From El Paso, I need to travel to Tucson, first leg of my trip(do some sightseeingas well), then on to Phoenix to catch a flight.

I've heard Mexican bus lines are cheaper than Greyhound. Which bus company is both cheap and reliable?

Any recommendation for a budget place that is basic but clean, preferably near the bus terminal?

Thanks.

Sorry, can't help you with the bus question. But for lodging downtown, try Hotel Congress http://www.hotelcongress.com/
or Roadrunner Hostel http://www.roadrunnerhostel.com/

Thanks for the info.

Cheers,
Susan

I have a friend who just took El Crucero up to Phoenix and said that it was way better than Greyhound because of the comfort level. It's also cheaper.
They've recently moved the bus terminal to the other side of Downtown to very close to I-10, so you now actually may be better off staying at the Days Inn or Motel 6 on I-10. Days Inn is right across the freeway from the terminal, and it runs $40-50. The Motel 6 closer to Congress Street (there's another one less than a mile south) should be about $35 on weekdays. There's also a Howard Johnson a little further south for about $40/night.
All fit the "budget motel" criteria pretty well.
HTH

Thanks, Colin

You have answered both my questions well. I had a peek at your Tucson Page, and found interesting details and useful tips on the city.

Cheers,
Susan

I am considering taking the Red Line-Metro Center bus to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport. Which hotel is closer to the bus route for this purpose and in general terms of getting around without a car? (I heard the taxi rates are high and I travel really light).

Btw is the Greyhound bus terminal anywhere near the El Crucero bus terminal? You mentioned the bus terminal moving and I wasn't sure which bus company?

Thanks again.

Susan

Sorry, El Crucero and Greyhound run out of the same terminal in Tucson. Greyhound's web site has the new address of 471 W Congress if you'd like to look it up.

Per Phoenix, I've never ridden any mass transit there. Phoenix is very car-centric, and it's not always easy to get around on buses. I've only stayed near the MetroCenter once (I don't particularly like that area) at the Extended Stay America (I-17 north of Peoria), but basically all hotels in that area are along the freeway (I-17), which may be close enough for you to walk since you say you travel light.
However, I would strongly urge you to get a rental car in Phoenix if you're going to do any sightseeing (same goes with Tucson). If you're just up there for the flight, then definitely stay near the airport at a place with a free shuttle (most have them).

hth

Thanks for clarifying. I've only started doing my research and got confused between the two cities which are the last legs of my trip starting in Tijuana, going down the Baja, across the Sea of Cortez and Copper Canyon train ride, etc.

Cheers,
Susan

I agree you really do need a car to see things around Tucson. If you want some ideas fo things to see and do, I put together what I think is a pretty comprehensive list at this site http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/

Hi Mike,

Your blog/site looks incredible. I am going to share it with my travel partner so we can both decide where to go/what to see in Tucson. I'll be revisiting your blog again in depth.

Thanks a million.

Cheers,
Susan

Please do feel free to send me an email if you have any questions about sightseeing around Tucson.

MikePinTucson@msn.com