Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Tucson with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Tucson?
You should book your rental car in Tucson around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Tucson?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Tucson is September at an average cost of AED 162/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in Tucson when prices are AED 213/day on average, which tends to be 317% above the yearly average hire price for Tucson.
Which car hire company in Tucson has the most locations?
Avis and Movly each operate 5 locations in Tucson, more than any other car hire company.
Tucson car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Tucson by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
AED 149 - AED 183
All Car Types
AED 240 - AED 297
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Tucson?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Tucson?
Small car hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 165 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average AED 149 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 38% cheaper than the average car hire in Tucson, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 201 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 167 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 25% cheaper than the average car hire in Tucson, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Tucson typically cost around AED 210 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 168 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Tucson, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 289 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 250 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 9% more expensive than the average car hire in Tucson but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 419 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average AED 358 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in Tucson but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 234 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 209 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Tucson, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 325 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average AED 285 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average car hire in Tucson but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Tucson typically costs around AED 365 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average AED 315 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Tucson but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
National
Medium
AED 157/day
AED 148/day
Tucson car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Tucson
Depends on the season. In the summer, rent as small of a car/suv/truck as you need. The heat will make the car harder to cool and will use more gas, so don’t get a giant vehicle if you don’t need it. In the fall/winter/spring get a vehicle that lets you see everything around you. It’s one of the most beautiful places on planet earth and you want to be able to enjoy the views while you drive.
Verified travelerApr 2025
Pay a bit more to use services actually based on airport property.
Verified travelerFeb 2025
If booking through a third party site, call the rental car place to confirm they have a car for you.
BuffyOct 2024
Watch out for golf carts and bicyclists on all the roads.
KJul 2024
Fuel efficiency is a good consideration because Tucson is expansive, driving 20 minutes is typical to get anywhere. An EV or hybrid are great options but most cars produce adequate gas mileage. Holding a cell phone, probably any distraction while driving, can lead to being pulled over by traffic police or highway patrol.
BrendanApr 2024
For the love of god setup FastBreak or whatever other "skip the line" option your rental company has.
Verified travelerMar 2024
Easy access to the garage, right at the airport. Short walk from terminal.
DavidMar 2024
There’s a lot to see, so get a fuel-efficient car.
Verified travelerMar 2024
Make sure it is rented from the airport.
Verified travelerNov 2023
All good! Jack at e enterprise was helpful
Verified travelerSep 2023
Just to know not just the size of the car but the type of car it is…electric or gas powered
Verified travelerOct 2023
Be on the lookout for lots of bike traffic.
MastoraAug 2023
Keep receipts for gas ; check gas when entering the car because they don’t fill in the tank . Take photo of mileage, gas , etc.
jamesJul 2023
Driving in Tucson is interesting, keep your eyes open!
Verified travelerMay 2023
Tucson roads were easy to follow, especially using maps for directions.
DianeMay 2023
Ask your agent if they are giving you an electric car. Don't assume it's a normal gas car.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Tucson
The spread out nature of Tucson means that it is ideal for car travel. When you’re visiting, rent a car to discover the Sonoran Desert and beyond rather than relying on the limited public transportation. With the comfort of a car, you can explore the city’s historic center or drive as far as the Santa Catalinas mountain range.
Planning to rent a car on your Tucson vacation? When you fly into Tucson International Airport you will have two options for renting your car. There are on-site car hire counters in the hire Car Center on the lower level of the main Terminal. You can also take a courtesy shuttle from outside the center to an off-site location.
Driving around Arizona, you need to be aware that many of the major highways have HOV or "high occupancy vehicle" lanes, which means you can drive in these lanes as long as there are more than two people in your car. During monsoon season, visibility on the roads does worsen, so do not attempt to drive during heavy rain and winds or dust storms.
Tucson’s morning rush hour is usually from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, while the evening rush hour can begin at 3:00 pm and finish at 7:00 pm. Roads will also be more congested as the weekend approaches, so expect extra traffic from Thursday. It’s best to avoid driving downton and throughout central Tucson, as traffic can be heavy during the morning and evening rush hours.
25% of our users found rental cars in Tucson for AED 148 or less
FAQs about renting a car in Tucson
What type of car is recommended for driving in Tucson?
As there is no freeway system within Tucson, you will be driving on mainly arterial streets and residential routes, so it will require a smaller car. An economy or compact car would suit the narrow streets and be convenient for city center parking. If you want to visit one of the four surrounding mountain ranges, then an SUV would be great for navigating the more challenging rural routes.
What’s the speed limit in Tucson?
The maximum speed limit in Tucson is 55 mph. Across the city and Arizona as a whole, the standard speed limit on main interstates is 55 mph, and for roads passing through major cities and in business or residential areas the limit is 65 mph. The maximum speed limit on Interstate Highways is 75 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Tucson?
