GemWeek Getting Around the Tucson Gem Show 2027: Shuttles, Streetcar & Driving
The city GemRide shuttle isn't running in 2027. Here are the free show-run shuttle routes (JOGS, Kino, G&LW, GIGM), the Sun Link Streetcar downtown, and when a rental car makes sense.
The 2027 shows are spread across downtown, the I-10 corridor, Oracle Road and the south side, so plan how you'll get between them.
No city GemRide in 2027
According to TucsonGemShow101's 2027 shuttle guide, the City of Tucson will not run the GemRide shuttle in 2027. Instead, the major shows sponsor their own shuttle network, including JOGS, G&LW, Kino and GIGM. Those shuttles are free, need no reservation, and let you hop on and off at any stop.
2027 shuttle routes (anticipated)
| Route | Typical dates | Hours | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | Early – mid Feb | 10 am – 6 pm, every 15 min | Gem Mall/Holidome, JG&M (Simpson St hub) |
| Copper | Late Jan – mid Feb | 10 am – 6 pm, every 15 min | Kino Sports Complex, Gem Mall/Holidome, Enter the Earth, JOGS |
| Ruby Express | Early – mid Feb | 10 am – 6 pm | JOGS, Kino Sports Complex, JG&M (Simpson St hub) |
| Gold | Late Jan – mid Feb | 11 am – 3 pm | GIGM hotels (Motel 6, Quality Inn, Red Lion Inn), JG&M, Congress St parking |
| Diamond (buyers only) | Early Feb | 10 am – 6 pm | JOGS to Tucson Convention Center (AGTA) |
TucsonGemShow101 labels this schedule "anticipated," so check routes when the shows open. It also warns that shuttles get crowded at peak times, run slower in traffic, and aren't practical for heavy mineral purchases.
Park once, then ride
TucsonGemShow101 suggests parking at a venue with free parking (it names Kino and JOGS) and taking the shuttles to the other venues. Downtown, it lists the Mercado hub (201 S. Linda Ave, about $7 all day) and TCC parking ($10 – $15 all day) as shuttle connection points. Fees are estimates and can change. Our parking guide has current Park Tucson garage rates.
Sun Link Streetcar (downtown)
Sun Tran's Sun Link Streetcar runs a 3.9-mile route that connects five districts, including downtown, and takes about 30 minutes end to end. The City of Tucson says every city and UA garage and lot is within walking distance of the streetcar.
Rental car or rideshare
TucsonGemShow101 calls a rental car the most efficient option, because the venues are spread out across districts. Uber and Lyft are alternatives. A car also makes sense if you're buying heavy pieces. See shipping purchases home to avoid hauling them.