Road Trip Distance: Vancouver, WA to Tucson, AZ

Driving distance: ~1,400 miles (2,250 km).

Route & Time

• Primary Route: I-5 S → I-84 E → I-82 E → I-10 E (via Portland, Tri-Cities, Las Cruces).
• Time: 21–23 hours driving (3–4 days comfortably).
• Alternative: I-5 S → CA-99 S → I-40 E (through CA Central Valley, Flagstaff). Similar distance/time.

Major Stops

• Portland, OR (food, Columbia Gorge).
• Tri-Cities, WA / Pendleton, OR (overnight).
• Boise, ID (optional detour).
• Salt Lake City, UT (major hub).
• St. George, UT / Las Vegas, NV (I-15 connection).
• Flagstaff, AZ (cool pines, Grand Canyon detour).
• Phoenix, AZ (I-10 junction).
• Tucson.

Flight Comparison

• PDX / SEA → TUS: 2.5–3h nonstop (Alaska, Southwest).
• Drive vs. Fly: Drive for gear, pets, flexibility, scenery. Fly for speed.

Prep Tips

• Check I-84/I-82 mountain passes (Cabinet Gorge, Deadman) for winter closures.
• Carry water, snacks, emergency kit in desert stretches (AZ/NM).
• Fuel up in larger towns; stretches >100 mi without services.