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 August
Estimated hotel price
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel
Surprise in August
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 Fox and NU Car, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including FlixBus, Bus and Busbud. From Tucson, the bus ride to Surprise takes 185 km and will cost you around $41. From Flagstaff, the ticket costs about $118 for a journey of 257 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 Fox and NU Car, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including FlixBus, Bus and Busbud. From Tucson, the bus ride to Surprise takes 185 km and will cost you around $41. From Flagstaff, the ticket costs about $118 for a journey of 257 km.

Airlines serving Surprise

Lufthansa
Good (4,612 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,454 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,601 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,285 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,929 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,730 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (912 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (830 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,518 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, 380 reviews)
$105+
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Surprise
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 306 reviews)
$132+
Windmill Suites Surprise Ascend Hotel Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 611 reviews)
$112+
Comfort Inn & Suites Surprise Near Sun City West
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 585 reviews)
$110+
Best Western Plus Surprise-Phoenix NW
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 312 reviews)
$121+
Quality Inn and Suites Phoenix NW - Sun City
2 stars
Good (6.9, 975 reviews)
$79+

Renting a car in Surprise

Renting a car in Surprise costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 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 19% 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 Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Surprise costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 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 19% 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 Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.