Tucson Airport (TUS) Guide
Welcome to Tucson Airport, where the desert meets the sky. As the second busiest airport in Arizona, TUS offers a convenient gateway to the city's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide is here to help you navigate the airport with ease and make the most of your journey.
Looking for a stress-free travel experience? Our extensive guide is packed with helpful information and tips to help you get from your door to your gate. From flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, plus food and shopping directories, we've got you covered. Let's get started!
For more comprehensive information about other major commercial airports, check out iFly's Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at TUS Airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. For international flights, arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. The busiest times at the airport are typically early morning and late afternoon, so try to schedule your flight outside of these times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
The airport is conveniently located just 8 miles south of downtown Tucson. The best way to get to the airport is by car or taxi. There are also several shuttle services available that offer transportation to and from the airport. If you are driving, be sure to follow the signs for the airport and park in the designated parking areas.
Getting Oriented
To get oriented at Tucson Airport, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps allow you to easily navigate the airport and locate your gate, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the airport's free Wi-Fi to access the maps on your mobile device.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at Tucson Airport, be sure to check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. You can do this on the airport's website or through your airline's website or app. If your flight is delayed, stay informed by checking the status regularly and listen for announcements. Also, be sure to pack your carry-on bag according to TSA regulations to avoid any delays at security checkpoints.
Security Wait Times
If you're flying out of TUS, it's important to budget enough time for TSA Security wait times. The amount of time you'll spend in line can vary depending on the day and time of your flight, as well as other factors like the number of passengers and the level of security screening. To help you plan ahead, you can check the current wait times for TSA Security at TUS Airport using this link. By doing so, you can arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare and avoid any unnecessary stress or delays.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Tucson Airport (TUS) Terminals
Navigating TUS's Terminals
The airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 5 gates, Concourse B has 11 gates, and the Main Terminal has 17 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines operate out of the Main Terminal. Concourse A is used by American Eagle and United Express, while Concourse B is used by Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.
When navigating the airport, it's important to note that the Main Terminal is divided into two levels: the upper level for departures and the lower level for arrivals. The security checkpoint is located on the upper level, and passengers should allow ample time to get through security during peak travel times.
For those in need of food and services, there are plenty of options available throughout the airport. The Main Terminal offers a variety of dining options, including Arizona Sports Grill, Beyond Bread, and Starbucks. Concourse A has a Starbucks and a Hudson News, while Concourse B has a Cibo Express Gourmet Market and a Tucson Lifestyle store. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
At Tucson Airport, there are three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. To get between terminals, passengers can walk or take the airport shuttle bus. The shuttle bus is a free service that runs every 10 minutes and stops at each terminal. The walk time between terminals is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the terminal.
If you are connecting between flights, be sure to check your boarding pass or with your airline to confirm which terminal your next flight departs from. Additionally, there are plenty of signage and information desks throughout the airport to assist passengers with directions and information.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
When it comes to dining and shopping options at Tucson Airport, there's no shortage of choices. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
For those in search of a hearty breakfast or brunch, we recommend the Blue Willow Restaurant, located in the Main Terminal. Their menu features a variety of classic American dishes, including pancakes, omelets, and breakfast burritos.
If you're looking for something a little more upscale, head over to Char's - Has The Blues, located in Concourse A. This restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu of Southern-inspired dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken.
When it comes to shopping, TUS has a range of options to suit all tastes. If you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, head to the Hudson News store in the Main Terminal. They offer a variety of snacks, drinks, and reading materials to keep you occupied during your flight.
For those in search of souvenirs or gifts, we recommend the Tucson Lifestyle store, also located in the Main Terminal. Here you'll find a range of locally made products, including jewelry, pottery, and artwork.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at TUS Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're flying in or out, having a comfortable hotel near the airport can make your journey much smoother. Our selection of hotels offers a variety of options to suit every traveler's needs. From budget-friendly options to more luxurious stays, you'll find hotels with amenities such as complimentary shuttle services, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Some of the options include Four Points by Sheraton, La Quinta by Wyndham, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, and Baymont by Wyndham. For those willing to stay a bit further, there are also options like the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard, and Home2 Suites By Hilton. To view all the options, check out our the airport Hotels page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Tucson Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside the terminals. However, curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles left unattended may be towed. To avoid this, drivers can utilize the cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport entrance. These areas provide a convenient place for drivers to wait for arriving passengers without having to park or circle the airport.
