TUCSON AIRPORT (TUS) INFORMATION

Tucson International Airport (IATA: TUS, ICAO: KTUS, FAA LID: TUS) is owned by the City of Tucson. The facility is 13 kilometers south of downtown Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona.

TUS is the second busiest airport in Arizona, after Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015 categorized it as a primary commercial service airport since it has over 10,000 passenger boardings per year. In 2011, Federal Aviation Administration records showed more than 1.7 million enplanements at TUS.

Tucson International is operated on a long-term lease by the Tucson Airport Authority, which also operates Ryan Airfield, a general aviation airport. Tucson International Airport is not a hub or focus city for any airline. It is in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021.

Tucson International Airport's terminal has three concourses: Concourse A has nine gates, A1 through A9, Concourse B has eleven gates, B1 through B11. Concourse C is in a separate building west of the main terminal and has one gate, C1.

There are three levels inside the main terminal. The ground level is designated for baggage claim and passenger pick-up. The upper level includes airline ticketing, concessions, airline gates, and TSA. The third level is designated for meetings and conference rooms and also includes the Tucson Airport Authority offices.

Currently, Tucson International Airport offers daily nonstop airline service to 22 destination airports across the U.S. Both concourses inside the main terminal offer food, beverage, and shopping, and free wireless internet and charging stations.

Tucson International Airport covers 3,212 hectares. It sits 806 meters above sea level at 32°06′58″N and 110°56′28″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Tucson International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Tucson International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Tucson International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Tucson International Airport

History of Tucson International Airport

On February 19, 1910, seven years after the Wright brother's debut flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a crowd gathered as American pioneering airman, Charles "the Bird Man" Keeney Hamilton flew the first plane in Tucson, landing his aircraft off the east bank of the Santa Cruz River nearby the present-day Tucson Convention Center.

In 1915, Katherine Stinson, the nation's first woman commissioned mail pilot, made the first airmail delivery in Arizona.

By late 1918, five aviation enthusiasts and developers came together and selected an 84-acre site at the corner of South Six Avenue and Irvington Road, on what is presently the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

By 1923 the small airport had been renamed Tucson Municipal Flying Field and had become a regular stop for refueling and servicing aircraft as well as used by Army aircraft patrols seeking to secure the Southern Border against Mexican revolutionaries like Pancho Villa.

To accommodate an increase in both civilian and military air traffic and resolve issues involving takeoffs and landings of newer, larger aircraft, the Tucson City Council acquired a 1280-acre site off the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad, near South Alvernon Way by 1927.

On April 12, 1948, the Tucson Airport Authority was created by a state charter as a nonprofit organization to manage and develop the city's new southside airport and later, existing facilities at Ryan Airfield since vacated after the war.

By 1949, American Airlines began regularly scheduled flights to the new Tucson Municipal Airport followed by Frontier Airlines in 1950.

In 1958, the third tallest building in Tucson opened adjacent to the Tucson Municipal Airport terminal building.

To commemorate a decade of service to the airport, the TAA erected a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower. It was showcased to the public by the end of 1961.

By November 1963, Atkinson's newly designed terminal building opened at the south end of Tucson Boulevard. The three-level structure featured spacious terminals, six airline operators, dining options, a U.S. Customs inspections station, and a new name, Tucson International Airport.

Several series of renovations occurred throughout the mid-1980s doubling the size of the terminals to 300,000 square feet and again in the mid-2000s which improved the airport's concourse.

It also added 82,000 square feet for baggage claim, rental car facilities, parking garages, and general improvements throughout the airport, such as art installations, additional security, shopping/dining options, and Wi-Fi.

As of 2021, its top domestic routes include Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona, Los Angeles, California, Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, Las Vegas, Nevada, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Houston–Intercontinental, Texas.

Transfer Services at Tucson International Airport

Tucson International Airport provides several modes of efficient transportation for its customers.

Services to/from TUS, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of the terminal.

Tucson International Airport has three gate areas, labeled the A, B, and C gates, which are in reverse alphabetical order as you approach the terminal.

• C gates – Vacant
• B gates – American, Alaska, and Delta
• A gates – Southwest, Sun Country, and United

Rental Car Services at Tucson International Airport

The Rental Car counters are outside the exit of the main terminal at Tucson International Airport.

