travel from albuquerque airport to santa fe

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RAIL RUNNER TO SANTA FE

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express offers quick, easy service from Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, to Albuquerque. The train, which also makes stops throughout the metro area, zips through ancient Pueblo lands with stunning scenic views on its way to historic Santa Fe, located 65 miles from Albuquerque. Tickets are available onboard or online .

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Rail Runner Tickets and Prices

Whether you have a car or not, getting from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is an easy trip. The Rail Runner Express train connects the two cities with high-speed, no-hassle transportation for visitors and commuters alike. The Rail Runner jaunt has been wildly popular since its inaugural run for reasons beyond the obvious economic savings to regular travelers.

The Rail Runner, painted to mimic the state bird, the roadrunner, speeds through time as well as landscape. The scenery between Albuquerque and Santa Fe hasn’t changed much since Don Pedro de Peralta marched his army north along the Rio Grande and founded Santa Fe 400 years ago. The imposing peaks and buttes of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountains offer stunning quintessential New Mexico scenery.

The tracks cut through some of North America’s oldest settlements, the Sandia, San Felipe, Santa Domingo, Isleta and Cochiti Pueblos, with glimpses of the villages and mission churches. Native Americans living there ask train passengers to refrain from taking photos while passing through. 

Rail Runner Express FAQs

How long does the rail runner take to travel from albuquerque to santa fe.

The one-way ride from Albuquerque to Santa Fe on the Rail Runner Express takes approximately 1.5 hours. The total distance between the two cities is just under 65 miles, and the train travels at about 80 miles per hour.  

How much does the Rail Runner cost?

The cost of Rail Runner tickets depends on the distance traveled, and can range from $2 to $11 for a one-day trip. One-way, day, monthly and annual passes are all available at varying prices. Details on ticket prices can be found at riometro.org . 

When is the best time to take the Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

The Rail Runner express runs seven days a week, except for certain holidays , and runs from Downtown Albuquerque to Santa Fe Depot between three and eight times per day, depending on the day. With 15 stations total along the Rail Runner’s 100-mile corridor and more than 60 bus connections at those stations, the train offers a convenient schedule year-round and any day of the week. Find the full train schedule at riometro.org . 

While October, during which the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place, is the busiest month for the Rail Runner Express, tickets are typically available any time during the year. February has proven to be the train’s quietest month.

Where does the Rail Runner stop in Albuquerque?

The Rail Runner makes four stops in the Albuquerque metro area including Los Ranchos/Journal Center , Montaño , Downtown Albuquerque , and Bernalillo County . The Bernalillo County stop is located on Rio Bravo SE and allows for a quick bus connection to the Albuquerque International Sunport . 

Where does the Rail Runner stop in Santa Fe?

The Rail Runner makes three stops in the Santa Fe metro area including Santa Fe Depot , South Capitol and Zia Road . 

A Day Trip to Santa Fe

A day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe offers a culturally rich, fun and unique experience. A few ideas for a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, from the Santa Fe Depot Rail Runner stop include:

Santa Fe Depot

The Rail Runner stops at the Santa Fe Depot in the historic Railyard District. Across the tracks, you can browse the shops and specialty boutiques at the Sanbusco Market Center and grab a meal at a restaurant. One block away, galleries, boutiques, antique and craft stores, and restaurants line South Guadalupe. 

Reaching the 400-year-old plaza, the heart and soul of Santa Fe, is as easy as an eight-block walk. Or you can grab the free Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle at the depot. The bus circles the plaza, with stops at the Main Library and 19th-century Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, both one block from the plaza, and at Canyon Road. A museum shuttle takes you to Museum Hill.

At the plaza, Native American vendors line the sidewalk in front of the one-story Palace of the Governors, built in 1610. Stores along the blocks surrounding the plaza range from souvenir shops to high-end galleries and Southwestern fashion boutiques. The Museum of Fine Arts, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, New Mexico History Museum and Institute of American Indian Arts are all within a few blocks of the plaza. 

Canyon Road

Art galleries line winding Canyon Road. If contemporary art is your interest, the galleries will thrill your spirit and challenge your credit limit. Once a trail along the river, the narrow lane has one of the highest concentrations of fine art in the Southwest.

Museum Hill

Dramatic outdoor sculptures from renowned Native American artists are highlights of the courtyard at Museum Hill. You can easily spend a day touring the four world-class museums. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture exhibits more than 70,000 objects from native cultures of the Southwest, ranging from ancestral artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art. The Museum of International Folk Art contains an incredible collection of toys, textiles and religious art from cultures around the world. Dioramas with hundreds of hand-carved figures depict important aspects of indigenous village life. The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, in an eight-sided building inspired by a traditional Navajo hogan, displays contemporary and historic Native American art. The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art features objects from throughout the Spanish colonial world. Each museum contains a tempting gift shop, and a central café provides delectable lunch offerings.

