Tucson Balloon Rides vs Hot Air Expeditions
Two balloon operators in Tucson, Arizona. Tucson Balloon Rides starts at $290 and Hot Air Expeditions at $319. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.
Tucson Balloon Rides
- Also called Sonoran Sunrise Balloon Tours
- Flies year-round, seven days a week, weather permitting
- Private flights need at least 4 passengers; groups of 6-8 pay standard rates, only on dates with no other bookings
- Full payment taken at booking
Shared (Regular) Flight
- From
- $290 per adult
- Length
- About 3.5 to 4 hours meet-up to drop-off, about 70 minutes in the air on average
- Group
- Smaller basket up to 3 people, larger basket 4 to 8
- Min age
- Recommends 6+ (and adults no older than 80)
- Weight
- No official limit; over 300 lbs must be able to climb in and out of the basket
- Cancellation
- Weather: full refund if rescheduling doesn't work. Otherwise 72 hrs notice preferred; full refund generally given if you call before the flight.
Hot Air Expeditions
- Flies Tucson mornings 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Afternoon rides and hotel transfers are Phoenix only, not Tucson
- Basket about 4 ft tall with foot holes; step stools provided
- Also flies Phoenix
Tucson Morning Balloon Ride (Adult Shared)
- From
- $319 per adult
- Length
- 3-3.5 hours from check-in, about 45-60 minutes in the air
- Min age
- 5+ and at least 48 inches tall
- Weight
- No weight restriction; weights collected at booking
- Cancellation
- Free changes or cancellation 48+ hrs ahead; full charge within 48 hrs. Weather cancellations free to reschedule or cancel.
Tucson Morning Balloon Ride (Adult Private)
- From
- $729 per person
- Length
- 3-3.5 hours from check-in, about 45-60 minutes in the air
- Min age
- 5+ and at least 48 inches tall
- Weight
- No weight restriction; weights collected at booking
- Cancellation
- Free changes or cancellation 48+ hrs ahead; full charge within 48 hrs. Weather cancellations free to reschedule or cancel.
Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in Tucson, Arizona.