Tucson International Airport - airlines, deals, dining, parking!

Tucson International Airport TUS
Photo Credit: Tucson Airport Authority

Tucson International Airport is friendly, welcoming, easy to navigate, and exactly the right size - not so large that you feel frenzied, but big enough to offer plentiful flight options.

Although TUS encompasses 8,434 acres (there are 130 separate buildings on the airport complex that provide nearly 2.5 million sq. feet of space), the airport always manages to feel effortlessly peaceful.

If you're navigating to Tucson International Airport with your phone or a GPS, input 7250 S. Tucson Blvd.

AIRLINES SERVICING THE TUCSON AIRPORT (TUS)

There are currently seven airlines going to 23 destination airports from Tucson International Airport (TUS) with one-stop connections to more than 345 cities around the world. Click here for the full list of direct flights to/from Tucson.

The seven airlines that fly out of Tucson International Airport (TUS) are:

  1. Alaska Airlines
  2. American Airlines
  3. Delta Air Lines
  4. Flair Airlines
  5. Southwest Airlines
  6. Sun Country Airlines
  7. United Airlines

DINING AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are eleven restaurants at Tucson International Airport and many have a distinctly local flair. Experience an authentic Mexican food experience right at the airport - or opt for sandwiches, salads, burgers, or beer.

You won't find a McDonalds at the Tucson Airport! As the first designated UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" in the USA, Tucson takes its food seriously and even the airport restaurants offer excellent fare.

Although Tucson International Airport is proud to have so many excellent local restaurants on-location, note that gift cards are not accepted inside the airport. For example, if you have a Dunkin' gift card, it will not be valid within the airport.

RESTAURANTS NEAR THE A GATES (Southwest, Sun Country, United)

  • Beyond Bread (sandwiches, salad, pastries, breakfast options)
  • Dunkin' (donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches)
  • Empire Pizza (authentic New York style pizza)
  • Sir Veza's Kitchen & Kantina (tacos, burritos, burgers, hot dogs, beer, margaritas, cocktails)
  • The Maverick (American food, beer, wings, onion rings, nachos, salad, burgers)

RESTAURANTS NEAR THE B GATES (Alaska, American, Delta)

  • Beyond Bread (sandwiches, salad, pastries, breakfast options)
  • Brueggers' Bagels (bagels, breakfast, lunch, coffee, salad, soup)
  • BUILT Custom Burgers (build-your-own burgers and burger bowls)
  • El Charro Cafe (homemade Mexican food, sit-down restaurant)
  • Thunder Canyon Brewstillery (beer, cocktails, full bar, sandwiches, salad, sliders)

RESTAURANTS PRE-SECURITY

  • Barrio Brewing Company (Arizona's oldest brewery - craft beer, appetizers, salads, handhelds)

RESTAURANTS AT BAGGAGE CLAIM

  • Arbuckles' Coffee (coffee, espresso, baked goods, fruit)

GLUTEN-FREE AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Beyond Bread offers a a gluten free wrap as a bread alternative on any sandwich or sandwiches can be made on a bed of lettuce.

SOUVENIERS & SHOPS AT THE TUCSON AIRPORT

Gift Shop Tucson International Airport | Tucson International Airport - airlines, deals, dining, parking!

There are four shops at the Tucson Airport as well as 4 kiosks on each of the A and B concourses. Every store has local Tucson souvenir options from local artists/vendors such as cacti, candy, snacks, books, etc.

BOOKSTORES AT THE TUCSON AIRPORT

Ink by Hudson Bookstore Tucson International Airport | Tucson International Airport - airlines, deals, dining, parking!

Although you can find books at all of the shops at the airport, Ink by Hudson has the largest library of options. As is the case with most airport bookstores, Ink by Hudson tends to feature hot titles, bestsellers, and magazines.

RENTAL CAR OPTIONS AT THE TUCSON AIRPORT

The Rental Car Center is just outside the east exit of the terminal.

The seven rental car options are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace, is also available at TUS.

HOTELS NEAR TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are seventeen hotels near the airport, but note that they tend to be "quick stay" options. In other words, they are ideal if you specifically want to be close to the airport or if you have business in downtown Tucson or at the University of Arizona.

If you want to be within two miles of the airport, we recommend Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hampton Inn Tucson Airport, Residence Inn Tucson Airport, Staybridge Suites Tucson Airport, or TownPlace Suites Tucson Airport.

If, however, you are looking for a luxury experience or would like to be closer to specific attractions, please peruse our resort profiles.