After a full day of exploring “The City Different,” you'll enjoy relaxing in the comfort of the stylish Rail Runner coaches on your return trip. Kick back in the upper level, and soak in the panoramic views as the train chauffeurs you back to Albuquerque.

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$735 Find cheap flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe

This is the cheapest round-trip flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from albuquerque to santa fe departing on 6/10. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to santa fe.

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Good to know, when to book flights from albuquerque to santa fe, faqs for booking flights from albuquerque to santa fe, what is the cheapest flight from albuquerque to santa fe.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Albuquerque to Santa Fe was $735 for a round-trip ticket.

Do I need a passport to fly between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

No, a passport isn't needed to fly from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. However, local authorities might ask for an official ID.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Santa Fe from Albuquerque is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Santa Fe with an airline and back to Albuquerque with another airline. Booking your flights between Albuquerque and SAF can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Santa Fe from Albuquerque up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top airline flying from Albuquerque to Santa Fe

The plane was dirty and the in seat air wasn't blowing as planes usually do.

Generally good but there wasn’t any staff available when my luggage didn’t appear at baggage claim in Fresno. It took about half an hour to locate a staff member to open up the locked room where it was being kept.

Do not like the feeling of being in the basic economy. Everyone should feel good no matter what.

All flights were on time and boarding was issue free

Terrible! The plane was old and you are required to connect your own device to their Wi-Fi rather than have entertainment options in the back of the seat in front of you. The Wi-Fi went out during the flight and there was only one plug for the devices every two seats. Three out of five surrounding my family did not work. The seats and spaces under them were so small I could not fit my backpack, which I’ve always brought on flights and fit before no problem. The crew were unpleasant and patronizing.

Great! The plane was decently sized and comfortable. The staff was nice and there was great in flight entertainment

Water service would be great. The way they board is terrible. Slow passengers first😂😂 They need to smart up a bit

Our original business class flight was cancelled so we not only downgraded but we were also spread out across the plane not sitting together in separate middle seats. My poor kids were scared and couldn’t see me on the flight and the crew wasn’t sensitive to the situation and what the airlines did to us. Very dissatisfied with United airlines.

Crew were fine, drinks and snacks were as well but we were delayed for around 2 hrs which made our entry into Mexico delayed as well with the influx of arrivals at the same time. Sort of wasted our first day of vacation. We left Pittsburgh at 630am and did not arrive in Mexico until late dinner time.

There was a group of school age passengers that were very loud and unruly with their chaperones were no where to be found.

Albuquerque - Santa Fe Flights

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How to get from ABQ to Santa Fe (Airport Shuttle, Bus, Taxi & More)

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There are several ways to get from ABQ Airport to Santa Fe .

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Driving the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe

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Is it the journey or the destination that matters most?  The scenic route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe (better known as the New Mexico Turquoise Trail) lets you enjoy both.  The route takes you past scenic views of Sandia Crest, through old mining towns like Golden and Cerillo, and into the artist enclave of Madrid. Whether you’re looking for a more enjoyable route from the airport or looking for a great Santa Fe day trip, add the Turquoise Trail to your plans.

Driving from Albuquerque to Santa Fe (or vice versa)

On the interstate, Albuquerque to Santa Fe is just 65 miles, or about an hour’s drive.

The Turquoise Trail, though, takes you up the long way, detouring via Tijeras and Route 14.  Although the drive is only a little longer in distance, it’ll take 1 hour & 40 minutes because of the lower speed limit.  If you have time, you can add enough stops along the way to turn the journey into an all-day excursion.  

Highlights of the New Mexico Turquoise Trail

Officially, the Turquoise Trail  starts in Tijeras, on historic Route 66, with a musical road as you drive eastbound. As your car passes over rumble strips at 45 miles per hour, tactile vibrations and audible rumblings are transmitted into your car, playing  America the Beautiful  clearly. The Singing Highway  here is one of only two musical roads in the USA, making it worth the short detour.

Video via Youtube via albuqray

Continuing northbound on Route 14, you’ll enjoy views of the gorgeous Sandia Mountains, where Sandia Crest overlooks the city at 10,678 feet. A short detour will take you to Sandia Peak for hiking, sledding, or a ride up the world’s second longest tramway.

For something more eclectic, stop in at the Tinkertown Museum , a folk museum of old signs, coin-operated machines, and miniature carvings.

As you return to Route 14, you’ll drive through history. Of the old mining towns, Madrid is the most stop-worthy. The town has come alive with arts and crafts. Enjoy shopping for unique jewelry made from local turquoise, sample organic chocolates, and try out homemade lotions and soaps. If you work up an appetite, this is also a great place to stop for a snack. Jezebel Soda Fountain has ice cream in locally inspired flavors, like red chile chocolate or caramel green chile.

