Tucson to Phoenix Guide

No trip to Arizona is complete without spending time in two of its brightest and most vibrant cities – Tucson and Phoenix. Travelling between Tucson and Phoenix can be quick and easy, with only 111 miles (178 km) separating the two cities. With two different routes to choose from and an assortment of can’t-miss natural and historical landmarks, whichever way you choose, plan ahead to make your trip the best it can be.

Whether you want to take it slow or adventure off the beaten path, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to know when travelling between Tucson and Phoenix. Read along to discover the best pit stops, sightseeing spots, and the most convenient and affordable route tailored to your travel needs.

Tucson to Phoenix

Places To Visit On The Road From Tucson To Phoenix

1- Biosphere 2 Centre

Biosphere 2 is a science centre and museum located just outside Tucson that’s more than worth an informative trip.

Biosphere 2 began as a science experiment and research facility, managed initially by Columbia University and later by the University of Arizona, which still maintains ownership.

Originally built as a closed ecological system meant to upkeep human life in place of Earth’s natural biosphere, Biosphere 2’s primary experiment eventually failed, but not before seven sufficient closed-system biomes were created.

Biosphere 2 now operates tours of its seven biomes, where visitors can experience unique tropical environments and matching changes in climate.

It takes about 1hr and 15 minutes to walk through the Biosphere 2 Centre, or an additional thirty minutes if you add on their guided lung tour. And it’s just short enough to be a great pit stop!

Biosphere 2 is at 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739.

2- Picture Rocks Petroglyphs

Not too far from Tucson, travellers will find a short and accessible trail that leads to the Picture Rocks petroglyphs.

Depending on your route and the trailhead you arrive at, the hike to see the petroglyphs can be between two and five miles (3 to 8 km), so plan your trip accordingly and download a map before you go!

If you’d rather skip the hike and take a leisurely walk, park at the Redemptorist Renewal Center and follow the signs labelled “Way of the Cross.” You can’t miss the petroglyphs once you get there.

The Picture Rocks petroglyphs are some of the most fascinating displays of rock art in Arizona, depicting animal-like figures and etchings in great detail.

Don’t leave Tucson too far behind before making the trek to the Picture Rocks petroglyphs: this blend of history, nature, and art is a stop you won’t want to pass up.

Picture Rocks 7301 W Picture Rocks Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743.

3- Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Conveniently located midway between Tucson and Phoenix, the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is an eccentric family-friendly stop you won’t want to miss.

This family-owned-and-operated petting zoo and ranch has been open to the public since 1999 and remains one of Arizona’s most delightful tourist attractions.

In addition to the beloved ostrich that you can feed and pet, the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is also home to feedable goats, deer, donkeys and ducks. 

One of the newest additions to the ranch’s lineup is cow nose stingrays that you can feed, bringing a touch of the ocean to Arizona.

With flexible hours and cheap prices, a trip to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch will liven up your Tucson to Phoenix road trip and leave a smile on your face.

The Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is at 17599 E Peak Ln, Picacho, AZ 85141.

4- Picacho Peak State Park

Explorers travelling between Tucson and Phoenix will want to schedule plenty of time to stop at Picacho Peak State Park.

Picacho Peak State Park is a well-known natural attraction in Arizona, best known for its scenic views and captivating history.

This stop is most commonly recognised by its eponymous Picacho Peak, a 1500-foot (457m) rock structure formed through volcanic flow erosion.

Not only a natural beauty, Picacho Peak is also a historic landmark: in 1862, the Battle of Picacho Pass occurred, going down in history as Arizona’s most significant civil war clash.

A diverse array of stunning hiking trails, campgrounds, and photogenic fields of desert plant life will greet visitors who stop at Picacho Peak State Park longer.

Picacho Peak State Park is conveniently located right off I-10, and you can admire the park’s towering peak without even leaving your car!

Picacho Peak State Park is at 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141.

5- Gallopin’ Goose Saloon

You won’t want to complete your journey from Tucson to Phoenix without visiting the kitschy, can’t-miss Gallopin’ Goose Saloon.

