She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Whether you are planning a road trip from Tucson to Tombstone or know the best ways to travel from Tucson to Tombstone, you are in the right place.
Many people arrive at Tombstone from Phoenix as it is the more convenient way.
Tombstone is one of the popular day trips from Phoenix.
You will be treated to spectacular and diverse landscapes, fascinating attractions, historical sites and Arizona national monumentsthat tell the Wild West story.
I recommend planning at least 2 or 3 days in Tombstone as there are many incredible things to do in this rustic Arizona mining town, including many fun tours you can enjoy with your kids.
Whether you want to plan a road trip from Tucson to Tombstone with your family or a short drive, I’ve got you covered with all the details you need to know to reach Tucson to Tombstone.
WHAT IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE?
Tucson to Tombstone distance is between 71 miles and 94 miles depending on the route you take.
If you are going to drive by car, it takes about 1.5 hours.
CAR RENTAL FOR TRAVELING FROM TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE
I recommend renting a car as this is the best way to get from Tucson to Tombstone, which means you can also squeeze in a quick and short road trip.
Having your vehicle allows you to see everything this area offers also giving you the flexibility to stay as long as you like at each destination.
I like Discover Cars and believe me, as a frequent traveler regularly renting cars from them, I recommend them for easy and quick online booking.
Thanks to their long list of car rental companies, you can easily compare the car types and prices before picking. They also sometimes offer pick up as well.
If you don’t have a car, I highly recommend this tour from Phoenix to Tombstone, perfect for conveniently exploring Tombstone with expert guides.
HOW TO TRAVEL FROM TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE?
Driving to Tombstone from Tucson, you can choose between two main routes.
Route 1: I-10 East/AZ 80-E ROUTE (3 hours)
The most direct and quickest route between Tucson and Tombstone is via Interstate 10 East.
This route takes 1.5 hours to reach Tombstone from Tucson.
This is the shortest of the two routes from Tucson to Tombstone.
Route 2: I-19 S / AZ-83 S / AZ-82 E(2 hours)
The second option is a slightly longer driving route of I-19 S / AZ-83 S / AZ-82 E, which takes about 2 hours to complete.
Regardless of the driving route you choose, it is essential to plan and make time for rest stops and detours to truly enjoy the Arizona scenery and attractions on your Tucson to Tombstone road trip.
BEST STOPS ON THE TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE ROUTES
MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC
Another landmark in Tucson is the historic Mission San Xavier Del Bac.
One of the unusual places to enjoy a beautiful Tucson sunset is Mission San Xavier Del Bac, a 16th-century Spanish Catholic church which is considered one of the top landmarks of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.
This oldest European structure in Arizona is also one of the best spots to enjoy beautiful Tucson sunset views from the top of Grotto hill.
You can watch the colourful skies forming a perfect backdrop against the Catalina Mountains and the surrounding Sonoran Desert panoramas.
HIKE IN THE SAN PEDRO RIPARIAN NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area comprises nearly 57,000 acres in Cochise County, Arizona, bordering Mexico and St. David.
It is one of the best things to do in Bisbee AZ for outdoor lovers.
Only about 30 to 45 minutes west of Bisbee, it is one of the best day trips you can plan for hiking, bird watching and exploring historic ruins.
Check out the historic and archaeological Murray Springs Clovis Site, over 40,000 years old.
PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the best stops you can enjoy en route to Tombstone from Tucson.
Home to over 300 aircraft, you’ll love the museum if you love planes and history.
This museum, located in southern Tucson, is one of the world’s largest aviation museums.
Among the most noted exhibits include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a massive four-engine bomber used during World War II and the Korean War.
Check out the many unique displays at the museum, including space suits, equipment, vintage warbirds, elegant jets and also moon-landing memorabilia.
COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK
Located southeast of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a big park offering tours of a cave with unique rock formations & a butterfly garden.
This massive underground cave system was carved out of the surrounding limestone over millions of years.
Since the cave stays at a cool 70 degrees year-round, it’s the perfect refuge from Arizona’s sweltering heat.
The best way to explore this cave is via a guided tour where the guide will help you tackle the strenuous trek down the cave while you get to know interesting stuff about the geography.
Explore the incredible underground formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone.
If you are not into hiking, take a scenic drive through the park or camp under the stars if you want to stay overnight.
GAMMON’S GULCH MOVIE SET
If you’re a fan of Western movies and TV shows, you’ll love Gammon’s Gulch Movie Set.
Gammon’s Gulch, located 12 miles north of Benson, is a fun stop on the road trip from Tucson to Tombstone, as it takes you to the Old West.
This outdoor movie set has been used for various films and commercials and has a history of over 40 years.
Stroll through a replicated 1880s Main Street, packed with saloons, jails, a bank and even a vintage car collection.
This is not open to the public and you need to call them prior and set up a private tour.
TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM
The Titan Missile Museum, also known as Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 or Titan II ICBM Site 571-7, is a former ICBM site located about 40 km south of Tucson, Arizona.
It is one of the best stops to enjoy, especially if you are with kids, to introduce them to tech and Cold War-era history.
Join one of the guided tours of the missile silo to see the 103-foot Titan II missile as you learn about history, technology and weapons.
Check out the 35 feet underground to the missile control room on the tour, unchanged since the 1960s, including the control panels, switches, and even the chairs.
