How to Get to the Tucson Gem Show: Flights and Driving Directions
This page provides a comprehensive guide on how to get to Tucson from both domestic and international locations. Below, you will find essential flight information, airport comparisons, and clear driving directions for your trip.
Destinations: Choosing Your Airport
For attending the showcase, we highly recommend flying into either Tucson International Airport (TUS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). These two airports provide the most practical access to the city.
While Tucson International Airport is the closest and geographically ideal, it may not always be the best choice during the peak of the gem show. High demand often leads to limited flight availability, crowded terminals, and a severe shortage of rental cars.
If flying directly into Tucson does not fit your schedule or budget, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is an excellent alternative. As one of the largest transportation hubs in the United States, PHX offers a vast array of domestic and international flights, better connection options, and a massive rental car center. The drive from Phoenix to Tucson is a straightforward 1.5-hour drive (110 miles) via Interstate 10 East.
Read more about our Tucson Rental Car Guide.
Recommended Connecting Flights
If you cannot find a direct flight to Tucson or Phoenix from your local airport, consider booking a connecting flight through major hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), or Seattle (SEA). These airports maintain frequent and reliable daily connections to both TUS and PHX.
Domestic Flights
You can find all necessary information regarding arrivals, departures, operating airlines, and travel cost comparisons through the official airport links provided below.
Domestic Airlines Serving TUS (Tucson)
Major commercial airlines currently operating out of Tucson International Airport include:
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
Check the official real-time flight schedules for TUS: Official Tucson Flight Information.
Domestic Airlines Serving PHX (Phoenix)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers extensive domestic coverage across major carriers, including:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines (Hub)
- Boutique Air
- Contour Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines (Hub)
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
Check the official real-time flight schedules for PHX: Official Phoenix Flight Information.
International Flights
If you are traveling to Tucson from overseas, your best strategy is to look for nonstop international flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) as your primary U.S. gateway.
International Flights to TUS
Tucson International Airport currently handles limited direct overseas flights. International buyers traveling to TUS generally connect through a major U.S. port of entry such as Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW), or Houston (IAH).
International Flights to PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor offers direct international flights connecting directly from major destinations in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Key international carriers include:
- Europe: British Airways (London Heathrow), Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
- Canada: Air Canada (Toronto, Vancouver), WestJet (Calgary, Vancouver)
- Mexico: Volaris, VivaAerobus, American Airlines
Check the complete list of international routes: Official PHX International Destinations List.
Driving Directions to Tucson
Below are the most efficient driving directions to the Tucson Convention Center (venue of the Main Show) from both TUS and PHX airports.
From Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes (8.5 miles).
- Head north on South Tucson Blvd leaving the airport.
- Merge onto I-10 West towards Tucson/Phoenix.
- Take the Congress/Broadway exit (Exit 258).
- Continue straight on the South Freeway frontage road.
- Turn right onto Congress Street, heading east.
- Turn right onto South Church Ave.
- The Tucson Convention Center parking lot will be located on your right before Cushing St.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours (110 miles).
- Exit the airport and merge onto I-10 East toward Tucson.
- Continue on I-10 East for approximately 110 miles.
- Take Exit 258 toward Congress/Broadway.
- Turn left onto Congress Street, heading east into downtown Tucson.
- Turn right onto South Church Ave.
- The Tucson Convention Center parking lot is located on your right before Cushing St.