Getting Around

What’s the best way to get to Albuquerque and how do you get around once you’re there? We fill you in on everything from the Albuquerque Sunport to the Rail Runner Express.

Getting around Albuquerque is a relatively straightforward experience thanks to its well-planned streets, array of transportation options, and prominent signage. Albuquerque stands at a crossroads in the Southwest of two of the major highways in the United States: I-25, heading directly north all the way to Canada and south to the border of Mexico, and I-40, which follows Old Route 66 and heads directly East/West from coast to coast.

Laid out in a grid system, the city’s main thoroughfares, such as Central Avenue, make it easy to orient yourself. The city provides a well-organized public transportation system, through the ABQ RIDE bus system, for intra-city transport. In addition, Albuquerque invests in an expanding network of bike lanes and trails, so that no matter when you’re driving, cycling, or taking public transit, the city is accessible and easy to explore.

In addition, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train connects Albuquerque to nearby cities, north to Santa Fe, and south to Belen, providing easy access to key destinations both nearby and in between.

But most of all, the simplest part of getting around in and around Albuquerque is visceral – you can SEE in all directions far into the distance. It is quite clear to see the ancient volcanoes and mesas standing on the horizon to the west, and the glorious Sandia Mountains to the east, so you’ll always instinctively know if you’re heading north or south.

Enjoy exploring!