Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $319 for one-way flights and $379 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Dayton (DAY) to Tucson (TUS) on this convenient domestic route. Compare your options among various full-service carriers to find a flight that suits your budget and schedule while you plan your visit to Tucson's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Discover essential information about flights from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) to Tucson International Airport (TUS).
Fastest flight duration: around 5h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 1,600 miles (2,570 km)
Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$535, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) to Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Dayton to Tucson, typically offering one-stop options with popular layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for about 2 hours, Denver International Airport (DEN) for around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.
American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, making up about 56% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $145 and $545, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of around 7 hours, including layover time.
United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop services as well, capturing nearly 31% of the departures. One-way fares usually range from $145 to $540, with a flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and an overall journey time of about 7 hours, including layovers.
Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier with one-stop flights, accounting for approximately 13% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $145 to $455, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of roughly 7 hours, including layover time.
Best time to fly from Dayton (DAY) to Tucson (TUS)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Dayton to Tucson are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Tucson reach up to 61.5°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 86.2°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $232. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and April have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $232, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
More budget-friendly months to fly: August and September typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $237 to $249.
Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Dayton to Tucson, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
51.4°F (10.8°C)
High
7
$298
February
54.3°F (12.4°C)
High
9
$261
March
61.5°F (16.4°C)
High
8
$358
April
68.9°F (20.5°C)
Average
7
$345
May
75.9°F (24.4°C)
Low
9
$263
June
86.2°F (30.1°C)
Average
8
$270
July
87.1°F (30.6°C)
Average
8
$232
August
86.2°F (30.1°C)
Low
10
$237
September
81.7°F (27.6°C)
Average
8
$249
October
71.6°F (22.0°C)
Low
8
$380
November
60.4°F (15.8°C)
Average
8
$270
December
51.6°F (10.9°C)
Average
9
$332
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
Alternative route from Dayton (DAY) to Tucson (TUS)
Dayton to Mesa (DAY-AZA): Located approximately 92 miles from Tucson International Airport (TUS), Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) serves as a convenient alternative for travelers.
How to find the best prices for flights from Dayton (DAY) to Tucson (TUS)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Dayton to Tucson is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with the booking habits of most travelers. Morning departures, between 5 AM and 12 PM, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, while Saturday remains the most popular travel day.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Tucson International Airport from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport
Tucson welcomes travelers from Dayton with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, James M. Cox Dayton International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Dayton. Here's how to reach Tucson efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Tucson, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car from Tucson International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tucson International Airport on Expedia.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Public transportation: From Tucson International Airport, several key transport links are conveniently accessible by car, with Roy Laos Transit Center, a metro station, located about 5.2 miles away, Tucson Station, a train station, about 8.2 miles away, and Ronstadt Transit Center, a bus station, situated approximately 8.4 miles from the airport.
Dayton to Tucson Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Dayton to Tucson
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Dayton to Tucson are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Dayton to Tucson with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Dayton to Tucson
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Dayton to Tucson: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Dayton to Tucson
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Dayton to Tucson in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $319 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Dayton to Tucson flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Dayton to Tucson airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $319 and cheap return flights $379 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $230 and $1002, and return flights often range between $395 and $1434. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DAY to TUS is February when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
Enter DAY to TUS and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Dayton (DAY) to Tucson (TUS), with round-trip tickets starting from around $815. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
The earliest flight from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) to Tucson International Airport (TUS) usually departs at around 5:30 AM. Operated by American Airlines, this seasonal service is available in December, helping you get an early start on your trip to Arizona. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
When flying from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY) to Tucson Intl. (TUS), the most popular departure times are between 6am and 9am. About 43% of travelers opt for this time window. Major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines offer flights during this period. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Tucson with plenty of time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
A flight from DAY to TUS with a layover takes around 6 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,580 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DAY to TUS. First class cabins are available on:
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Tucson from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY)?
From James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY), you can fly into Tucson Intl. (TUS) to reach Tucson. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) before reaching Tucson. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) Tucson Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)?
If you booked your Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.