Where Is Tucson Arizona?
Location, Map & Guide

You're thinking: Where is Tucson Arizona?

You'll find out here - as we're locals in Tucson. And know where Tucson is, and why that's good to know.

One thing people always hear about Tucson Arizona is its stunning landscapes, with a one-of-a-kind desert. Visitors discovering Tucson are often amazed the city is surrounded by mountains. So if you want to discover where our friendly city is, check out your interests.

It's where you're certain to Have A Wonderful Trip!

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Exactly Where is Tucson Arizona?

If you wondered if Tucson is in Southern Arizona, you'd be right.

It's located in the southern third part of Arizona, a bit more to the east than west. in the southwestern region of the United States. Tucson lies in Pima County, and is the largest city in the southern region. If fact it's the second largest city in all of Arizona. And it's situated within the Sonoran Desert.

It's approximately 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and 110 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. This geographic placement helps explain Tucon's Mexican cultural influence combined with the Old West history from the 1800s.

Check the map below for a visual answer to your exact question of where is Tucson Arizona.

Map Locating Tucson, Arizona

Check the location of Tucson on the map below:

map locating Tucson Arizona in relationship to other southwestern cities
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If you wonder how far Tucson is from Phoenix Arizona, it's approximately 110 miles. Interstate-10 connects the two cities.

  • Visitors sometimes divide their Vacation Time between Tucson and Phoenix. Especially Flying In to Phoenix (where more flight options are available), and taking a road-trip down to Tucson for several days. 
  • Or using Phoenix as the fly-in because they found a lower priced flight. Then taking a shuttle to Tucson for their vacay.
  • Did you ever how Phoenix & Tucson compare? We've Evaluated That Here>

But did you know there is an International Airport in Tucson. Flights arrive from many places. And a best price all-told (adding in shuttle cost + time) might be found. It's worth comparing.

San Diego is 400 miles from Tucson. We've done both:

Nogales Arizona is the border town south of Tucson by about 60 miles, a one hour drive. Taking that trip used to attract many Tucson visitors. Especially for taking the opportunity to visit Nogales, Sonora Mexico.

We used to do that at least a couple of times a year. And when we had visitors, we'd absolutely Take That Easy Border Crossing into Mexico, for the shops and restaurants. But we haven't done that now in quite a while.

Even Las Vegas is a Relatively Short Air Hop from Tucson Arizona.

  • It's 410 miles, give-or-take. Many Tucsonans make the 6-1/2 hour drive, for a stay in a casino there.
  • Another Nevada place Arizonans love to go: Laughlin. Smaller vibe than glitzy Vegas, with the Colorado River right there. About 5-1/2 hour drive over 338 miles.

And where is Tucson Arizona within the western United States?

How Far Is Tucson From the U.S.-Mexico Border?

With Tucson roughly 60 miles north of the Mexican border, that country's influence is felt in local culture and culinary arts.

Nogales Arizona is the nearest border town. But people use other Arizona/Mexico border crossings for specific purposes. For instance:

  • Accessing one good dentist referred to us by our Nurse Practiioner. Into Naco Sonora from Naco Arizona.
  • Going to our closest oceanic beach town, Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco). Using the border crossing at Sasabe.

Remember, Tucson Arizona was part of Mexico prior to the 1854 Gadsden Purchase. 

map showing the area of the southwest that was part of the Gadsden PurchaseThe yellow highlights the current U.S. areas that were formerly part Mexico.
But are now in the U.S because of the Gadsden Purchase.

Quick Facts About Tucson

Here are some facts related to where is Tucson Arizona.

  • Tucson is in the U.S. state of Arizona, in the southeastern region of the state.
  • Tucson's population is approximately 550,000. But Tucson's entire metropolitan area has about 1 million people. Which includes the suburban Towns Near Tucson, of Marana, Oro Valley and Vail.
  • Tucson's elevation is 2,643ft/806m. Arizona's elevations influence The Climate and Weather. The higher you go, the cooler the temps, overall.
  1. Phoenix is hotter than Tucson, at an elevation of 1086ft/331m.
  2. Flagstaff is much cooler/colder than Tucson, at an elevation of 6821ft/2134m.
  • The Time Zone where Tucson is located is Mountain Standard Time (MST).
  1. Time in Tucson always goes by standard time, as we don't ever change our clocks forward & back. Because there's No Daylight Savings Time Observed in Tucson. Also in most of Arizona. 
  2. The one Arizona area that uses Daylight Savings Time is The Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state.

What Is Tucson Known For?

If you've wondered if Tucson is sandy and barren, think again!

You may find surprising Ways That Tucson is Known.

A Unique Desert Environment

Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is known for its warm, dry climate.

The Tucson desert is recognized as the most biologically diverse desert in North America, if not the entire world! If you've not seen it, you'll probably feel it's surprisingly lush.

vegetation in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson AZA neighborhood showing the Sonoran Desert Flora.

It's not at all like the stereotype of barren deserts, with rolling dunes. You'll see vast stretches of the iconic giant saguaro cacti, and many other cacti species. 

  • But you can easily get to tree-covered mountains. 
  • You'll see our intermittent rivers flow with a good Arizona Monsoon.

It's considered a subtropical desert, with a second rainy season in winter. Those two rainy times are the support for our rich ecosystem.

