EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower car rental prices at Tucson International Airport (TUS) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare live deals from Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise and more in one search, then walk five minutes from baggage claim to grab the keys and head straight for downtown Tucson, Saguaro National Park or Mount Lemmon.
TUS features a rental car facility conveniently located just outside the terminal's east exit:
Location: Just outside the terminal's east exit; no shuttle needed
Access: Short walk from baggage claim (around 5 minutes)
Hours: Most companies open 5am/6:30am to 10pm/midnight
Companies: Seven rental car companies operate at TUS, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Enterprise, National and Alamo (off-site shuttle required)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy walking access from terminal | Higher rates than off-airport locations |
| No shuttle required (except for Alamo) | Customer facility charge (~$3/day) |
| Convenient return process | Airport surcharges and taxes |
| Multiple companies to choose from | Limited after-midnight service |
| Short wait times compared to major airports | Fewer specialty vehicles than PHX |
| Staff monitors delayed flights | Limited premium/luxury selection |
On average, car rentals at Tucson Airport cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $20 per day.
Compare on-airport vs city branches: Downtown Tucson spots are often 10-20 % cheaper; even with a quick rideshare, longer rentals can come out ahead.
Avoid Gem Show surge: Late Jan–Feb rates jump up to 40 %. If you can't shift travel, adjust pickup/return times by a day or two to dodge peak days.
Book early for winter, then keep checking: Reserve a cancelable deal 4-6 weeks out for Jan–Mar, set a price alert, and rebook if costs drop.
Grab the weekly rate: At TUS a 5-7-day "week" often costs less than four single days, so extend or trim your trip to hit that sweet spot.
Fill up off-airport: Gas stations on Valencia Rd or Tucson Blvd (about 1 mile away) are way cheaper than airport pumps or prepaid fuel.
Stack member codes: AAA, AARP, or corporate discounts plus the rental company's free loyalty program can shave another 5-15 % off.
Airport Parking (if returning to TUS):
Local Driving Rules:
Having your own wheels lets you reach desert parks, mountain escapes and cultural hubs scattered across southern Arizona.
Get a rental car to visit:
Saguaro National Park East – Cactus Forest Loop Drive
Saguaro National Park West – Gates Pass, Desert Discovery Trail
Mount Lemmon – Sky Island Byway, Summerhaven village
Downtown Tucson – Presidio District, Mercado San Agustín
University of Arizona – Arizona State Museum, campus venues
Nogales (border town) – markets, cuisine
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at TUS?
When it's not busy, it takes about 10-15 minutes to get your car after you arrive at the terminal. When it's busy, like in the early afternoon or during winter, you can expect to wait 15-30 minutes. TUS is much faster than bigger airports.
Can I pick up at TUS and return to another location?
Yes. If you rent one-way to Phoenix, companies often won't charge a drop fee, or the fee will be small. The rules change depending on the company and car type. For one-way rentals to other states, companies usually charge fees from $100 to $300.
What identification is required for international visitors?
You'll need a valid passport, a driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't in English or uses a different alphabet. You also need a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
Is there a shuttle service for rental cars at TUS?
You'll find all major rental companies like Alamo in the Rental Car Center right outside the terminal's east exit, so you don't need a shuttle.
What happens if my flight is delayed past rental counter closing?
Rental companies watch for incoming flights and will wait for you if you have a confirmed reservation. You should call them if you expect your delay to be more than 2 hours.
Are there any driving restrictions from TUS to nearby attractions?
You can drive a standard rental car to all major attractions on paved roads. You can usually drive on the unpaved roads in Saguaro National Park in a standard car when they are dry, but you should check your rental agreement first. To cross the border into Mexico, you need special permission and insurance.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support