This page introduces Tucson Gem Show Shuttles and parking.
You can find useful information about shuttle route maps, parking, and some tips.
What is Tucson Gem Show Shuttles?
Tucson Gem Show Shuttles will be provided by JOGS, G&LW, Kino, GIGM, and Colors of the Stone. The City of Tucson will not be providing GemRide shuttle service.
All shuttles are free, no reservation required, no requirements, and disabled-friendly.
You can hop on or off at any stops on each route. It is one of the ways to see and visit shows which sparsely located in Tucson.
If you do not want to drive in an unfamiliar place, if you want to save your budget, Tucson Gem Show Shuttles are the best way.
Route
In 2025, the following Tucson Gem Show shuttles available.
- Turquoise Route: 4 stops
- Blue Route: 2 stops
- Copper Route: 4 stops
- Ruby Express Route: 3 stops
- Gold Route: 5 stops
- Diamond Route: 1 stops
| Route | Dates | Times | Stops | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise Route | Feb 1-8 | 10am – 6pm | Colors of the Stone and Casino Del Sol | |
| Blue Route | Feb 1-9 | 10am – 6pm (15 Minute Intervals) |
| Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers |
| Copper Route | Jan 30-Feb 9 | 10:00am – 6:00pm (15 Minute Intervals) | Kino G&M Show & JOGS International | |
| Ruby Express Route | Feb 1-9 | 10:00am – 6:00pm | Kino G&M & JOGS Int. | |
| Gold Route/Red Lion Inn Buyer/Vendor | Feb 1 – 15 |
|
| Globe-X |
| Diamond Route *BUYERS ONLY | Feb 4-9 | 10:00am-6:00pm | JOGS Int. |
Intervals
Shuttles are generally run 15-20 minute intervals.
Pros and Cons of shuttles
Tucson Gem Show Shuttles are good way to go around shows, but it has some advantages and disadvantages compare with rent-a-cars.
Pros
- Free
- Save parking fee
- Convenient
- Safe
Cons
- Sometimes crowded
- Not on time (time-wasting)
- Infection risk when crowded
- A bit complicated
- Hard to carry heavy minerals or rocks
Parking Garages and lots
You can find parking garages and lots around shuttle bus stops.
If you have a car, you should park somewhere near shuttle stops in advance.
However, some parking lots are not free, especially around the downtown area. You should confirm that the parking fee of your destinations (shows) are free or not. If your destinations offer free parking, you should not pay the parking fee to get shuttles.
Maps of Parking Garages of the downtown area
There are four recommended parking garages which connect shuttles in the downtown area. In the downtown area, you have to pay the fee each time.
Here are details of the parking garages of the downtown area.
Downtown Mercado Shuttle/Parking Hub
| Location | 201 S. Linda Ave. |
| Fee | $7/flat rate all day (as 2020) |
| GemRide Routes | Downtown Gem Loop Mineral & Fossil Loop Hub Express bus to the Kino Gem Loop Hub Casino del Sol Express |
| MS Transportation Routes | Emerald Gold Red 1 |
| Map | Download |
City-State Garage
| Location | W. Congress St. |
| Fee | $2-$8 (as 2020) |
| GemRide Routes | Downtown Gem Loop |
| MS Transportation Routes | N/A |
| Map | Download |
Tucson Convention Center
| Location | 260 S. Church Ave. |
| Fee | $10/flat rate all day (as 2020) |
| GemRide Routes | Downtown Gem Loop Casino Del Sol Express |
| MS Transportation Routes | N/A |
| Map | Download |
Centro Garage
| Location | 345 E. Congress St. |
| Fee | $1-$8 (as 2020) |
| GemRide Routes | Downtown Gem Loop Walk towards the Hotel Congress, and then one block west on Congress to 5th Avenue. Turn right to find GemRide Shuttle Stop 11. |
| MS Transportation Routes | N/A |
| Map | Download |