Denver → Dallas vs Denver → Phoenix: Which Is Closer?

Compare: Denver→Dallas (1,066 km) vs Denver→Phoenix (942 km). Denver → Phoenix wins by 124 km (12%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026

Denver → Dallas

1,066 km

662 miles · Flight: ~1h 50min · Drive: ~17h 19min

Denver → Phoenix

942 km

585 miles · Flight: ~1h 41min · Drive: ~15h 18min

✓ Shorter route

Difference: 124 km (12%) · Flight time difference: ~9 min

Quick Answer

Denver → Phoenix is the shorter route at 942 km, which is 124 km (12%) shorter than Denver → Dallas. You would save approximately 9 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Denver → Dallas Denver → Phoenix
Distance (km)1,066942
Distance (miles)662585
Flight time~1h 50min~1h 41min
Driving time~17h 19min~15h 18min
Road distance (est.)~1,386 km~1,225 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo

Route Comparison Analysis

The Denver to Dallas route covers 1,066 km (662 miles), staying within North America. Denver (population: 727,211) is located in Mountain, United States, while Dallas (population: 1,343,573) is in South, United States.

The Denver to Phoenix route covers 942 km (585 miles), remaining within North America. Denver (population: 727,211) is in Mountain, United States, and Phoenix (population: 1,680,992) is in Southwest, United States.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from Denver to Dallas takes approximately 1h 50min, while Denver to Phoenix takes 1h 41min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 17h 19min for the first route and 15h 18min for the second.

Since both routes depart from Denver, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Dallas and Phoenix as a destination.

Practical Considerations

The 124 km difference between these routes is relatively modest, so other factors like ticket prices and schedules may matter more.

Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 1,386 km and 1,225 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 161 km of driving.

Destination Overview

Dallas (United States) has a population of 1,343,573 and is located in the South region of North America. It's a significant city with good transport links and cultural offerings.

Phoenix (United States) has a population of 1,680,992 and is situated in Southwest, North America. This city serves as an important regional hub with solid connectivity.

When to Choose Each Route

Choose Denver → Phoenix if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 124 km difference means a modest saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose Denver → Dallas if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: Dallas or Phoenix?

Phoenix is closer at 942 km, which is 124 km (12%) shorter.

How far is Denver to Dallas?

1,066 km (662 miles). Flight: ~1h 50min.

How far is Denver to Phoenix?

942 km (585 miles). Flight: ~1h 41min.

Is it faster to fly to Dallas or Phoenix?

Flying to Phoenix is faster at ~1h 41min, saving about 9 min compared to Dallas.

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How We Calculate Distance

All distances on SnapDistance are calculated using the Haversine formula, which determines the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This gives the shortest possible distance over the globe, which is the measurement used for aviation and navigation. Actual travel distances by road or rail are typically 20-40% longer due to terrain, borders, and infrastructure routing. Flight times assume 800 km/h cruising speed with 30 minutes for takeoff and landing. Driving estimates use 80 km/h average speed with a 30% road distance factor.

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📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.