A great last stop on the Turquoise Trail is Garden of the Gods, a park that shows off the cool rock formations in the area. The natural desert setting here just outside of town highlights the scenery that once inspired so many painters, sculptors, and other residents that made Santa Fe famous as an artist’s city.

Once you’ve arrived in Santa Fe, the journey itself is over, but the city is still a wonderful place to visit.  Even on the shortest of visits, dine on New Mexican cuisine at one of the town’s restaurants, peruse art galleries for the perfect souvenir, and bask in views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Next time you’re in Santa Fe, skip that “pedal to the metal” mentality and enjoy this leisurely side trip on the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico.

Read More About New Mexico

A Roadtrip from Albuquerque to El Morro and El Malpais

Day Trips from Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Magnificent Bandalier National Monument

A Review of Santa Fe Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return

New Mexico Has Badlands. Did You Know?

Hiking the San Lorenzo Canyon in 24 Pictures

11 thoughts on “driving the turquoise trail from albuquerque to santa fe”.

Can’t wait to take this trip from Albuquerque first week of May with my wife and two sons. Thank you.

@Jay, Have a wonderful trip!

my wife does not like windy roads especially with “cliffs”. Is the highway very windy and or mountainous? Thank you

@Blaine, There are some curves but nothing too outlandish or nerve-wrecking.

Hi, We are thinking of going to Albuquerque and Sante Fe for our 25th wedding anniversary. Is the trail worth it ? Thinking of driving the SF for the day only..maybe twice to avoid staying in the higher elevation. I get altitude sick pretty easily. I don’t want to ruin the trip, like I almost did 25 years ago! Lol Does this sound like a good idea? Thanks

@Eileen, If you only have one day for Santa Fe, I think there are better uses of your time unless there’s something specific along the route you want to see anyway. I also get altitude sickness but avoiding physical activity until acclimated is a huge help, as is staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep. I know…all of this is easier said than done sometimes! Hope you have a wonderful anniversary and congrats on 25 years!

Outstanding article. Thank you. I’m driving up to Ghost Ranch first week of May from ABQ and plan to stop in Santa Fe for the evening – now I know a better way to get there!

@George, Ghost Ranch is a special place. Enjoy!

Anyone can confirm that the Turquoise trail to Santa Fe from Albuquerque doesn’t involve hairpin turns and scary drop-offs? Like en route to Yosemite or Big Sur? Thank you.

@Donna, This is not nothing like the California hairpin turns or drop-offs. My mom is a nervous rider and has no issue on the Turquoise Trail.

Are there any hotels along the way?

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Getting To and Around Santa Fe

The City Different can't wait to welcome you! Below you'll find the links you need to make informed decisions about getting to and around the capital city of Santa Fe. Make your reservations in advance for rentals and ground transportation.

Fly Santa Fe (served by American Airlines and United via Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix), 20-minute drive to/from downtown Santa Fe Jet Center at Santa Fe (for private aviation), 505.780.4455 Albuquerque International Sunport , 60-minute drive to/from downtown Santa Fe

*MAKE YOUR GROUND TRANSPORTATION AND CAR RENTAL RESERVATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL!* 

Car Rental at the Airports

Fly Santa Fe Albuquerque International Sunport

Airport Ground Transportation & Private Car Services

• Bernard’s Transportation Services , 505.550.9901
• Certified Airport Transportation, AV Travel Co. , 505.577.1961
• Groome Transportation (formerly Sandia Shuttle), 505.474.5696
• New Mexico Black Car Service , 505.316.1100
• Private Car Service , 505.660.3227
• RoadRunneR , 505.424.3367
• Santa Fe Limo , 505.471.5466
• Santa Fe Valet and Limousine , 505.424.2171
• World Travel Management , 505.913.9627

Albuquerque International Sunport Ground Transportation

Car Rental in the city of Santa Fe

Avis    Budget Enterprise Hertz Toyota of Santa Fe

Ride-Sharing Services

Uber and Lyft rides can easily be arranged in Santa Fe using their apps.

Bus Service

Santa Fe Trails  ( Route M  for the downtown area) RTD 255 Mountain Trail Route  (for downtown and stops along Hyde Park Road, including trailheads and ski area) Santa Fe Pickup Shuttle: This service is available on demand. If you have flexibility in your schedule, call Santa Fe Trails (505.955.2001).  Route M  provides transportation throughout most of the previous stops of the Santa Fe Pickup in the downtown area .

Amtrak The Southwest Chief trains, eastbound from Los Angeles and westbound from Chicago, arrive each afternoon at the station in Lamy, New Mexico. Call  RoadRunneR  to arrange transportation to or from.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express  is a commuter rail that operates between Santa Fe and Albuquerque seven days a week.

Downtown Parking

Payment ($2 per hour) is required at metered parking spots in downtown Santa Fe from 8am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, excluding major holidays. Most are operable using the ParkMobile app. Reference this list of  parking locations  for more information.