The best places to park in Tucson are in the greater downtown area and around the University of Arizona, where you will find a variety of parking lots and garages. If you prefer to park on the street, then you will find some in downtown and business districts in the Sun Link Streetcar corridor. You can expect to pay $1.00 an hour at parking meters or can park for free after 5:00 pm on weekdays and throughout the weekend.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tucson?
On average a rental car in Tucson costs AED 157 per day.
Which car rental companies are at Tucson airport (TUS)?
Car rental companies onsite at Tucson airport include National, Dollar and Budget.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Tucson airport (TUS)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Tucson airport to off-airport locations include National, Dollar, and Budget.
How can I find car hires near me in Tucson?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Tucson?
A Medium car hire in Tucson costs AED 151 per day, on average.
Pick up in Tucson was fine but would have been nice to have a person to ask questions about the vehicle. It was 100% self service. Drop off was good, easy, and complete in 60 seconds.
6.0 Okay
Bob, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
A cleaner vehicle, with less wear and tear
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2026
People carrier
Complete disaster. They would not let my wife pick up the car. Then when I arrived, they had cancelled my reservation. We never got a car. I want a refund.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Supplier choice
The check in was amazing and fast. The car was a Nissan rogue. The car needed an oil change and kept sending warning messages that using the car without changing the oil could be hazardous. The car had no wiper fluid and that was a huge issue as we were driving through a dusty desert in Arizona.
10.0 Wonderful
Sandy, Mar 2026
Economy
Great
10.0 Wonderful
Erica, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Pick up was inefficient, about 15 people in line and 2 employees at the desk, waited about 1 hour. Car was nice and new. I almost did not get my requested vehicle, because they were out, but one came available at last minute. Drop off was super easy and fast.
Enterprise was great! The pick up and return process was easy. They had the vehicle I needed and had competitive pricing.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Pick-up truck
They did not rent me the car because my license is from Mexico. I wanted to rent the car to drive from Tucson to PHX as I had a flight to Mexico departing from PHX, but the agency told me they wanted to see me departing from Tucson. I had a round flight Mexico PHX - Mexico.
10.0 Wonderful
Ken, Apr 2025
People carrier
My experience with Enterprise was excellent. Would highly recommend this company.
10.0 Wonderful
Gabrielle, Mar 2025
Intermediate SUV
Ease of renting online and pick up! Will rent again
I was very disappointed with the customer service I received at this car rental location. The desk attendant was rude and unprofessional from the moment we arrived. When handing over the rental keys, he practically threw them onto the counter rather than providing them courteously. Throughout the transaction, the employee repeatedly made groaning and irritated noises, making us feel like we were inconveniencing him. He also applied excessive pressure to purchase the additional insurance coverage. Even after we clearly declined, they continued with comments such as, “This is your last chance to get it,” “Are you really not going to get it?” and “Did you even read over it?” The most inappropriate comment was, “Don’t come back crying if something happens to the car. It’s going to cost you even more.” This felt more like a scare tactic than customer service. I understand employees are required to offer optional products, but there is a difference between informing customers and pressuring them. The entire interaction left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. I hope management addresses these issues and provides additional customer service training. When we finally picked up the car it was so dirty from the outside. Bugs everywhere. We couldn’t even see clearly out the windows. The mirrors were dirty as well. We could have gone and said something but we did not want to deal with the desk attendant again and there was no one at the car lot to be seen so we could have mentioned something. We drove out of there and took the car to the car wash
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2025
Compact SUV
Pre-paid for the car, was charged twice. Once for the pre-pay, again at the rental counter.
2.0 Poor
Alexander, Feb 2025
Supplier choice
I admittedly picked a dealers choice rental. That dealers choice happened to be an EV. I was driving into the mountains and needed a gas car. They charged me an extra 100$ dollars to change the car to a nissan altima. Ive rented from dollar like 15 times and after this stupid upcharge Ill just rent from elsewhere instead
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Full-size
They didn’t have a car available
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Pick-up truck
They didn’t have the truck ready so they made me upgrade and charged me another $180
2.0 Poor
ramsey, Oct 2023
Economy
Horrible. Wasn’t clear in the reservation that we’d get an electric car. Was only charged 77% when we got it. Can was smelling of smoke and had scratches all over the place. Chip in the window. Had to park it and get a software update for 1 1/2 hours in order for it to charge. Then had it charge for 12 hours k my to get 80% charge . Aweful. I will never rent and electric car again, and will avoid dollar/thrifty/hertz whenever possible. If they try to stick my with any damage on this car I will see them in court.
