Driving Cost from Chandler, Arizona to Prescott Valley, Arizona

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Chandler and Prescott Valley: Navigating Arizona’s Roads on a Budget

Whether you’re commuting for work, visiting family and friends, or simply exploring the beautiful state of Arizona, road trips are a popular mode of transportation in this part of the country. However, balancing your travel budget can be tough when you’re faced with fluctuating gas prices, tolls, and unexpected detours.

To help you plan your trip from Chandler to Prescott Valley, we’ve broken down the different routes available to travelers and the costs you can expect to pay in gas, tolls, and other expenses.

Getting to Know the Routes

If you’re traveling from Chandler, AZ to Prescott Valley, AZ, you have two primary options: taking the direct route via I-17 N or going through AZ-87 N. Here’s a closer look at each route:

Route 1: via I-17 N

This route covers about 107 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You’ll start on I-10 E, merge onto I-17 N, and take exit 262 towards AZ-69. From there, you’ll follow AZ-69 to get to Prescott Valley.

Route 2: via AZ-87 N

This route covers approximately 133 miles and often takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You’ll start by taking AZ-202 E, then merge onto AZ-87 N. You’ll continue on AZ-87 N until you reach AZ-260 W, which will take you to Prescott Valley.

Calculating the Costs

When planning your road trip, it’s important to remember the expenses you’ll incur while en route. Here are some costs to consider when traveling from Chandler to Prescott Valley:

Gas Prices

As of August 2021, gas prices in Arizona can range from $2.50 to $3.50 per gallon, depending on your location. Assuming you’re driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and you’re taking Route 1 (107 miles), you can expect to pay anywhere from $10.70 to $14.80 in fuel costs.

However, if you take Route 2 (133 miles), you’ll be covering more distance and may have to fill up more frequently. This means you’ll likely have to pay anywhere from $13.30 to $18.40 in fuel costs.

Tolls

There are no tolls on either Route 1 or Route 2 when traveling from Chandler to Prescott Valley.

Other Expenses

Depending on the length of your trip and your travel style, you may also need to factor in other expenses like food, lodging, and activities. If you plan to take a break during your trip, you can find plenty of affordable restaurants and accommodations along the way.

Choosing the Best Route

Ultimately, the best route for your trip from Chandler to Prescott Valley will depend on your priorities as a traveler. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Time: If you’re on a tight schedule, Route 1 is the faster option, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Distance: If you’re looking to put more miles on the odometer and explore Arizona’s countryside, Route 2’s 133 miles may be worth it for you.
  • Gas prices: If gas prices are a concern, Route 1’s shorter distance may save you a few bucks in fuel costs.

Based on these factors, we recommend taking Route 1 (via I-17 N) from Chandler to Prescott Valley. This route is the shorter option and offers a direct path with no tolls.

Conclusion

With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to navigate the roads between Chandler and Prescott Valley on a budget. By understanding the different routes available to you, the costs involved, and your own priorities as a traveler, you can make the best decision for your needs. On your next road trip, enjoy everything Arizona has to offer without breaking the bank.