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About Route 18
With an average of 96,513 monthly passengers, Route 18 along S. 6th Ave. has offered dependable transportation to diverse individuals. Key stops include community centers and popular South Tucson attractions like the Children’s Museum and Armory Park, providing fun and engaging destinations for families and kids to enjoy. Route 18 is also one of the Frequent Transit Network (FTN) routes, which operates every 20 minutes or less!
Key Destinations & Attractions
Climb aboard Route 18 and let the journey begin! Start downtown, where the city buzzes with energy and culture. Pass by the Children’s Museum, a place of wonder and learning, and Armory Park, where history and community intertwine. Further south, visit the welcoming Sam Lena-South Tucson Library, a hub of knowledge and creativity. Next, explore the Southgate Shopping Center, a vibrant spot for shopping and dining. Stop at the Social Security Office for essential services before heading to the Veterans Hospital, where care and respect for our heroes shine.
Finally, take in the iconic Tucson Rodeo Grounds, home of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, and wrap up your ride at the Laos Transit Center, your connection point to even more of Tucson. Every stop on Route 18 offers a unique glimpse of the city’s charm!
Downtown Tucson
Route 18 drops you off at the heart of downtown at the Ronstadt Transit Center (RTC), Tucson’s central transportation hub. RTC connects you to multiple Sun Tran and Sun Express routes, plus the Sun Link Streetcar. In downtown Tucson you can find a mix of culture featuring an array of restaurants, museums, theaters and unique local businesses making it a popular spot for locals and visitor alike.
Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum Tucson is 17,000 square feet of pure joy! With 10 interactive indoor exhibits and a spacious outdoor courtyard, it’s a haven for kids up to 10 years old to play, explore, and dream big.
The Fiesta Room is perfect for birthday parties, and the Museum can even be rented for family or business events. From everyday adventures to special occasions, this is the ultimate destination for fun and learning!
Armory Park
Armory Park is a charming oasis in downtown Tucson, blending lush green spaces with rich history. Stroll past historical monuments, tend to the community garden, or simply relax and soak in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to connect with nature and Tucson’s heritage, all in one visit!
Sam Lena -South Tucson Library
The Sam Lena-South Tucson Library is more than a place to borrow books—it’s a welcoming hub for learning, creativity, and connection. Located in South Tucson, this library offers a diverse collection, engaging programs for all ages, and a quiet space to read, study, or explore. It’s where stories and community come together!
Southgate Shopping Center
Located off the I-10 Freeway and South 6th Avenue in Tucson, Southgate Shopping Center is a bustling hub for shopping. Anchored by El Super Market and the massive Curacao department store, it offers superb freeway visibility and direct access.
With a vibrant tenant mix including Melrose, Domino’s Pizza, La Gran Bota, BBB! Fashion, and Panda Express, Southgate reflects the rich culture and energy of its community. It’s the perfect place to shop, grab a bite, and enjoy the community vibe!
Social Security Office
The Social Security Office provides vital services to the community, including assistance with Social Security benefits, Medicare enrollment, and issuing replacement Social Security cards. Conveniently located, the office serves a wide range of individuals, from retirees to those applying for disability benefits, offering guidance and resources to help navigate the Social Security system.
Veterans Hospital
Located in South Tucson, the Veterans Hospital provides comprehensive care tailored to those who have served. From primary care to specialized services like addiction treatment, mental health care, spinal cord injury care, and women’s health, the hospital is a trusted resource for veterans.
Tucson Rodeo Grounds
The Tucson Rodeo Grounds is the heart of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson’s iconic February rodeo celebration. Featuring an arena, permanent grandstand seating, horse stalls, and corrals, it’s a premier venue for equestrian events.
Beyond the rodeo, the grounds host concerts and community gatherings, offering a lively space for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the Tucson Rodeo Parade and Museum, where history and tradition come alive!
Laos Transit Center
The Laos Transit Center is a bustling hub for Sun Tran riders, providing a convenient spot to connect to multiple routes across Tucson. Located in the city’s south side, it offers a Park & Ride facility, making it easy for commuters to park and hop on the bus.
It serves route(s): 11, 12, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and 50. Plus, Sun Shuttle route(s) 421, 430, 440 and 486.
Did you know? This transit center is named after Roy Laos, Sr. who started the Occidental Bus Lines company in 1924 that served the south and west side of Tucson. It was later renamed Old Pueblo Transit.
Plan Your Trip!
Get ready for a smooth and enjoyable ride! Find everything you need to plan your route, check schedules, and track your bus in real-time. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or connecting across town, this section makes it easy to organize your trip and get you where you need to go with confidence. Below are different ways YOU can plan your trip, from visiting us online, downloading our Sun Tran app, or calling Customer Service.
Ready to ride? Hop over to our website to plan your, check routes, and see schedules in a snap! Click the button below to find your bus, alerts and detours, and ride guides.
Get on the go with the Sun Tran App! Down our app to plan and track your ride. Find your route, see real-time arrivals, and make every trip easier.
Available on the App Store or Google Play!
Need help with trip planning or lost something while riding? Our friendly customer service representatives are just a call away! Whether it’s a question, complaint, or compliment, we’re here for you!
Call us!
(520) 792-9222 (TDD: 520-628-1565)
We also offer translation assistance! Dial the Customer Service number then press 3 and say the language you need in English.
Email Us!
suntraninfo@tucsonaz.gov