Passengers can be picked up at the arrivals level of the Main Terminal, while drop-offs are made at the departures level. For passengers flying out of Concourse A or B, drop-offs and pick-ups can be made at the designated curbside areas outside each concourse. It is important to note that drivers should only use the designated areas for pick-ups and drop-offs, and should not park or leave their vehicles unattended in these areas.
Parking Facilities & Options
Traveling to Tucson Airport? Here's what you need to know about parking options and facilities:
The airport offers several parking options, including hourly, daily, and economy lots. Hourly parking is available in the garages located near Concourse A and B, while daily parking is available in the main terminal garage and the economy lot. The economy lot is located further away from the terminal, but offers a more economical option for longer stays.
If you're picking up a passenger and need to wait for their arrival, the airport also offers a cell phone waiting area. This area is located near the economy lot and allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the terminal entrances. If you require special assistance, the airport also offers wheelchair and electric cart services to help you get to and from your car.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. Many off-airport parking lots offer shuttle services to and from the airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Get details about TUS parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Tucson International Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.
Car rental facilities are located on the lower level of the terminal building, just a short walk from baggage claim. Major providers include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Taxi services are available outside of baggage claim, with drop-off areas located at the curb on the upper level of the terminal building. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, can be picked up at the designated ride-share pickup area outside of baggage claim. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.
Public transportation options include Sun Tran bus service, with a stop located just outside of baggage claim. Fares are affordable, and the bus can take you to various locations throughout Tucson.
Passenger Services
TUS Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible. Whether you're traveling with children, have special needs, or need medical assistance, the airport has you covered.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport's information desk located in the main terminal.
Traveling with children? the airport has designated children's areas in both Concourse A and Concourse B, featuring interactive play areas to keep kids entertained before their flight.
For passengers with special needs, the airport offers a range of services, including accessible parking, wheelchair assistance, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are also welcome throughout the airport.
Need to take care of some banking? There are ATMs located throughout the airport, including in the main terminal and both concourses. And if you need medical assistance, there is a medical clinic located in the main terminal.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is crucial to stay informed about the status of your flight departure. At Tucson Airport, there are several ways to access real-time updates on flight information.
One of the most reliable sources of flight status information is the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide up-to-date information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate the FIDS by looking for the screens located throughout the airport.
In addition to the FIDS, passengers can also receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. By downloading the app for their specific airline, passengers can receive push notifications, text messages, or emails with the latest information about their flight status. This is a convenient way to stay informed while on the go.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Tucson Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. By staying informed about their flight status, passengers can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Airport Facts & Stats
TUS, also known as Tucson International Airport, is located in the southern part of Arizona, United States. It serves as the second busiest airport in Arizona, after Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal.
On average, TUS Airport handles around 8,000 passengers daily, with an average of 100 daily flights. The airport serves over 20 destinations, with the top 5 being Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston.
The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Southwest Airlines operates the most daily flights from the airport, followed by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Tucson Airport is also a hub for several air carriers, including Allegiant Air and World View Enterprises. Allegiant Air operates several flights to and from Tucson Airport, while World View Enterprises offers space tourism flights.
Airport History
TUS, also known as Tucson International Airport, is located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1910s when it was used as a landing strip for military planes during World War I. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- In 1927, the first commercial flight arrived at the airport, which was then known as Davis-Monthan landing field.
- In 1948, the airport was renamed Tucson International Airport to reflect its growing importance as a regional airport.
- In 1955, the airport's first terminal building was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
- In 1963, the airport's runway was extended to 8,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft.
- In 1985, a new terminal building was constructed to replace the old one, which had become outdated and overcrowded.
- In 2005, the airport's runway was extended to 10,996 feet to accommodate the new Airbus A380, which had been recently introduced.
- In 2013, the airport celebrated its 85th anniversary and announced plans to renovate the terminal building and expand the airport's facilities.
Today, TUS Airport serves over 3 million passengers annually and is a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about the airport, please visit their website.
To speak with someone directly, you can call the airport at (520) 573-8100.
If you prefer to email, you can send a message to [email protected].
If you need to send mail to the airport, the address is:
Tucson Airport7250 S Tucson Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85756
United States