Transportation in Tucson

# Getting Around Tucson: Transportation Overview Tucson's transportation landscape is primarily car-oriented, which first-time visitors should plan for accordingly. While the city does have Sun Tran public buses serving major corridors and the modern Sun Link streetcar connecting downtown, the university, and Fourth Avenue, most visitors find that having access to a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the sprawling desert city and nearby attractions like Saguaro National Park. **From Tucson International Airport**, located about 10 miles south of downtown, your main options include rental cars (available at the airport), ride-sharing services, and taxis. The airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate. There is no direct rail connection, so plan accordingly based on your accommodation location and budget. **Key tip for visitors**: Tucson's attractions are spread across a wide area, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making walking between destinations impractical. If you're not renting a car, familiarize yourself with Sun Tran routes to your planned destinations before arrival, or budget for ride-sharing services. The downtown/university area is the most walkable zone, where the streetcar provides convenient connections between neighborhoods.

Tucson's Sun Tran bus system covers most major areas - download their mobile app for real-time bus tracking

The Sun Link modern streetcar connects downtown, the university district, and 4th Avenue - runs frequently throughout the day

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Tucson and are readily available at the airport

Tucson International Airport is about 15-20 minutes from downtown - multiple ground transportation options available at the terminal