How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tucson International (TUS)
Searching for a cheap Tucson International rental car? With an average price of $188 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a compact ride, a large SUV, or something in between, we compare all the best deals to get you more for your money.
$86 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Tucson International.
Planning to spend longer in Tucson? Book a weekly rental from $598 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to get the best price, book your TUS car hire around three weeks in advance.
Dollar, Hertz and Budget are popular providers at Tucson International.
The coverage Dollar or another supplier offers for your Tucson International car hire can differ, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in TUS. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Tucson International that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $126 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $141, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $249 a day with this provider.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at TUS.
Compare car hire types from Tucson International (TUS)
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Tucson International rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this TUS car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Tucson International big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your TUS car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Tucson International.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you should add a child car seat to your TUS car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so along highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've grabbed the keys to your TUS car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you choose, but if you're headed to central Tucson, it'll take you about 15 minutes to cover the 11 kilometres or so north.
Driving from Tucson International to the city centre in peak travel times can take as long as 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Consider picking up a car hire in Tucson instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Tucson International (TUS)
Before you go anywhere else, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Tucson first. Well-known attractions like Saguaro National Park East Unit and St. Augustine Cathedral are the perfect warm-up to your travels.
Around 31 kilometres north of TUS, Oro Valley belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Linda Vista Trail and Tohono Chul-Desert Discovery Education Centre.
Or jump in your Tucson International car hire and set off for Marana. About 48 kilometres northwest of the airport, Ironwood Forest National Monument and Santa Cruz River Park Trail are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Chandler, roughly 161 kilometres northwest of TUS. Kick things off at Shiva Vishnu Temple, then spend some time at Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery.
