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 June
Estimated hotel price
$112
1 night at 3-star hotel
Surprise in June
Estimated hotel price
$112
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 25 miles 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.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Surprise.

Car

Another option to get to Surprise is to pick up a car rental from Phoenix, which is about 21 miles from Surprise. You’ll find branches of Sixt and NU Car, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including Tornado Bus, FlixBus and Bus. From Flagstaff, the bus ride to Surprise takes 160 miles and will cost you around $65. From Calexico, the ticket costs about $79 for a journey of 260 miles.

Plane

Although Surprise doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which is located 25 miles 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.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Surprise.

Car

Another option to get to Surprise is to pick up a car rental from Phoenix, which is about 21 miles from Surprise. You’ll find branches of Sixt and NU Car, among others, in Phoenix.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Surprise, including Tornado Bus, FlixBus and Bus. From Flagstaff, the bus ride to Surprise takes 160 miles and will cost you around $65. From Calexico, the ticket costs about $79 for a journey of 260 miles.

Airlines serving Surprise

Lufthansa
Good (4,689 reviews)
KLM
Good (839 reviews)
SWISS
Good (959 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,664 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,562 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,233 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,604 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,987 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,406 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,057 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (842 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (933 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,174 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,796 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (839 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (536 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, 400 reviews)
$106+
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Surprise
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 296 reviews)
$111+
Windmill Suites Surprise Ascend Hotel Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 607 reviews)
$99+
Comfort Inn & Suites Surprise Near Sun City West
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 582 reviews)
$101+
Best Western Plus Surprise-Phoenix NW
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 312 reviews)
$102+
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Surprise
2 stars
Good (6.9, 536 reviews)
$66+

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 20% cheaper than airport locations in Surprise.

Expect to pay $3.75 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 $44.97 and $59.96. 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, 57% 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 20% cheaper than airport locations in Surprise.

Expect to pay $3.75 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 $44.97 and $59.96. 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, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.