GemWeek Tucson Airport to the Gem Shows: Bus, Car and Ride Options (2027)
How to get from Tucson International Airport (TUS) to the 2027 gem shows: the airport is about 8 miles south of downtown, and Sun Tran Routes 11 and 25 stop at the terminal and are currently fare-free.
Tucson International Airport (TUS), 7250 S. Tucson Blvd., is about 8 miles south of downtown Tucson, according to the Tucson Airport Authority. Most of the big show clusters (the Convention Center downtown, the I-10 tent shows, and Kino / JOGS on the south side) are between the airport and downtown.
By bus (currently free)
Two Sun Tran routes stop in front of the main terminal. Exit baggage claim, cross the roadway, and the stop is on the first island to your right.
- Route 25 (South Park Ave): runs north to the Laos Transit Center (205 W. Irvington Rd) in about 25 minutes, then on to 6th Ave & Pennington St downtown in about 40 minutes. Weekday departures run about every half hour from 4:10 am to 7:40 pm, then hourly until 11:40 pm. Saturdays are hourly 5:40 am to 7:40 pm, and Sundays and holidays hourly 6:25 am to 7:25 pm. This is the most direct bus for downtown shows.
- Route 11 (Alvernon Way): runs north through midtown, reaching Broadway/Alvernon in about 35 minutes.
- Heading back, make sure the bus is marked "Airport." Some Route 11 and Saturday Route 25 trips end at Laos Transit Center instead.
Fares: Sun Tran says all Sun Tran, Sun Link streetcar and Sun Express rides remain fare-free at the direction of the Mayor and Council. Check before you travel in case that changes.
Downtown, the Sun Link streetcar runs a 3.9-mile route with 23 stops linking the Mercado District, Downtown, 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona.
By car, taxi or rideshare
The Airport Authority lists rental cars, taxis, app-based ride services, and cars, limos and shuttles on its ground transportation page. If you plan to visit the south-side tent shows, a car helps: shows like Kino advertise free parking, while downtown garages charge (see our parking guide).