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Before you go
Your trip to Tucson.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Tucson – Arizona about 180 km from Phoenix
How to get there
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Tucson International Airport (TUS) 13 km
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Tucson Amtrak Station 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Tucson International Airport (TUS) is about 13 km from downtown. Amtrak trains stop at the downtown station. By car, I-10 links the city to Phoenix and New Mexico, and I-19 to Mexico.
How many days
Three days allow you to see the park, the museums and the mission. With four days, include Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon.
When to go
The most pleasant period is from October to April, with sun and mild temperatures. In summer it gets very hot; do hikes early and leave indoor museums for the middle of the day.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The park, the mission and the museums are far from downtown, and public transport is limited.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Tucson
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Morning
Saguaro West
Start early in the park’s west district, on Bajada Loop Drive.
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Afternoon
Desert Museum
Head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum next door and stay until late afternoon.
2 days in Tucson
Day 2
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Morning
San Xavier del Bac
Visit the San Xavier del Bac mission, south of the city.
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Afternoon
Airplane museum
Head to the Pima Air & Space Museum.
3 days in Tucson
Day 3
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Morning
Sabino Canyon
Do a hike or take the tram in Sabino Canyon.
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Afternoon
Saguaro East
Finish in the park’s east district, on Cactus Forest Loop Drive, until sunset.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Tucson?
See Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the San Xavier del Bac mission, the Pima Air & Space Museum and Sabino Canyon.
What is the distance from Tucson to Phoenix?
About 180 km via I-10, roughly two hours by car.
How much tax do you pay on purchases in Tucson?
The price on the tag does not include sales tax, which combines state and local rates and is charged at the register.
What time zone is Tucson in?
Tucson follows Mountain Standard Time without daylight saving: UTC−7 year-round, like most of Arizona.