PARKING AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

parking drop-off pick-up Tucson International Airport

Parking at Tucson International Airport - whether short term or long term, for an hour or a week - is no problem.

Tucson Airport Authority has more than 7,500 parking spaces in six locations. TAA parking facilities and shuttles operate 24/7.

  • HOURLY LOT: $3/hour
  • DAILY LOT: $3/hour or $12/day
  • ECONOMY LOT: $5/day (long-term parking with complimentary courtesy shuttle available 24-hours a day)
  • ECONOMY COVERED LOT: $7.50/day (long-term parking with complimentary courtesy shuttle available 24-hours a day)
  • PARKING GARAGE: $12/day

EasyPay offers parking customers the option to pay with a credit or debit card and depart using automatic exit gates. The exit gates of the Hourly, Daily and Economy lots are also staffed with cashiers for customers who would like to pay cash.

If you prefer, you can reserve parking ahead of time (there is an additional $2 fee).

LOUNGES AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Military Lounge Tucson International Airport | Tucson International Airport - airlines, deals, dining, parking!

The only official lounge at the Tucson International Airport is the Military Lounge.

Tucson International Airport’s Military Lounge is equipped with chairs, sofas, TV, movies, microwave, coffee pots, a refrigerator, and snacks. It also has access to the airport’s free WiFi and there are charging stations for electronics. The Military Lounge is intended to be a comfortable respite area while members of the military wait for flights or ground transportation pick-up.

NOTE: There are also Welcome Lounges for all on the lower level. These areas have couches and monitors for people who wish to watch their family and friends coming down the concourse.

TRAVELING WITH KIDS - TUCSON AIRPORT

Are there family restrooms?

Yes. There are individual family restrooms post-security. They are located right next to the other restrooms available, just past TSA security, near the concourse exits.

Is there a nursing lounge or mother's area?

nursing breastfeeding pumping Tucson Airport

Yes. There is a 50sqft Mamava breastfeeding/pumping pod on each concourse. The 4-foot by 8-foot suites have a locking door, electricity, a fold-down table, and bench seating. Although they are not air-conditioned, they are well-ventilated and maintain the same temperature as the terminal. The suites are meant for individual use but can accommodate a nursing mother, her baby, and other children since there are two benches inside. Download the Mamava app in advance to gain access to the suite.

Note that the breastfeeding/pumping pods do not have sinks and are not meant to be used for changing diapers.

Do any of the restaurants offer children's menus?

grilled-cheese-or-pbj-at-beyond-bread
Kids Meal Options at Beyond Bread: Grilled Cheese or PB&J

Yes.

Beyond Bread offers half PB&J sandwich for $4 or half grilled cheese sandwich for $4.50. Includes choice of chips, baby carrots, or an apple.

Sir Veza's Kitchen & Kantina offers three "Kid Fixes" ($7.95 each) - hot dog, cheese quesadilla, or bean burrito. Served with fries or fruit.

El Charro has an option for ninos as well - hot dog, quesadilla, or gluten-free chicken strips for $6.95. Served with fries.

Is there a playground or space for children?

Unfortunately not. Tucson International Airport does not currently have any play spaces for children.

TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT FLIGHT | TUCSON AIRPORT

B Gates Tucson Airport

You're going to love TUS!

These are some of our top tips to help you have the best possible experience at the Tucson International Airport.

  1. Subscribe to email newsletters from the Tucson Airport Authority, TucsonTopia, as well as each of the airlines that service Tucson. These emails will provide you with great information about Tucson (hotels, restaurants, things to do) - plus details about flight deals and sales!
  2. When should you arrive at the airport before your flight? Each airline has its own recommendation, but a good guideline is to be at the airport 90 minutes before scheduled departure for a domestic U.S. flight and 2 hours before departure for an international flight. Allow more time if you have special circumstances and around holidays.
  3. Thinking about flying from Phoenix instead? Use the Tucson Airport cost calculator before you book your flight! You may be surprised to find that Tucson offers the flexibility, affordability, and calm that you are looking for. Tucson resident Laura Evans had this to say, "The cost of getting a flight out of TIA in recent years is comparable to larger airports and more convenient than spending time on the road to get to PHX to catch a flight."
  4. Need to access the internet at the airport? Fly-Tucson-Free-WiFi is available throughout the terminal.
  5. Bring a reusable water bottle! Free water filling stations are located near water fountains on the concourses for passengers to fill their empty water containers after clearing TSA security.

On behalf of the entire TucsonTopia crew, we hope you have a fantastic flight! 

TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
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