Frequently Asked Questions About Tucson

• Where are you? How can I get to you?
• What is the population of Metropolitan Tucson?
• How hot does it get?
• What is the Tucson time zone? 
• How far away is Phoenix, Arizona, and how long is the drive? Is there a shuttle service between Tucson and Phoenix?
• Are there attractions for those interested in native wildlife?
• Which baseball teams play in Tucson?
• Where do the University of Arizona Wildcats play basketball? Football?
• When and where is the Gem Show?
• What is a Tucson Passport?
• Is Tucson near Saguaro National Park?
• When is the Tucson Rodeo?

Where are you? How can I get to you?
Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona, between Phoenix and the Mexican border along Interstate 10.

Tucson's elevation is about 2,400 feet.

Our Visitor Center is located at 100 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701, in La Placita Village, a business and retail plaza. This is in the heart of the city's downtown, near the Arts and Historic Districts that feature galleries, museums and performance spaces. We are minutes from Tucson International Airport via the Interstate 10 freeway and within walking distance of the Tucson Convention Center.
Drop by for helpful information or call 800-638-8350.

What is the population of Metropolitan Tucson?
When it was founded in 1775, Tucson's population was just over 3,000. By 1920, the population had grown to 20,292. Today, roughly 1,000,000 people call Tucson home.

How hot does it get?
Tucson's mild climate is legendary. The annual average is 82 degrees Fahrenheit/28 degrees Celsius for the high temperature, and 55 degrees Fahrenheit/13 degrees Celsius for the low temperature.
Our average high temperature during the summer is 100 degrees and the highest temperature ever recorded was 117 degrees Fahrenheit on June 26, 1990.

What is the Tucson time zone?
Mountain Standard Time (MST time). Tucson clocks do not change for daylight savings time.

Can I fly into Tucson?
Yes, flying here easy. Tucson is served by airlines with nonstop service and connections around the world. Visit http://www.flytucsonairport.com/ for more information and www.AirTucson.com to search for the best airfare.

How far away is Phoenix, Ariz., and how long is the drive? Is there a shuttle service between Tucson and Phoenix?
The distance between Tucson and Phoenix is roughly 100 miles. The drive via Interstate 10 at the posted 75 mph speed limit is a little under two hours. Arizona Shuttle Service is the largest statewide shuttle service between Tucson and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Use this handy calculator to see driving distances to other popular Arizona destinations.

Are there attractions for those interested in native wildlife?
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the most notable wildlife parks in the world. Just south of Tucson is the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary. The Tucson Botanical Gardens, located in midtown, is a haven for native plants and birds. Plan your trip around these attractions and more.

Which baseball teams play in Tucson?
Fans can catch the excitement of the Tucson Padres baseball team at Kino Sports Complex.

Where do the University of Arizona Wildcats play basketball? Football?
Some of the nation's finest college athletes are in the Pacific-10 Conference. The University of Arizona Wildcats are no exception. The Wildcats play basketball at McKale Center and football at the Arizona Stadium. For more information, visit the U of A Athletics website.

When and where is the Gem Show?
The Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase of Tucson is one of Tucson's most anticipated events. There are actually two shows, one in the fall and the largest during the first weeks of February. The shows are held at dozens of locations around Tucson with the largest at the Tucson Convention Center.

What is a Tucson Passport?
The Tucson Attractions Passport is a great way to save money during your visit. It has over $400 worth of two-for-one admissions to Southern Arizona's top attractions and many other savings. Order yours online.

Is Tucson near Saguaro National Park?
Yes, Tucson sits directly between Saguaro National Park East and Saguaro National Park West.

When is the Tucson Rodeo?
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, also known as the Tucson Rodeo is usually held the third week in February. It's a week-long festivity that includes one of the country's top-20 professional rodeos and the world's longest non-motorized parade.