Everything went well, nothing needed to be changed
6.0 Okay
Paul, Feb 2025
Supplier choice
Car was dirty and damaged. Drop off was difficult.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Standard SUV
The car was super clean when we picked it up. It was comfortable for all the driving we did. The attendant was friendly when she greeted us. It was very good experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate
Car broke and hertz employees WOULD not HELP. Don't rent from hertz ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.0 Poor
Stephen, Sep 2024
Supplier choice
When reserving a car I pass on all electric vehicles. Chose the Manager's choice thinking I would get a gas vehicle the type model at Hertz's discretion. How wrong was I? They said they selected ban electric car eeven as I passed on all electric vehicles they had offered and at a cheeper price then I was offered on their Manager's,s choice. We never accepted the car and the credit card company refunded all charges associated with Hertz . Be forwarded when renting any car with this company
6.0 Okay
K, Jul 2024
Compact
The car (VW Taos) was fairly comfortable to ride on the interstate and city, space and adequate gas mileage. Multiple warnings of oil level being too high became concerning but I was too do anything about it. Check in and check out process was normal.
We had one issue. On arriving about 9:30p 25 Apr 25 in Tucson, computers were down so the fellow checking us in had to fill out the paperwork by hand. But he was excellent, with a totally positive can-do attitude and everything worked out fine. I didn't get his name, but he was the only agent there at the time and he deserves a 5 star rating for his work. Definitely above and beyond. The car itself, a Mazda CX-50, was also a pleasure
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2026
People carrier
Awesome
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Standard
I had to wait 70 minutes to get to an agent with only 3people in front of me! Unacceptable! The agent was unapologetic and almost rude. I reserved a Jetta and ended up with Toyota Corolla with no explanation, and no recourse. The directions for where Avis wanted the car returned were so poorly marked, that took another 25 minutes. I will not be renting a car from Avis in the future.
6.0 Okay
Mistin, Oct 2025
Intermediate SUV
Customer service at pickup was excellent despite the late hr. Vehicle was comparable to reserved make/model. Return of vehicle was problematic; vehicle was checked and keys returned 10 min before return time, waited 35 min in line and I was told "the system is down" so they couldn't complete return process. I am still waiting for a receipt and return of my deposit. I suppose I have to trust that the proper paperwork will be done "when the system comes back up". I am left feeling stressed and uneasy still.
4.0 Mediocre
Robert, May 2025
Intermediate
Very slow check in. Pushy agent tried to get me to opt in to things I didn’t want. Car smelled bad.
2.0 Poor
Sean, Mar 2025
Full-size
The type of vehicle I reserved was not available and only option (from the rude representative) was an EV (which I did not want and later discovered had no charging cord) or a 12 passenger van. Was told the car I reserved would be delivered to me the next day and it never was. Worst customer service I've ever experienced traveling and I won't be using Avis in the future.
Great car, easy checkout, easy drop off. Clear instructions.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact SUV
The whole experience was great , I wll definitely use again
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact SUV
Shanell was great!
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Standard
Good, no hassles.
10.0 Wonderful
A, Nov 2023
Full-size
Excellent service
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Pick-up truck
Very easy, quick, and convenient experience right at the airport. Essentially grab my keys and go. Vehicle was virtually new and very clean. Very happy.
No shuttle service to rental storefront. They call a Lyft. First Lyft would not pick us up due to size of group which I clearly told operator before. If you drop off rental outside business hours you have to go to some other business with shuttle for additional $15, which was not specified at pick-up. I prepaid for rental and agent tried to upsell me to larger vehicle and was deceptive about pricing putting an additional $300+ hold on my credit card. Overall a sketchy experience and will not do business with them again.
National
8.8
Very Good
One location in Tucson
fromAED 141/day
Locations in Tucson
7275 S Tucson Blvd Ste 125
+1 844 370 9823
Monday
05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
05:00 - 23:59
Thursday
05:00 - 23:59
Friday
05:00 - 23:59
Saturday
05:00 - 23:59
Sunday
05:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
5.3
Fair
3 locations in Tucson
Locations in Tucson
3720 W Ina Road
+1 520 572 8360
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
5905 E Speedway Boulevard
+1 520 263 0271
Monday
07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday
07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday
07:30 - 17:30
Thursday
07:30 - 17:30
Friday
07:30 - 17:30
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
7275 S Tucson Blvd
+1 520 434 3400
Monday
09:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
09:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
09:00 - 23:59
Thursday
09:00 - 23:59
Friday
09:00 - 23:59
Saturday
09:00 - 23:59
Sunday
09:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
No score available yet
One location in Tucson
Locations in Tucson
South Tucson Boulevard, 7250
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Movly
No score available yet
One location in Tucson
Locations in Tucson
Tucson International Airport
+44 7342 283294
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Tucson
Locations in Tucson
6851 S Country Club Rd
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Tucson
Locations in Tucson
7275 S Tucson Blvd Ste 115, Tucson, , USA Arizona
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
08:00 - 23:59
Thursday
08:00 - 23:59
Friday
08:00 - 23:59
Saturday
08:00 - 23:59
Sunday
08:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
369 travellers who rented a car in Tucson gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.5
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