Bikeways and Trails

Bicycle paths and trails for all levels of riders are located in and around the city. See the Santa Fe Bikeways & Trails guide . 

The downtown and Railyard areas are particularly walkable. See the  downtown Santa Fe Walking Map .

For helpful tips and resources to make getting around Santa Fe more enjoyable, click here .

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Cheap Flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe (ABQ-SAF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $213 for one-way flights and $349 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Albuquerque to Santa Fe Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Albuquerque to Santa Fe offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring Santa Fe provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Albuquerque to Santa Fe may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from to today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of Santa Fe are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to Santa Fe more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to Santa Fe is $213 now!

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Top Routes to Santa Fe

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Nearby Airports

• Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)
• Los Alamos County Airport (LAM)
• Taos Regional Airport (TSM)
• Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (RUI)
• Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP)
• Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN)
• White Sands Regional Airport (ALM)
• La Plata County Airport (DRO)
• Animas Air Park Airport (AMK)
• Industrial Air Center Airport (ROW)

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The Ultimate Albuquerque and Santa Fe Guide

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Albuquerque and Santa Fe are two of New Mexico’s biggest and best cities to visit. Are you trying to decide between visiting Albuquerque or Santa Fe? No need to choose only one. Whether you are planning a New Mexico road trip or visiting this southwest state without a car, it’s easy to visit Albuquerque and Santa Fe on the same trip! 

In both cities you can savor the fusion of cuisines that make up New Mexican cuisine, while learning about the state’s diverse history and cultural melting pot. From the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque to the art scene in Santa Fe, as you explore each city you’ll experience what makes each one distinct.

This guide will prepare you for your visit to Albuquerque and Santa Fe with transportation information, restaurant recommendations, the top places to stay, and the can’t miss things to do. 

Albuquerque and Santa Fe Transportation 

How to get to albuquerque and santa fe.

Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe have airports. Santa Fe has a smaller, regional airport with flights from Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. Sunport in Albuquerque is an international airport that services many more destinations. 

Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe can be reached on Amtrak. 

Greyhound makes stops in Albuquerque, but not Santa Fe. 

You can drive to Albuquerque and Santa Fe on a New Mexico road trip. The cities also fit in well within a longer southwest road trip. Combine New Mexico with an Arizona Phoenix to Grand Canyon road trip or a Utah Mighty 5 National Park trip. 

How to Get Around Albuquerque

Albuquerque has sunny days, great food, and a fascinating history, but the one thing I didn’t like about the city was trying to get around it. 

I love to walk whenever possible, but unfortunately outside of the Old Town the city isn’t very walkable. Even if there are sidewalks, it isn’t really nice walking. Places are spread out and it can feel desolate or it’s very industrial/commercial. 

Public Transit 

Public transportation exists, but let’s just say not too many tourists take it! While it is cost effective to ride the free buses, they are a little rough. As there is no cost, it can be an unsavory ride to say the least. 

Buses are not well connected, don’t run often, and usually end by 5/6pm. If you haven’t taken public transit before or only take it abroad, Albuquerque is not the place to start in the US! 

Rideshares & Taxis 

The city definitely has Uber and Lyft. If you will be able to get one, is another question. After my late arrival to ABQ I wasn’t able to reserve one and had to take a taxi from ground transportation. Other times in the middle of the day I waited over 30 minutes until the apps finally found me a driver. Pricing can surge very quickly too. Once my ride was supposed to be $6.96 and a driver couldn’t be found. The apps won’t search forever. They will tell you to try again later. Ten minutes later that same ride was going for over $50! 

Rental Cars

Your most reliable bet is to rent a car . I prefer not driving and rarely rent cars, but after a few days of attempting to walk, bus, and use rideshares I almost rented one! I’m known as someone who walks and takes public transit everywhere. If you are on the fence you should note, I had never considered renting a car in a US city before ABQ! 

How to Get Between Albuquerque and Santa Fe 

How far is Santa Fe from Albuquerque? 

Santa Fe is only about an hour’s drive away from Albuquerque. You can also take a train. It’s cheaper to get from Albuquerque to Santa Fe than it is to get around ABQ with a taxi! At only $9 the Rail Runner train is a great way to get between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. 

The Rail Runner leaves from Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown ABQ and goes to the downtown rail station in Santa Fe (with stops in between). It runs multiple times of day in both directions. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can buy tickets online or on the train. There are restrooms onboard. The commuter train is pretty nice and the train crew is very friendly and helpful. 

Amtrak is also an option but it was 5x more expensive when I was traveling and only goes once a day. 

How to Get Around Santa Fe

Santa Fe is very walkable. The majority of places you’ll want to go you’ll be able to reach on foot. 

If you aren’t staying within walking distance of the Old Town, you can take public buses. I found them to be much nicer and cleaner than the buses in ABQ. From my experience they ran reliably on a regular schedule. Note that some buses are on demand and you need to call. Check public transit directions on google and ensure it doesn’t say “passengers must call the agency”. I describe this more below under Museum Hill. 

