Surprise travel guide

Surprise Tourism | Surprise Guide

You're Going to Love Surprise

With a population of 117 517, Surprise is a must-see destination in Arizona, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Surprise has to offer.

Where to Eat in Surprise

If you’re looking for affordable options, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Surprise (16470 W Alexandria Way) and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Surprise (13388 N Prasada Pkwy) are great picks.

When to visit Surprise

Surprise in May
Estimated hotel price
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel
Surprise in May
Estimated hotel price
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Surprise

Plane

Although Surprise doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which is located 41 km from Surprise. Prescott is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France and other airlines departing from the United States.

Car

Another option to get to Surprise is to pick up a car rental from Phoenix, which is about 34 km from Surprise. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Carzi, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including Greyhound, Tornado Bus and FlixBus. From Flagstaff, the bus ride to Surprise takes 249 km and will cost you around $27. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $73 for a journey of 668 km.

Plane

Although Surprise doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which is located 41 km from Surprise. Prescott is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France and other airlines departing from the United States.

Car

Another option to get to Surprise is to pick up a car rental from Phoenix, which is about 34 km from Surprise. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Carzi, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including Greyhound, Tornado Bus and FlixBus. From Flagstaff, the bus ride to Surprise takes 249 km and will cost you around $27. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $73 for a journey of 668 km.

Airlines serving Surprise

Lufthansa
Good (4,699 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
SWISS
Good (955 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (490 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,600 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,965 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,962 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (925 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,167 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,725 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (519 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Surprise

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Surprise and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Surprise.

Where to stay in popular areas of Surprise

Most booked hotels in Surprise

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Surprise
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 395 reviews)
$99+
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Surprise
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 297 reviews)
$117+
Windmill Suites Surprise Ascend Hotel Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 611 reviews)
$103+
Comfort Inn & Suites Surprise Near Sun City West
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 577 reviews)
$100+
Best Western Plus Surprise-Phoenix NW
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 314 reviews)
$108+
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Surprise
2 stars
Good (6.9, 542 reviews)
$69+

Renting a car in Surprise

Renting a car in Surprise costs $50 per day, on average, or $149 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 23% cheaper than airport locations in Surprise.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Surprise (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Surprise is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Dodge Charger or similar) are, on average, 51% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Surprise costs $50 per day, on average, or $149 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 23% cheaper than airport locations in Surprise.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Surprise (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Surprise is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Dodge Charger or similar) are, on average, 51% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.