Arizona drivers are paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation heading into Memorial Day weekend as millions of Americans prepare for summer road trips.
According to AAA Gas Prices, Arizona’s average gas price reached approximately $4.84 per gallon this weekend, well above the national average of roughly $4.51 per gallon.
In the Phoenix metro area, average gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon in some locations, with Scottsdale among the most expensive areas in the state. Tucson drivers are seeing slightly lower prices but are still paying well above the national average.
Arizona Gas Prices Among Highest in the U.S.
Arizona consistently ranks among the states with the highest gasoline prices due to regional supply challenges, fuel transportation costs, and increased seasonal demand.
Heading into Memorial Day weekend 2026, Arizona gas prices have surged compared to last year, creating higher travel costs for families planning road trips across the Southwest.
Drivers traveling from Phoenix to popular destinations like Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Lake Havasu, and the Grand Canyon are expected to face both expensive fuel and heavy traffic.
Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected to Break Records
Despite rising gas prices, Americans are still expected to travel in massive numbers this Memorial Day weekend.
AAA projects approximately 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday weekend, making it one of the busiest Memorial Day travel periods ever recorded.
Most travelers are expected to drive rather than fly, increasing gasoline demand nationwide.
Transportation analysts say the heaviest traffic in Arizona will likely occur Thursday and Friday afternoons, especially on Interstate 17 northbound out of Phoenix.
Why Are Arizona Gas Prices So High?
Several factors are contributing to rising gas prices in Arizona and across the country, including:
- Increased summer travel demand
- Rising global oil prices
- Refinery maintenance and supply constraints
- Seasonal fuel blend changes
- Ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets
Arizona is particularly vulnerable to fuel price spikes because the state relies heavily on gasoline supplied from regional refineries in California and Texas.
How Much Will Memorial Day Road Trips Cost?
For many Arizona families, fuel alone could become a major expense this holiday weekend.
A 500-mile round trip in a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon would require approximately 20 gallons of gasoline. At Arizona’s current average gas price, drivers could spend nearly $100 on fuel alone.
Larger vehicles, SUVs, and trucks could cost substantially more to operate during long-distance travel.
Phoenix Gas Prices Up Sharply From Last Year
Gas prices across Phoenix and Arizona have risen significantly compared to Memorial Day weekend last year.
Phoenix-area gas prices averaged roughly $3.61 per gallon one year ago compared to nearly $4.87 per gallon today, according to AAA fuel tracking data.
Energy analysts expect gas prices to remain elevated throughout much of the summer travel season unless oil prices decline or refinery production increases.
Still, many Arizona travelers are moving forward with Memorial Day vacation plans despite rising costs, officially kicking off the busy 2026 summer travel season.