Museum Hill

Museum Hill is home to many of the best things to do in Santa Fe . It’s located about 1.7 miles from the Old Town. To reach Museum Hill without a car take the on demand M bus. Disregard the bus schedule posted online. You need to call to reserve the bus and it will come when it is available. I talked to a bus rep. There is no way to reserve it and you’re supposed to call once at the stop. The wait can be 2 minutes if a bus is nearby and going your direction or up to 40 minutes if there is a long wait. 

As it takes about 40 minutes to walk from the SE corner of the Old Town I didn’t want to chance taking the same amount of time to just sit at a bus stop. Most of the walk is on the Old Santa Fe trail. Unfortunately it’s not like in the 1800s where it was all horses and wagons. Now cars are zooming by. The last 1.2 miles doesn’t have sidewalks. There is a fairly wide shoulder, but be aware of the cars and only walk during daylight. 

You can of course rent a car as well. If you’re planning to stay in Santa Fe it is definitely not needed and will cause you more money and headache (unlike Albuquerque). Parking can get expensive and as many of the best things to do in Santa Fe are in the Old Town area you really don’t need a car. 

Albuquerque: Activities, Restaurants, Accommodations 

What to do in albuquerque, ​​ anderson abruzzo albuquerque international balloon museum.

When you are in the hot air balloon capital of the world you need to do something involving hot air balloons. While the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October is one of the best festivals in the country and a hot air balloon ride is a once in a lifetime experience, this museum can be visited year-round. Plus with a $6 admission it is quite a bit easier on your wallet! 

The museum exhibits give an in-depth look at the history of ballooning including the first flight, the first transatlantic flights, and around the world attempts and successes. Another popular exhibit focuses on the history and traditions of the city’s Balloon Fiesta which began in 1972. 

I only had two hours to spend at the museum. There is so much to read, learn, and see here. If you like to read everything you’ll need more time. 

Albuquerque Museum

Albuquerque is known worldwide for their balloon fiesta, but the history and culture of the different groups of people are just as interesting. The Albuquerque museum is a great place to go to learn and see the art, culture, and history of the city as a whole.

The main history exhibit, “Only in Albuquerque”, is divided into four areas: spirited, resourceful, courageous, and innovative. Each one gives different information about the city and its people. As city history museums are usually organized chronologically, organizing by overarching themes was interesting.

The art gallery features southwest artists. The museum also organized this gallery in a different way. Instead of dividing the art into groups by artist nationality, like many museums, they organized it into sections by guiding questions.

Other rotating exhibits feature a diverse range of topics both related and unrelated to New Mexico. The Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore exhibition was a popular one when I visited. I enjoyed learning about journalism in the 1970s in NM.

Check the website for upcoming events. Free Old Town Tours are often offered. Unfortunately I had rough luck in ABQ as this tour was canceled.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center includes exhibits, guided tours, cultural dances, other cultural events, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Admission is not required for the gift shop or restaurant (described below under ‘Where to Eat’). 

The indoor exhibits focus on the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The permanent exhibit covers both the history and traditions of the people from the Pueblos and their current lives. Other temporary exhibits rotate throughout the year. 

Outdoors in the courtyard events take place throughout the year. Every weekend cultural dances are performed by one of the Pueblos. As the dances are a huge part of Pueblo tradition, I wish I would have been able to visit on a Saturday or Sunday. 

Guided tours of the large murals around the courtyard take place on Wednesday and Fridays. While the tours were canceled on the day I visited, I still enjoyed admiring them. 

Old Town Albuquerque

You can’t go to Albuquerque without spending some time walking around and shopping in the Old Town. Established by the Spanish in 1706 it was the earliest part of the city and still the nicest area to walk around.

It’s a small area full of charming patios. These outdoor alleyways and courtyards often have decorations, fountains, or other greenery against the adobe buildings. They lead to many local shops and galleries.

Old Town Plaza with San Felipe de Neri church along one side is also a nice spot.

As nice as it is to walk around at your leisure, there is so much history to this area. The best way to learn it is on a guided walking tour .

Eldora Chocolate

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Albuquerque that don’t make it on all the lists of what to do in Albuquerque, then take a private tour of Eldora Chocolate. 

Touring the small, local chocolate shop and factory was very informative and fun. I have been on a few chocolate tours and every time I learn something new. My guide was excellent and provided an overview of how to make chocolate, the history of cacao beans, and specific details to Eldora’s process. 

One of the best parts was walking through the storage room and chocolate kitchen. There were no glass dividers or specific observation spots. We were right in the action. Actually that was probably the second best part. All the samples were amazing! I think I hit the jackpot with the tour guide as she sampled everything I did and wanted to sample as much as me, haha. 

