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Car rental Tucson
At a glance
Locations: Find Hertz pick-up locations across Tucson, including at Tucson International Airport (TUS).
Fleet: Browse the full range of car rentals in Tucson and choose the right option for city driving, desert roads and longer journeys across the Southwest.
Things to do: Discover the best things to do in Tucson and explore how a rental car makes it easier to experience the city, Saguaro National Park and the wider Sonoran Desert.
FAQs: Get practical guidance on driving in Tucson, including answers to questions about cross-border travel, one-way rentals, and more.
Renting a car at Tucson
Rent a car in Tucson to experience the delights of the city and the surrounding Arizona desert. This inviting town is one of the most culturally diverse places in the Southwest, with booming Native American, Mexican and Spanish communities.
Most visitors arrive in Tucson via Tucson International Airport (TUS), which is around 8 miles south of downtown Tucson and typically a 15-minute drive. From here, you can get back to nature along the trails of Saguaro National Park and find out more about the surrounding flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. You can also spend a night under the stars at Kitt Peak National Observatory and see Tucson like never before.
Reserve Tucson car rental with Hertz and you can choose from our wide selection of vehicles. At Hertz, we offer every vehicle size, from sporty convertibles for romantic or solo adventures to spacious sedans and SUVs for the whole family.
Tucson rental locations
Tucson rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Tucson
Things to do in Tucson
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Tucson Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis covering 5.5 acres in the heart of the city. Explore a collection of 20 themed gardens, including the Zen Garden, Barrio Garden, and Children’s Discovery Garden. Take a stroll through this series of colorful and beautifully aromatic natural spaces, or hop aboard the Great Garden Express Railway for another viewpoint. Grab a bite at Edna’s Eatery, serving breakfast and lunch daily and grab-and-go meals during summer, or bring your own and settle in the scenic picnic area to refresh. Connect with the great outdoors, with free on-site parking for your Tucson rental car by the main entrance. Discover more Tucson hotspots here.
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
7230 East 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85710
Tucson was the first city in the country to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2016, so as you would expect, there are lots of great restaurants to choose from. In a city packed with highly rated eateries, La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood often tops the list with visitors and locals alike. Expect a relaxed, warm and inviting ambience, with colorful décor accented with traditional Mexican artwork. The menu offers a fresh take on classic Mexican fare – think spicy shrimp tacos, succulent carne asada, and guacamole prepared tableside from fresh avocados and an array of spices.
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch
5501 North Hacienda Del Sol Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
A high-end hotel nestled in the Catalina foothills, Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch has a rustic-chic vibe with hacienda-style rooms and casitas. The stunning grounds offer acres of cultivated garden space to relax in, accommodation ranges from single rooms to spacious suites and personal casitas, or homes from home. Two outdoor pools, a wellness spa, fitness center, hot tubs and an on-site botanical garden make this a destination in itself. Dining options range from a casual poolside café-bar to an outdoor patio restaurant to exclusive private dining. And with complimentary parking for your Tucson rental car, you can use this as a base even when you want to explore on foot.
Long term car rental
Long term car rental in Tucson gives you the flexibility of having a personal vehicle without the commitment of ownership or leasing. Ideal for temporary relocations, extended vacations, or when in between vehicles, Hertz multi-month rentals keep things simple.
One-way car rental
A one-way car rental gives you the flexibility to explore Arizona and the wider Southwest without retracing your route. Popular journeys from Tucson include drives to Phoenix, Sedona and the Grand Canyon, as well as interstate trips to New Mexico and Texas. Pick up in Tucson and book to return elsewhere.
Business rental
For business travellers, a rental car makes it easy to move between Tucson International Airport, downtown Tucson, the University of Arizona and business hubs across southern Arizona. Hertz Gold+ and skip-the-counter options help streamline the rental process, keeping work trips efficient and flexible.
Popular road trips from Tucson
Tucson to Tombstone
72 miles & 1 hour 20 minutes
A drive to Tombstone takes you into the heart of Arizona's Old West history. Explore preserved saloons, historic streets and famous sites linked to the town's frontier past. Tour an underground mine or catch a gunfight reenactment. Having a car gives you the flexibility to stop at small desert towns and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Tucson to Chiricahua National Monument
120 miles & 2 hours
Known for its dramatic rock formations and scenic driving routes, Chiricahua National Monument offers one of southern Arizona's most distinctive landscapes. Spend the day hiking, spotting wildlife such as kangaroo rats or bobcats, or taking the scenic Bonita Canyon Drive before returning to Tucson.
FAQs when renting a car in Tucson
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tucson?
The cost of renting a car in Tucson depends on factors including the vehicle category, length of rental, time of year and pick-up location. For the most accurate pricing and availability, use the booking page to check live rates for your travel dates and requirements.
What types of car can I rent in Tucson?
Tucson's location makes it a popular starting point for city breaks, desert drives and longer road trips across the Southwest. Vehicle categories typically include compact cars, standard cars, SUVs, trucks and larger passenger vehicles such as minivans, as well as convertibles and luxury cars. Explore the vehicles page to find an option that suits your plans.
How do I get the best deal on a Hertz rental car in Tucson?
Booking early often gives you the widest choice of vehicles and travel dates. If your plans allow, comparing different pick-up times and rental periods can also help you find suitable options. Hertz Gold+ members can access additional benefits and a faster rental experience.
Can I take a Hertz rental car across the border from Tucson?
Cross-border travel into Mexico may be permitted from certain Hertz locations, but restrictions, documentation requirements and insurance conditions apply. If you plan to drive into Mexico from Tucson, you should confirm eligibility and requirements with Hertz before booking your rental. Find out more in the Support Hub.
Where can I pick up a Hertz rental car at Tucson Airport?
Hertz operates from the Rental Car Center at Tucson International Airport (TUS), located just outside the main terminal. After collecting your luggage, follow the airport signs for rental cars to access the facility. Downtown Tucson is approximately 15 minutes away by road.
Do you need a rental car in Tucson?
For many visitors, renting a car is the easiest way to experience Tucson and southern Arizona. The city covers a large area, public transport options are limited for many visitor attractions, and destinations including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon and day trips across the Sonoran Desert are most easily reached by car.
