How Long Does It Take to Drive from Bullhead City, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona?

Are you planning a road trip from Bullhead City to Flagstaff, AZ? Knowing the fastest and slowest routes and the time it takes to drive to your destination is essential in planning a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

The Fastest Route

If you want to get to Flagstaff from Bullhead City as quickly as possible, the fastest route is usually to take the I-40 East route. Although it is longer than the alternatives, it has minimal stops and is accessible from almost every part of the city. The distance from Bullhead City to Flagstaff via this route is approximately 218 miles. With minimal traffic, you can make the trip in three hours and 20 minutes.

The Scenic Route

Suppose you would rather take the scenic route through the Grand Canyon. In that case, you can opt for the AZ-64 E route to the Grand Canyon, and then connect to the I-40 E to Flagstaff. This route offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon but is longer, logging in at around 268 miles. If you want to enjoy the views and take your time, this route is perfect, but it takes approximately five hours without stops.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Bullhead City to Flagstaff is the AZ-ALTA-VILLETTA route via unpaved roads. While it is only 161 miles and offers beautiful sceneries of the desert and the fauna, the road’s rough terrain makes it an undesirable option. Expect to take up to five hours, depending on your vehicle and the weather conditions.

Driving Time During Low and Peak Traffic Hours

Peak traffic hours affect the driving time from Bullhead City to Flagstaff. During low traffic periods, the driving time for the most direct route (I-40E) reduces to 3 hours and 20 minutes. Unfortunately, during peak traffic hours, it can increase to four hours, and even longer in case of accidents or road construction. The AZ-64 E route takes 5 hours and 20 minutes during high traffic hours while it takes four hours and 15 minutes during low traffic hours to reach Flagstaff from Bullhead City.

In conclusion, the best route and driving time depend on your preference, time, and situation. If you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, take the I-40 East route. If you want to take in the scenery, then take the AZ-64 E route. And finally, if you want to get an extreme adventure, take the AZ-ALTA-VILLETTA route. We advise you to plan your route according to traffic patterns, weather conditions and always stay alert. Safe travels!