At only $12 for an hour-long tour full of samples, it is an absolute steal! You can purchase a tour online and then they will contact you to schedule. I emailed first to check availability and they responded almost immediately and I was scheduled for a tour a few hours later. 

What Else to Do in Albuquerque

The following are on my list of things to do in Albuquerque on my next visit. 

• Hispanic Cultural Center: Just as Pueblos and Native Americans are a large part of the cultural makeup of Albuquerque, so are Hispanics. 
• Sandia Peak Tramway: Aerial tram over the Sandia Mountains. Great views and hiking trails are at the top. 
• Turquoise Museum : Exhibits that showcase a large turquoise collection.
• ABQ BioPark: Includes the zoo, the botanical gardens, and the aquarium. 
• South Broadway Cultural Center: The center has a variety of performances and art exhibitions. 
• Petroglyph National Monument: Hiking trails that show hundreds of preserved petroglyphs. 

Where to Eat in Albuquerque

If you’re looking for where to eat in Albuquerque, you’ll definitely want to indulge in New Mexican cuisine. The cuisine is a flavorful mix of Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous flavors. 

Wherever you decide to go, make sure to try as many New Mexican dishes with chile as you can! Chile is one of New Mexico’s state vegetables and can be found in so many diverse foods. 

Church Street Cafe – New Mexican

There are a lot of New Mexican restaurants in the Old Town. Church Street Cafe doesn’t have the best service, but the atmosphere and food are good. Make sure to order an entree that comes with a sopapilla, a sweet fried pastry.

Ask for a table at the outdoor patio in the back. The patio with a fountain is a lovely place to eat.

La Reforma – Mexican

There is no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque either. La Reforma is a good place to eat before or after visiting the Balloon Museum. They serve a variety of classic Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas. The tacos are Mexican style with cilantro and onions. I tried four different kinds: al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, and pescado. I would happily order all of them again. Like everywhere in New Mexico they come with red and green chile on the side. 

Indian Pueblo Kitchen – Indigenous

This restaurant is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch when visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Located within the center, it is owned by New Mexico’s Pueblos and features Indigenous dishes. I ordered the harvest salad and a cup of the red chile beef bone posolé that came with a choice of bread. I would say definitely choose the fry bread, but the pueblo oven bread sounded very tempting too. The fry bread was incredible and definitely something to try when in New Mexico. 

Green Jeans Farmery – Food Hall

When I lived in Atlanta I got really into food halls . Now throughout my travels I always seek them out wherever I go. Made out of shipping containers, Green Jeans has to be one of the most unique! 

It is home to a handful of different local businesses that serve a variety of cuisines. I wanted to try Rustic on the Green as they are known for their green chili cheeseburger. Unfortunately they were closed so I took a break from all the New Mexican chili centric dishes and ordered a pizza from Amore. 

It’s a great spot with outdoor dining. Many of the tables are upstairs. I recommend timing your visit to coincide with sunset. 

Where Else to Eat in Albuquerque

As I explained in the transportation section above, the public transit and walking options were limited. I ended up taking a lot of Lyfts and Ubers. Many of the drivers were friendly locals who were happy to provide recommendations. Here are a few other places recommended to me by locals:

• Monica’s
• Tiny Grocer
• Sawmill Market
• 505 Central Market 
• The Range Cafe
• D.H. LesCombes Winery & Bistro
• Sadie’s of New Mexico

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Hampton inn – university midtown.

After the very strange and long check in process my first night, my stay at the Hampton Inn was great. The rooms were clean and modern. The breakfast buffet included three hot items that changed daily. The fresh baked cookies in the late afternoon were a delicious surprise! 

More Places to Stay in Albuquerque

If I visited Albuquerque without a car again, I would stay in the Old Town or Downtown. The following are all highly rated and in a good location. 

• The Monterey Motel – A budget motel that was recently renovated.
• Homewood Suites Downtown – A modern hotel with breakfast included.
• Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn – This is a lovely property with really good breakfasts. 
• Hotel Chaco – A luxury 4 star hotel right in the Old Town.

Santa Fe: Activities, Restaurants, Accommodations 

What to do in santa fe.

I wrote a separate post for all the unique things to do in Santa Fe . Check it out for art, history, outdoor, and food suggestions in Santa Fe. 

Where to Eat in Santa Fe

Santa Fe has a great food scene full of New Mexican restaurants serving the state’s classic chile centric cuisine. Read my New Mexican chile post to see what to order at some of the following Santa Fe restaurants. 

If spicy isn’t your cup of tea or you are looking for some variety, there are plenty of other places to eat in Santa Fe of various cuisines. 

Plaza Cafe – New Mexican 

A lot of times restaurants on the main square in town are the most touristy and not the best quality. While I’m sure Plaza Cafe is full of tourists, the food and service were very good.

The outdoor patio facing the square is lovely too! While the indoors has a cool, American diner vibe, if it’s a nice day wait for a table outdoors! 

