Car Rental at Tucson Airport

Airport travel guide

Tucson is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona. It is situated in the Sonoran Desert and at a higher elevation than the state’s capital is slightly cooler. The city is a popular destination for those from northern climates wishing to escape harsh winters, and you’ll find many things to do in Tucson. Discover the beauty of the desert at Saguaro National Park, or hike in the wooded peaks at nearby Mt. Lemmon.

Tucson International Airport (which doesn’t currently have any international flights) connects the city with many large American cities, including Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta. 

The airport is much smaller than Phoenix’s Sky Harbor and serves as a better entry point to the state for many wishing to begin a road trip through it and the surrounding states. Rental cars are readily available at the airport, which is of great use to travelers as the state is difficult to get around without a vehicle. 

Top Air Routes

• Denver
• Phoenix
• Los Angeles
• Dallas
• Las Vegas
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Chicago
• Salt Lake City
• Atlanta

Main airlines

The main airlines serving Tucson International Airport are Southwest, American, and Delta Airlines. Of these, Southwest and American serve the majority of passengers.

Terminals

TUS has one terminal with three concourses. Concourse A and B share their landside building where travelers can check in. Concourse A is served by Flair, Southwest, Sun Country and United Airlines. Concourse B has Alaska, American, and Delta Airlines.

Location

TUS is located approximately 8 miles (13km) south of Downtown Tucson with the drive between the two taking roughly 15 minutes. Phoenix is less than a two-hour drive away along I-10, making the airport a viable alternative for reaching the capital city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Large cars - from $70 per day
• Medium cars - from $69 per day
• Small cars - from $100 per day
• SUVs - from $75 per day
• Vans - from $139 per day
• Premium cars - from $106 per day

Car rental desks

There is a Rental Car Center at the airport that is located just past the east part of the terminal. Renters should walk to the end of the baggage claim area past carousel 7 to reach the moving walkway to the rental center. All of the rental companies that serve the airport have a desk in the rental center. If renting a car from Thrifty, you must take a shuttle from outside the Rental Car Center near which is a phone with which you can call them.

Services and facilities

The airport has all of the amenities one would expect of an airport of its size. There are restaurants in both concourses.

If flying on Allegiant Airlines, expect very little in the way of services in its concourse.

Multiple hotels are located just outside the airport, all of which provide a free shuttle to and from the airport.

There is a military lounge at the airport, but no lounge for other passengers. Wifi is available in the main concourses.

Nearest gas station

The nearest gas stations to the airport are located along E Valencia Road. There are Valero, Arco, and Circle K stations all located within two blocks of each other. Given the competition, none are overpriced as is often the case with stations located next to airports.

One-way rentals

• Phoenix (121 miles / 195 km)
• Mesa (120 miles / 194 km)
• Glendale (131 miles / 211 km)
• Chandler (104 miles / 167 km)
• Flagstaff (265 miles / 426 km)
• Los Angeles (493 miles / 793 km)