Getting to and Around Arizona
Airports
We suggest flying into either Tucson or Phoenix. Tucson is closer and more convenient, while Phoenix is farther away and a larger airport, but often substantially cheaper.
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Tucson International Airport is 45 minutes from Tubac. The airport is located in southeastern Tucson, making the drive generally convenient. The drive is usually free of traffic, and easy, a straight shot south on I-19. The airport is relatively small and very easy to get around. Rental cars are available here. Tickets to Tucson are generally more expensive than those to Phoenix. The price difference often depends on the origin city of the flight. If you fly into Tucson, consider stopping for food before leaving Tucson. We recommend Prep and Pastry, El Charro, and the Mercado San Agustin, with a restaurant, coffee shop and Mexican sweet breads.
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor is substantially farther from Tubac, about 2.5 hours north. However, airfare is almost always substantially cheaper than airfare to Tucson. We most often fly into Phoenix. The airport is huge, and a free, airport-provided shuttle is needed to get to the rental car center. Despite its size, the airport is relatively easy to get around. The drive from Phoenix to Tubac is usually easy, and only irritating leaving Phoenix and passing through Tucson. Much of it takes you through sparsely populated low desert between Sky Islands. It’s a straight shot from Phoenix south to Tubac on I-10, but at Tucson, I-10 turns east, and you will need to get onto I-19 from I-10. If you choose to fly into Phoenix, consider stopping by Welcome Donuts immediately outside of the rental car center exit for fancy donuts and fried chicken.
Air Travel Logistics
In order to attend both the ceremony/reception in Tubac on Saturday, August 1, and the Ruby field trip on Sunday, August 2, it is advisable to fly in to Arizona no later than Friday, July 31, and to fly out no earlier than Monday, August 3. Add extra time if you plan to explore Arizona.
Getting Around Arizona
We recommend renting a car to get to Tubac from the airport, and for traveling around the area. If you plan to go to Ruby, or to any spots in Coronado National Forest, a SUV or truck is recommended, but not necessary. Unless you plan to stay with the wedding group, with lodging in Tubac, transportation will be needed. There are many points of interest, both close to and far from Tucson and Tubac, and we highly recommend exploring Arizona while you are in the area.
IMPORTANT: There is a Border Patrol check point on I-19, north of Tubac and south of Green Valley. If you go to Tubac, you will have to stop any time you go north to tell them you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. It’s ridiculous, but please be aware of this.
Logistics
We have always found it best to travel with a car fully stocked with snacks, water, and other supplies. This is particularly useful advice if you plan to visit Ruby, as driving short distances can take some time, and at least during the monsoon season, roads can be washed out (though this is rarely a concern in April). The Safeway in Green Valley generally has most supplies that will be needed, and it may be helpful to stop there to get things you’ll need on your way to Tubac from Tucson. The nearest airports, Tucson, and Phoenix, are 45 minutes and 2.5 hours from Tubac, respectively. We do no suggest arriving on Saturday, April 11, or flying out Sunday, April 12.
Safety
Please pay attention when driving on the mountain roads to and from Ruby. Many areas do not have guard rails. There are also occasional speed traps on I-19, where the speed limit fluctuates from 65-80 mph. Do not drive through flowing water.