The Shed – New Mexican 

It’s no wonder that Santa Fe has so many places to eat outdoors considering the overwhelming number of sunny, bright blue sky days. The Shed Restaurant’s courtyard is another place to enjoy a lovely day or beautiful sunset in Santa Fe. A lot of people have the same idea, so make reservations ahead of time or make a day of reservation in person at 4pm. 

All the New Mexican dishes are delicious, but I loved the garlic bread that was served with the meal. 

The Pantry Rio – New Mexican 

This is another Santa Fe restaurant with a great outdoor patio. Dinner is only available during the summer. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch all year-round though. I recommend the New Mexican breakfast items like the breakfast burrito with carne adovada. 

Tres Colores – Mexican 

There are a lot of fine dining and sit down restaurants in downtown Santa Fe. There are plenty of casual spots for breakfast and lunch, but it’s harder to find a casual dinner spot around downtown Santa Fe. Tres Colores is a counter service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The southern Mexican cuisine features classics like tacos and enchiladas. 

Santafamous Street Eats – New Mexican Food Truck 

If you’re looking for something a little quicker or cheaper, visit the food trucks across the street from the state capitol. I had my eye on Santafamous which serves breakfast burritos for only $5! Despite the low price, it was one of my favorite meals in Santa Fe!

Every food truck has their own hours. Santafamous is open weekdays from about 7am – 2pm. There is some communal seating behind the food trucks. 

The Burger Stand – American 

What could be more American than a cheeseburger? New Mexico puts its own spin on the American classic with green chile! While I do highly suggest you try the green chile cheeseburger, the Burger Stand has a variety of creative burgers. Don’t worry if you are like my Dad or my uncle (there will be no confusion to which uncle I am referring to), you can order a classic burger too. 

There is also a variety of fries. Go all out with the green chile fries or try the sweet potato ones full of cinnamon and sugary goodness! 

Dumpling Tea – Chinese

I can’t go too long without craving some sort of Asian cuisine! Dumpling Tea was just the place I needed. The location inside a mall wasn’t the most inviting compared to all the restaurants with outdoor patios and beautifully decorated interiors. When I found out they don’t serve water, have no wifi, and one waiter was coughing a lot, I decided to take my food to go. 

While the experience in the restaurant left a bit to be desired, the pork fried rice noodles were very tasty! 

Santarepa Cafe – Venezuelan 

If you’re lucky enough to have a long visit in Santa Fe, you may start to get tired of New Mexican and Mexican cuisine. Even if you aren’t, veer away from the local cuisine and stop at this Venezuelan cafe. They serve some of the best arepas I have ever had! I was given yucca fries because there was a wait. It wasn’t that long of a wait, but it got me tasty yucca fries! 

Upper Crust Pizza – Italian 

You’ll smell the delicious aromas of Upper Crust Pizza from down the block. I ordered a salad here to cancel out all the hearty food I was eating. While I was waiting for my order I was having second thoughts because not only did the pizzas smell delicious, they looked just as good. I didn’t get a chance to come back for pizza, but if you don’t want any more New Mexican follow your nose to this pizza place! They also have calzones and sandwiches.  

Boultawn’s Bagelry & Cafe 

Boultawn’s is a cute cafe for dine-in or take-out. Come for breakfast, lunch, or the best bagel in town! Despite already having breakfast, when I arrived at the cafe I almost had my second breakfast because the bagel sandwiches sounded so good. I regretfully only ordered a green chile bagel to go. It was the star of my lunch later in the day!  

Sweet Treats

Balance out all the spicy chiles with some sugary goodness. For donuts visit Whoo’s Donuts. I rarely follow the crowd, but with food I always ask for the most popular. It’s popular for a reason. The blue corn blueberry wouldn’t have usually grabbed my attention, but I see why it’s what they are known for.

Follow the Santa Fe Chocolate Trail, described in my guide to things to do in Santa Fe for all the best chocolate shops and bakeries. 

Where Else to Eat in Santa Fe

I always research and find way more places I want to eat, then I have time to try. These are some more highly rated and/or recommended places including some higher end restaurants. 

• Tia Sophias
• Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
• La Plazuela at La Fonda

Where to Stay in Santa Fe

El Sendero Inn is in the perfect location on the southeast border of the Old Town. Almost all of the top things to do in Santa Fe are within walking distance. The rooms are nice with all the amenities you could want. 

There is a basic, complimentary continental breakfast every morning.  Yogurt, whole pieces of fruit, granola bars, and a few other packaged goods are included. Juice and coffee are available 24/7. A lovely outdoor pool is included as well.

More Places to Stay in Santa Fe

Unless you have a car, you’ll definitely want to stay in or around the Old Town. Even with a car, it’s handier to be closer to all the Santa Fe attractions so you don’t need to worry about finding parking. Here are a few more places with excellent reviews and location. 