Gallopin’ Goose Saloon resides in the small town of Coolidge, about halfway between Tucson and Phoenix.

This western-themed bar is known for hosting delightful live country music and for being the bar where country legend Waylon Jennings got his start.

Gallopin’ Goose Saloon was also featured on a 2016 episode of the niche reality show Bar Rescue, which brought much-needed attention and love back to this historic watering hole.

Grab a drink or two and indulge in some hearty snacks at Gallopin’ Goose Saloon before hitting the road and heading to Phoenix.

Gallopin’ Goose Saloon is at 1980 S Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85128.

6- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is an attraction not to miss for anyone travelling between Tucson and Phoenix.

Located at a convenient halfway point between Tucson and Phoenix, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a fascinating landmark that dates back to the 13th century.

The ruins were once multiple housing structures constructed by the Hokoham people; evidence has been discovered that the Hokoham were also involved in irrigation farming and trade connections.

The most prominent structure in the monument, known as the “casa grande” or “big house”, is a four-story building that has survived seven centuries of hazardous weather conditions.

This National Monument is a historically and culturally intriguing stop between Tucson and Phoenix and provides visitors with a unique look at years long-gone in the Sonoran Desert.

Admission is free at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and guests are welcome 362 days out of the year.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is at 1100 W Ruins Dr, Coolidge, AZ 85128.

7- Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery is a picturesque travel destination in small-town Florence, Arizona, perfect for wine tasting and photography.

This beautiful spot is known best as a wedding venue, with two delightful event spaces: an elegant storybook barn or a lush vaulted lakehouse.

However, you don’t have to plan a wedding to enjoy what Windmill Winery offers, as the venue’s wine-tasting room and vineyards are open to the public five days a week.

With signature Arizona wines to taste and live music during evening hours, Windmill Winery is a relaxing stop to add to your travel to-do list.

This spot is nestled halfway through your Tucson to Phoenix drive if you’re taking the scenic State Route 79 or comfortably out of the way if you’re taking the I-10.

Windmill Winery is at 1140 W Butte Ave #48, Florence, AZ 85132.

Top tour: Fine Wineing – A Wine Tasting Experience in the vineyards of the Desert!

8- Shamrock Dairy Farm

The Shamrock Farms brand is a leading industry name, producing essential quality dairy products for customers across the United States for over a century.

Learn something new with an innovative Shamrock Farms tour: an educational tram ride and museum tour highlighting the dairy industry’s history.

Shamrock Farms was started in Tucson, Arizona in 1922, becoming a piece of Tucson’s rich history and culture.

Book your family-friendly Shamrock Farms tour at least a day in advance, so plan your trip accordingly.

The tourable Shamrock Dairy Farm is located in Stanfield, Arizona, about halfway between Tucson and Phoenix.

Shamrock Farms is at 40034 W Clayton Rd, Stanfield, AZ 85172.

9- San Tan Mountain Regional Park

San Tan Mountain Regional Park is a little out of the way if you’re planning on driving directly, but nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike will find the short detour to be more than worth it.

This natural attraction is a large scenic park that covers 10,000 acres (4046ha) and is located slightly southeast of Phoenix city limits.

Some popular San Tan Mountain Regional Park activities include hiking, horseback riding, and biking.

Travellers from Tucson to Phoenix might enjoy a shorter stop at San Tan Mountain Regional Park for a picnic or sightseeing.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park covers a wide range of impressive scenery, from desert flats and forests of cacti to winding canyons draped in wildflowers.

Soak up the natural scenery on your way to Phoenix from Tucson, or extend your visit here and camp outside Phoenix’s bustling cityscape.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park is at 6533 W Phillips Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

10- Papago Park

Papago Park is just outside Phoenix’s city bounds, making it an easy and convenient spot to unwind after a busy day of tourism and travel.

Designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride, Papago Park has a little bit of everything: from grassy views to breezy hiking and historical landmarks.

Some of Papago Park’s top attractions include the well-known “Hole in the Rock” hike, a Desert Botanical Garden, and two distinct golf courses.

