Getting Around Albuquerque: A Comprehensive Guide

From wagon-rutted trails to trains to Route 66, Albuquerque has long found itself at the crossroads of transportation. Albuquerque’s neighborhoods such as Old Town and Nob Hill tend to be pedestrian friendly; however, getting around the 189-sq-mile city is easiest by car.

Albuquerque traffic flows fairly well, and it’s possible to drive across the city in approximately 30 minutes, barring accidents. Parking is readily available and is often free, with parking meters in downtown and Nob Hill accepting credit cards.

While Albuquerque hasn’t embraced public transportation like some larger cities, it has taken steps in recent years to enhance accessibility and decrease its carbon footprint. Here is an overview of the best ways to navigate Albuquerque via public transportation.

Bus

ABQ Ride buses serve 40 routes throughout Albuquerque, with fares costing $2 for a one-day pass. Discounts are available for students, people aged 60 and older, and those with mobility impairments. Buses also feature bike racks for cyclists. ABQ Ride operates out of Alvarado Transit Station downtown, where the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train also departs. Additionally, the Sun Van paratransit shuttle service is available for riders who cannot use ABQ Ride buses.

The Albuquerque Rapid Transit line (ART) runs along Central Avenue, stopping at popular destinations such as the ABQ BioPark, Downtown, University of New Mexico, and Nob Hill. ART buses arrive at stations every 8 to 15 minutes, and operate until 11pm on weekends. Ticket prices are $2 for a one-day pass, with fee-free periods offered at times.

Rio Metro buses connect Rail Runner stations to various locations throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, as well as providing service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos.
Airport Transfers: Rio Metro Bus Route 50 transports passengers between Alvarado Transit Station and Albuquerque International Sunport, with several stops along Martin Luther King, Jr. and Yale Boulevards for a 25-minute commute. Route 250 offers a direct service to and from Albuquerque International Sunport and Alvarado Transit Station downtown, shortening travel time to 15 minutes. Buses from the airport can be accessed at the stop on Level 1 outside the baggage claim area.

Rail Runner

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express passenger train operates between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, making multiple stops in each city. The cost for a day pass between downtown Alvarado Transit Station and Santa Fe Depot is $9, with reductions available for those 62 and older or 17 and younger. Children aged 9 and younger, along with veterans with ID, can travel for free. Rio Metro buses await trains at various stops, facilitating commuting within Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

The journey between downtown Albuquerque and Santa Fe Depot takes about 1.5 hours, offering passengers stunning views along the Río Grande and Interstate 25 corridors. Weekday services have the last train departing Santa Fe Depot at 9pm, while Saturdays and Sundays have slightly later departures. Discounted tickets may be purchased online, at ticketing machines at various stations, or in-person once aboard the train.

Bicycle

Albuquerque boasts over 400 miles of paved biking routes ideal for commuting and recreational activities. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a highlight, extending 16 miles along the Río Grande corridor from Alameda Boulevard to Tingley Beach. The trail is admired for both its commuting convenience and scenic views, with cottonwoods providing shade and vibrant colors in fall. Another option is the 50-mile Activity Loop, which encircles Albuquerque, passing through several neighborhoods and attractions. More details, including maps and cycling events, can be found on the City of Albuquerque’s Bike Page. For those interested in bike rentals, Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals provides themed tours, including winery tours and filming location tours for the TV series Breaking Bad.

Tram

In addition to being one of Albuquerque’s top attractions, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway offers a swift way to ascend the mountain overlooking the city. This 15-minute journey replaces a potentially 1.5-hour drive or an 8-mile hike up the rugged terrain. At the upper terminal, positioned at 10,378 feet, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the opportunity for hiking along miles of trails or dining at Ten 3 restaurant. Tram cars operate every 30 minutes, though service may be suspended during severe winds.

Travelers to the Sandía Mountains should prepare for temperatures potentially 30 degrees cooler than at the base, necessitating jackets or coats even in summer. Round-trip tram tickets are priced at $29 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and military personnel. The last tram car generally departs by 10pm Thursday through Monday, but checking with staff for updates is advisable. The Tram closes on Tuesdays and undergoes maintenance for two weeks in April and November, so verifying the schedule prior to planning your visit is crucial.