• Old Santa Fe Inn : A local southwestern style inn with a fabulous breakfast.
• Casa de Tres Lunas : A local inn close to the heart of Santa Fe, but on a quieter street. 
• Eldorado Hotel & Spa : Pueblo revival style 4 star hotel with the Nidah Spa.
• La Fonda on the Plaza : A historic, luxury hotel that used to be a Fred Harvey hotel! 

Albuquerque and Santa Fe are both fantastic southwestern cities to visit in New Mexico. If I helped you plan your Albuquerque and Santa Fe trip, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee !

More About New Mexico

• How Many Ways Can You Try New Mexican Chiles?
• Unique Things to Do in Santa Fe

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Ride the train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, and back. The one-way ride can take a approximately 1.5 hours from Santa Fe to Albuquerque Downtown. You'll be going through 6 Zones, which means you will pay $10 one-way or get a day pass for $11 to include the return trip. Runs 7 days a week, except certain Holidays. Click "more" for link to schedule.

Website: https://www.riometro.org/184/Train

Address: 410 South Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501   MAP

The Rail Runner does not operate on some Holidays.

(Please double check their Holiday schedule on their site.)

Before relying on the Rail Runner for Abq Airport to Santa Fe travel, we highly recommend you double check the schedules by going to their website link above.

Click website link for fares, schedule, and bus connections at each depot. Children 9 and under ride for FREE. Reduced fares are available for qualifying passengers. Passengers can purchase their ticket online prior to boarding or while onboard the train from a ticket agent. If using a credit card for payment, passengers must show a valid photo I.D.

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Seating is available on a first come - first served basis. Purchasing a ticket in advance online does not guarantee a seat. (But it's rare that it'll be overcrowded.)

Ride any ABQ RIDE, Santa Fe Trails or Rio Metro bus for FREE when you show the driver your valid Rail Runner Express printed or mobile ticket!

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Best ways to get from Santa Fe Airport to Albuquerque Int'l Airpor

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Unfortunately our planned New Mexico trip in May 2022 fell through the cracks due to the wild fires (we quickly changed to Napa/Sonoma Valley and had a fabulous adventure).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28952-i227-k13872862-New_Mexico_April_May_2022_trip-New_Mexico.html

We will stop over for the night in Colorado Springs and then drive to Santa Fe .

Shall we take I-25 directly to Santa Fe or is it better to stop for a night and explore some beautiful sights? Maybe we would be able to save a day trip from Santa Fe by doing that? Shall we overnight in Taos ?

We are planning for the mid-May trip and I hope the fire hazards will not prevent us from coming this time.

Thank you very much in advance!

10 replies to this topic

Another option is to take I-25 but detour at Raton to check out Sugarite Canyon State Park (a lovely state park on the NM/CO border with some hiking trails) and/or Capulin Volcano National Monument in Raton - I find that whole area of the state underrated - so enticing to see these flat lands dotted with so many volcanoes, and on a clear day you can see the Colorado Rockies to your north and Oklahoma's Black Mesa to your east.

And yet another option is to get off I-25 at Hwy 160 West and head over to Great Sand Dunes National Park to see the beautiful, isolated dunes there.

It might be an issue with you, but after reading your previous thread again if you feel the hotels in Taos are a bit rustic for your tastes none of these other options may present options to your liking.

Thanks a million, Scott! We were thinking of stopping at Great Sand Dunes National Park and at least take a glimpse of it. So glad you confirmed it is a viable option.

We will certainly take a look at the other two routes you suggested. Very interesting!

I guess I will survive one night in a rustic hotel, if it helps us to avoid backtracking. 😊

You are so helpful! Thank you again!

We also want to visit Los Alamos for the museums to learn more about the Manhattan Project, so we will probably spend two nights in Albuquerque .

Now I need to book three nights in Santa Fe and don’t know what to choose. We need a very safe location - it is a must and this is why Courtyard and Fairfield Inn are not a viable option. Reviews for Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza are not great at all, plus they charge $31 for self-parking.

Could you please help me to find a safe and not dated hotel with modern amenities? No luxury is needed at all, no local charms… just a decent new or recently renovated hotel.

Definitely check out GSD NP and hike up to the topmost dune if you can. The view is unforgettable.

I am afraid it is too late to do it, rjr0810… My husband was very eager to go to GSD NP, but later we have decided on the first opinion kindly suggested by Scott. We will be taking I-25 until it crosses Hwy 64, and then driving on Hwy 64 west to Cimarron & onto the Enchanted Circle.

That is a great drive and a good choice. It looks like another trip to New Mexico will have to be in the works :).

Yep, sounds like a good idea to come back to NM, right? You know everything about those long drives, rjr0810… and our beautiful country offers so many different opportunities for them.

We have stayed a few times at Pecos Trail Inn on the edge of town and loved it. It is an older style motel but clean and safe. https://www.thepecostrailinn.com/ Plus an excellent cafe with some excellent local NM food.

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