Getting to Albuquerque

Albuquerque’s regional prominence makes it easy to reach by a number of means. The most convenient access is by air via Albuquerque International Sunport, located just 10 minutes drive south of the city centre. Albuquerque is also well-connected by train and bus, and if you are driving, Albuquerque lies along the path of one of the main east-west interstate highways.

By car

Interstate 40, which runs right through Albuquerque, is the main east-west motorway along the southern half of the United States. Travellers can reach the city from almost any point in the country by taking this highway. Drivers coming from the north or south can take I-25, which connects to Denver in the north. Once you reach the city limits, you can choose from a number of exits which will take you to one of the major city streets.

By rail

America is not the greatest country for train travel, as its rail network is shamefully underdeveloped and only reaches a handful of major cities. Fortunately, Albuquerque is one of those cities. America’s lone railway company, Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245) operates the Southwest Chief line, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, passing through Albuquerque on its way. The city’s train station (tel: +1 505 842 9650) is conveniently located in the downtown area, from where you can take a taxi to your hotel.

By bus

Bus travel in the United States is the most popular way to travel after flying. Greyhound Lines (tel: +1 800 231 2222) is the country’s main bus company, servicing just about every town and city on the map. Buses are relatively cheap and easy to use, if you have the extra time or want to see more of the countryside. Albuquerque is one of the main southwestern bus stops, so you can get there easily from most cities. Buses arrive at the Alvarado Transportation Center (tel: +1 505 243 4435), located near the centre of the city.  

By air

All air traffic into Albuquerque is handled by Albuquerque International Sunport, which is located five miles from downtown. It’s the largest airport in New Mexico and the most popular gateway into the city. Most of the major American airlines provide regular service from the UK and many cities in the United States. It’s easy and convenient to get from the terminal to your hotel by taking one of the private shuttle bus services or a taxi.

Albuquerque International Airport

Albuquerque International Sunport is 10 minutes drive from most destinations in the city and offers the quickest and most convenient way to get to this popular American destination. The modern, efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all of its domestic and international flights. Air travel from the UK is mainly handled by British Airways, but there may be a connecting service on one of the American carriers. If you fly into a gateway city such as New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, it is easy to find a connecting flight to Albuquerque.   

The airport’s modern terminal has all the usual facilities which a traveller might need. ATMs, banks and currency exchange offices can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, news stands, gift shops and duty-free shopping. An information desk can be found in the Arrivals Hall and there is also a special tourist information desk at the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, located in the Baggage Claim area (tel: +1 505 244 7700).

Albuquerque International Airport transportation

Most of the larger hotels in Albuquerque provide free courtesy vans to meet their guests and take them to their destination; ask your hotel if they offer this service. Otherwise, the cheapest and most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel is to take one of the private shuttle bus services. These companies, such as Sunport Shuttle, Airport Shuttle and Sandia Shuttle Express, provide door-to-door services, both to city destinations and to neighbouring towns. You can book a seat on a shuttle bus at the Visitors Bureau in the Baggage Claim area.

An even cheaper option is to take the public Sun Tran bus, which will take you into the city. However, you would probably need to hire a taxi at some point to get to your hotel. For a stylish trip into the city, you can hire a private limousine. There are five different limousine companies operating from the airport, offering surprisingly affordable services. Taxi ranks are located just outside the Arrivals Hall, with taxis offering a quick and relatively inexpensive journey to city destinations. The airport is a short drive from the city centre, situated directly off of I-25, along Sunport boulevard.