Also worth mentioning is Hunt’s Tomb, a white pyramid in Papago Park that contains the remains of Arizona’s first governor — earning its spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Papago Park is the place for you if you want to kill time before checking in at your Phoenix-based hotel or just want to stretch your legs after a day spent travelling.

Papago Park is at 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008.

Ways To Travel Between Phoenix And Tucson

The journey from Tucson to Phoenix covers approximately 111 miles (178 km), and takes about an hour and forty minutes of driving, depending on the day’s traffic conditions.

During your journey from one desert city to the next, several can’t-miss landmarks and attractions are worth stopping for.

If you want to stop and see some of the sights Arizona offers between Tucson and Phoenix, then a road trip might suit your needs.

Hop behind the wheel of your own car (or a rental!) and prepare for two hours of driving.

However, sometimes self-driving might not be the best option for you: with affordability and timeliness to consider, you might be interested in discovering other convenient transportation modes between Tucson and Phoenix.

We’ve got you covered with the best, fastest, and most scenic routes to make your travels from Tucson to Phoenix as rewarding as possible.

Travel Between Tucson And Phoenix By Car

Travellers have a variety of different options and routes they can take when choosing to travel to Phoenix by car.

Although Phoenix can be reached via many meandering or roundabout routes, we will cover the two most commonly travelled and time-efficient ways to get from Tucson to Phoenix.

The first and most common route from Tucson to Phoenix is a direct shot on Interstate 10 (I-10).

This will take drivers about 1hr and forty minutes to drive, depending on traffic; this is the fastest and most gas-efficient drive from Tucson to Phoenix.

If you’re less concerned with time spent and mileage driven and would like to take the scenic route instead, consider taking State Route 77 out of Tucson to State Route 79 through Florence and eventually merging onto Route 60 into Phoenix.

This is the second most popular route from Tucson to Phoenix and takes about two hours to drive.

Visitors will see less busy highway traffic along this route and more natural scenery.

Travel Between Tucson And Phoenix By Bus

If you don’t have your own car but would like to take a cost-efficient route from Tucson to Phoenix, then you might want to consider travelling by bus.

Cheap one-way buses run between Tucson and Phoenix at many hours of the day and usually average at around $25 to $30 per trip.

The most reliable and safe bus companies providing rides from Tucson to Phoenix daily are FlixBus, Tufesa, and Greyhound.

These bus rides often depart from the Tucson bus station and can be booked online in advance or paid for in person.

Travel Between Tucson And Phoenix By Plane

If you’re not a fan of travelling by car and prefer to go up in the air, you might want to consider travelling by aeroplane for your trip from Tucson to Phoenix.

A direct flight from Tucson to Phoenix is also technically the fastest way to get from one city to the next, coming in at about fifty minutes per flight.

However, you will have to account for the time boarding and departing the flight and the airport.

A direct flight from Tucson to Phoenix commonly costs just over $100, with prices fluctuating greatly depending on the time of year.

Tucson International Airport is the second busiest airport in Arizona, whereas Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is Arizona’s biggest and busiest airport.

Although travelling by aeroplane is a quick way to get from Tucson to Phoenix, it isn’t the best for your wallet, so consider your specific wants and needs while planning your trip.

Travel Between Tucson And Phoenix By Train

Although travelling by train can be convenient and affordable in some parts of the world, we do not recommend taking the train from Tucson to Phoenix.

This is because there are no direct trains from Tucson to Phoenix.

At some point, you will have to disembark the train and board another means of transportation, such as a bus.

Since train tickets from Tucson to Phoenix are $50 on average, taking the bus the whole way is typically a better option.

Nonetheless, if you insist on taking the train, whether for its convenience or comfort, two scheduled Amtrak trains leave Tucson and head towards Phoenix regularly.

You can stop by the Tucson Amtrak Station to reserve your ride or book online in advance.

If you’re still unsure what method of travel to employ, you can refer to the above chart that compares the minutes travelled and the cost of travel by car, bus, plane, or train.

No matter which routes you choose, there are several must-see landscapes and cityscapes awaiting you in Phoenix.

Happy travelling!

Looking for a road trip? Here are some epic driving vacations.