LAS CIENEGAS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is located in the transitional zone between the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert.
It is one of the best spots for outdoor lovers that can enjoy 45,000 acres of expansive grasslands, wetlands and rolling hills offering plenty of activities to keep you going for many days.
You can hike, bike, use an off-road vehicle, or relax and take in the beautiful outdoors.
Other activities you can enjoy include wildlife viewing, bird-watching, primitive camping, picnicking, horseback riding, and scenic drives.
Get enough snacks and water as the area has limited amenities.
SONOITA – ELGIN
One of the beautiful wine regions in Southern Arizona is Sonoita and Elgin.
Although it is a slight detour, it is worth visiting these twin towns home to some fantastic vineyards, tasting rooms, and wineries.
Some of the top wineries known for their award-winning red and crisp white wines in the area are Racho Rossa Vineyards and Lightning Ridge Cellars.
✅Half-Day Arizona Wine Country Tasting Tour – I highly recommend this day tour for all wine lovers.
Taking a wine tour from Bisbee or Sierra Vista to Arizona’s picturesque wine country of Sonoita-Elgin makes a fantastic day. Read more details here to book.
EXPLORE THE STUNNING KARTCHNER CAVERNS
If you love exploring outdoors on your trip to Arizona in winter, just an hour east of Tucson lies Kartchner Caverns State Park.
The caverns, north of San Pedro River, are home to some of the world’s most fascinating and unique limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites spanning 2.4 miles of passages.
Take a guided tour through these caves to explore the distinct landscapes, including various wildlife, such as bats, owls, and ringtails.
Birdwatching is also a popular activity, and if you are up for it, I highly recommend checking out the caves at night and camping under the starry skies here!
CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST
One of the stops on the Tucson to Tombstone trail is Coronado National Forest.
The Coronado National Forest is a massive landscape throughout mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, home to stunning ecosystems ranging from caves to canyons.
Coronado National Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and home to abundant wildlife, with specials being white-tailed deer, black bears and jaguars.
You can go hiking, biking, and camping.
I highly recommend checking off your bucket list one of the top Arizona waterfalls, Seven Falls, which can be accessed via Bear Canyon Trail.
BENSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM
There are many fun things to do in Benson, AZ, which is on the way to Tombstone, but if you have time for only one attraction, I highly recommend the local historical museum.
This well-kept museum is a treasure house for getting glimpses of the Wild West. Its collection includes vintage and other collectables.
OTHER WAYS TO TRAVEL FROM TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE
If you want to avoid driving, there are other options to get between Tucson and the Old West, but they are not straightforward and also time-consuming.
BY BUS
There are no direct bus lines connecting Tucson and Tombstone.
There is one daily bus from Phoenix to Tombstone.
So you will have to head to Phoenix from Scottsdale if you want to take the bus.
Traveling by bus to Phoenix usually takes around 11 hours, although some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled, depending on traffic conditions.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Tucson to Bisbee.
But again, you’d have to rent a car to arrive at Tombstone from there.
Tufesa Internacional Bus Lines is the operator running buses every day. The bus tickets per person start from $133.
RECOMMENDED TOURS TO ENJOY AT TOMBSTONE
You can experience the old west architecture in Tombstone on one of the excellent guided tours. Or hop on a horse-drawn wagon or stagecoach.
Or better, how about explore the town on this historic Tombstone Trolley bus?
Admire the old-time saloons, restaurants, and shops lining the old town area, especially around East Allen Street, lined with boutique gift shops and eateries.
WHERE TO STAY IN TOMBSTONE?
Best B&Bs and cabins that I recommend for couples and families.
Katie’s Cozy Cabins – Located in historic Tombstone, this inn is 5 minutes’ walk from O.K. Corral and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. This self check-in property features a porch with a swing with each bungalow.
There is a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with a shower and a sofa bed in the living room of each accommodation at Katie’s Cozy Cabins. Find the reviews and book your details here.
Virgil’s Corner B & B – Virgil’s Corner B & B features air-conditioned accommodation in Tombstone. The bed and breakfast also offers free WiFi, free private parking and facilities for disabled guests. Find the details here to book.
Tombstone Bordello Bed & Breakfast – Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, Tombstone Bordello Bed & Breakfast is set in Tombstone, Arizona, 33 km from Bisbee.
The rooms include a private bathroom and free fresh made breakfast every day. A pet-friendly room is available with a separate entrance. Find the details here.
If you are looking for a motel, I recommend Larian Motel. Find more details and book here.
TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE FAQS
How far is Tombstone from TUCSON?
The distance between Tucson and Tombstone is approximately 90 miles.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE FROM TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE?
The estimated driving time without any stops or delays is around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
What are some popular road trip stops between TUCSON and Tombstone?
San Xavier Mission, Colossal Cave, or Sonoita & Elgin vineyards are some of the popular stops you can make on your Tucson to Tombstone road trip.
Is Tombstone Close To Tucson?
Yes, Tombstone is relatively close to Tucson, about 75 miles northwest of Tombstone.
WHAT IS THE FASTEST WAY TO GET FROM TUCSON TO TOMBSTONE?
The quickest way to reach Tombstone from Tucson is by driving, which takes approximately 1.5 hours without stops.