  • You'll see spring flowers, creosote bushes, a variety of grasses, palo verde & mesquite trees, etc.
  • In turn the flora helps support Tucson's Native Fauna/Wildlife, like roadrunners, javelina & desert tortoise.
Girl holding a young desert tortoise in the Sonoran Desert of Saguaro National ParkOur granddaughter saw a young Desert Tortoise, when we drove thru Saguaro National Park West. She moved it away from the road.

Culture and History

Tucson is known for its combined culture and history of Native Americans, Mexicans, and Western life.

Our city is known for a thriving local arts scene. It's also a foodies delight, having been awarded For Its Culinary Gems! Many locals say Tucson has the best Mexican food in the U.S. Visit to see if you agree!

The historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, outstanding in the desert environment. Only one of the Many Tucson Museums to Visit.

Ornate historic mission in the desert of Tucson ArizonaHistoric Spanish mission - San Xavier.

The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (UofA) is our major public university.

It's right in the heart of the city. A great influence on Tucson's youthful energy and innovation. People in town love following the Wildcat teams: for basketball, for football, and for women's softball.

Why Search for Tucson’s Location?

TOURISM IS A REASON

Are you planning to Make a Trip to Tucson Arizona? Many tourists like Exploring Our Friendly City, unique national park, and excellent cuisine ahead of time. When making their plan for a trip to Tucson.

STUDENTS HAVE A REASON
Tucson is great for students beginning their college entry time of life. They might consider the University of Arizona. If so, they'll want to know more about the city. Getting an idea of how it would be as an Arizona Wildcat!

THOSE RELOCATING HAVE A REASON
People planning the best place to live in their retirement often evaluate Tucson. The area has quite a few wonderful retirement areas, like Saddlebrook Ranch in Oro Valley, the Highlands at Dove Mountain in Marana or Mona Lisa Village on the north side of town.

Some think of moving here to Tucson for a job, for a different life-style, or other personal reasons. That's another group who would investigate the question of where is Tucson Arizona, exactly. One common question is How Does the Cost of Living Compare>

Where is Tucson Arizona? FAQs

What is the airport code for Tucson, and how far is it from downtown?

Tucson is served by Tucson International Airport (TUS), located approximately 8-9 miles south of downtown Tucson.

The airport is Arizona's second-busiest. (The busiest is Phoenix Sky Harbor.) Scheduling over 20 nonstop flights to and from other locations across the United States. Despite its International name (from historical flights to Mexico), the airport now only has domestic flights. Although, you can arrange flights with one-stop connections enroute, to international locations worldwide.

The drive from the airport to downtown typically takes 15-20 minutes. It's convenient for visitors to get to their Tucson Lodging by traveling I-10 interstate through town. What makes it easy for travelers are the traffic signs leading you when you return to the airport.

See More About What TUS Offers related to other cities.

Is Tucson a city or a town, and how large is it?

Tucson is a major city (Arizona's second-largest after Phoenix), with a population of approximately 543,000 to 557,000 residents as of 2024-2025.

The greater Tucson metropolitan area exceeds 1 million people. As the county seat of Pima County, Tucson covers about 195 square miles and is the largest city in southern Arizona and within the entire Gadsden Purchase region.

Even though it is a substantial city, many things about it give it a small-town feel. Including the friendliness of the people living in Tucson.

See More Facts About Tucson AZ>

Is Tucson safe to visit as a tourist?

Tucson is generally safe for tourists who use common sense and stay aware of their surroundings.

Tourist areas like downtown, Fourth Avenue, the University of Arizona district, and the foothills are typically safe, especially during daylight hours.

Like any major city, there is crime. Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, but visitors are unlikely to be in those areas. Staying in well-populated tourist zones and avoiding poorly lit areas at night will help ensure a safe visit.

As residents, we always feel safe when going around town.

Why is Tucson's location considered strategic or important?

Tucson's location is strategically significant for several reasons:

  • It sits at the crossroads of major interstate highways (I-10 and I-19), providing easy access to Phoenix, California, New Mexico, and Mexico. 
  • It's near the Mexican border (60 miles away), making it a major hub for international trade and cultural exchange. 
  • The city's position in the Sonoran Desert is surrounded by five mountain ranges (see the next question for more details). That also makes it ideal for astronomy, military operations (including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base), and aerospace research.

See More About the Location of Tucson Arizona>

What makes Tucson's physical, geographic setting unique?

Tucson sits in a high desert valley at 2,643 feet elevation. It's surrounded by five distinct mountain ranges:

  • The Santa Catalinas (north)
  • Rincon Mountains (east)
  • Santa Ritas (south)
  • The Tucson Mountains (west)
  • Tortolita Mountains (northwest)

This "Sky Island" geography makes it possible for the varied ecosystems that are within a short distance. From the distinct desert floor to pine forests.

The city enjoys over 350 days of sunshine annually. Because of Tucson's Climate and Weather, the humidity is consistently low (except for Monsoon Season). Plus the iconic saguaro cactus grows naturally throughout the area. One of the four regions places where it's also native. It also is endemic in:

  • Much of central Arizona to the Mexican border.
  • Minimally in a small area of the most southeast part of California.
  • In the Mexican state of Sonora.

See More Like This and Related Details>

Final Thoughts: Why Tucson’s Location Matters

Tucson’s place in Arizona matters...