an airport shuttle from Tempe to Prescott Valley?
Yes. Airport Shuttle of Phoenix offers door-to-door shuttle service connecting Tempe, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and Prescott Valley — a good choice for travelers with luggage, students, or anyone preferring not to drive the mountain grades themselves.
Is Prescott Valley cooler than Tempe?
Significantly. At roughly 5,000 feet versus Tempe's ~1,150 feet, Prescott Valley runs 15–25 degrees cooler on summer days, with freezing winter nights and occasional snow — a major reason Valley residents make the trip year-round.
Any questions or tips to share?
We'd love to hear them. If you've made the Tempe–Prescott Valley drive recently and have advice on timing, rest stops, or road conditions, or if you need help arranging shuttle transportation on this route, reach out through our contact page. You can also review our privacy policy to learn how we handle inquiries.
Route details and distance figures last verified for 2026. Distances and drive times are approximations; always confirm live conditions with ADOT or your navigation app before departing.