Generally, the rental facility is open 24/7, but operation hours may vary. Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, plan to check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Tucson International Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found at +1 520-573-8156 (items are held for at least 30 days only).

Ride Shares at Tucson International Airport

Rideshares pick up and drop off passengers at the designated area at the Ground Transportation Center.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Tucson International Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center outside the Baggage Claim area.

The airport is served by different taxi companies, 24/7. A typical taxi fare from the airport to the downtown area would be around $40.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at Tucson International Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at Tucson International Airport

The Amtrak Train Station is at 400 North Toole Avenue, Tucson, Arizona. There are no train connections from the airport to downtown Tucson.

You can get a taxi from Tucson International Airport to Tucson Amtrak Station for less than $30.00. More information about train services near Tucson International Airport.

Buses at Tucson International Airport

There are two routes of Sun Tran that make regular stops at Tucson International Airport. Bus Routes No. 11 and No. 25.

Sun Tran bus fare is about $1.75. Prices may change based on several factors. Discounts apply to qualified passengers. More information about buses to and from Tucson International Airport.

The bus stop for the airport is in front of the main terminal. Follow signs to ground transportation. Exit Baggage Claim and cross the roadway. The Sun Tran stop is to your right on the first island.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Tucson International Airport

Many hotels in Tucson provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Tucson International Airport

TUS provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. The facility is open 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Tucson International Airport.

Other Services at Tucson International Airport

Wi-Fi at Tucson International Airport

The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building. Select "TUS-Hotspot"

ATMs at Tucson International Airport

There are two automated teller machines (ATMs) in the terminal at Tucson International Airport. Both are in the pre-security area.

One is near the center of the ticketing (second) level next to the Southwest Airlines counters and behind the Arroyo Trading Post.

The other is in baggage claim (lower level) near the Welcome Lounge for arrivals from the B gates.

Currency Exchange at Tucson International Airport

There is no currency exchange in the TUS terminal. If you are still planning your trip or if you have returned from a trip with foreign currency, your bank or credit union will usually offer the best exchange rates and lowest fees.

If that is not an option, consider withdrawing foreign currency from an ATM at your destination, preferably one that is affiliated with your bank or credit union to pay the lowest transaction fees.

Nursing Stations at Tucson International Airport

Yes, lactation suites that are part of the Mamava network are available on the two concourses of the main terminal.

For passengers departing from the A gates, the suite is near gate A3 and for passengers departing from the B gates, it is at the mid-way point of the concourse near El Charro Café and across from the restrooms.

Restrooms at Tucson International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Tucson International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Tucson International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at Tucson International Airport

Designated smoking areas are outside the east and west entrances of the main terminal on both the ticketing and lower levels.

In compliance with Arizona law, smoking or vaping, including the use of any type of e-cigarette, is not permitted inside buildings at Tucson International Airport.

Smokers must use outside designated smoking areas, staying at least 20 feet away from an entrance ensuring that tobacco smoke does not enter the building and that persons entering and leaving the building have a clear pathway where they are not subjected to breathing tobacco smoke.

Please follow smoking regulations at the airport.

Lost and Found Section at Tucson International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 520-573-8156.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Information Desk.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Tucson International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals.

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks may not be accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at Tucson International Airport

Please follow the overhead signs to locate the Information Desk at the main terminal of the airport. Phone: +1 520-573-8100.

Pet Relief at Tucson International Airport

Animal relief areas pre-security are outdoors on both the east and west sides of the lower level from the Baggage Claim of the main terminal. Use the exits near baggage carousels 1 and 7.

Bags and a container for solid waste are provided. Post-security animal relief facilities are available on the A and B concourses just beyond the TSA checkpoints.

Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance.

Note that airlines have specific policies and fares for transporting pets. Animals are not permitted unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at Tucson International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance.

The Airport Lost and Found Phone is +1 509-455-6429.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Tucson International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +1 520-573-8100.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in Tucson

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Tucson, Arizona in the USA.

Tucson International Airport Contacts

Address: 7250 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756, USA
General Phone: +1 520-573-8100
General Email: info@flytucson.com
Lost and Found Email: info@flytucson.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 520-573-8156
Official Website: https://www.flytucson.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Tucson International Airport provides Wi-Fi throughout the terminal for your convenience. To connect for free, select "TUS-Hotspot."