Santa Fe Transportation and Travel Tips

Navigating the streets of Santa Fe is a unique experience that may take a little time to master. The roads, originally created for heavy burro traffic, are narrow and twisting. Newcomers are typically confused by the wanderings of Paseo de Peralta, but it only takes a few months to truly master the map. Parking in the city has been upgraded to a pre-paid key system which helps move things along. If all else fails, you can hail a cab or hop a bus.

Air

Santa Fe is served by Santa Fe Municipal Airport. Built in 1941, this is a "nonhub" airport used mostly by private planes and small jets. A planned upgrade will hopefully bring regional jet service that could connect Santa Fe directly with cities like Dallas, Phoenix and Los Angeles. (505-955-2900)

Santa Fe Shuttle provides service between Santa Fe and the Albuquerque International Airport. (505-833-2300)

Great Lakes Airlines flies directly to Denver, and Delta and American Airlines will start direct regional jet service to Salt Lake, Los Angeles and Dallas in 2008.

Road

Santa Fe is located on I-25. In addition, U.S. Route 84 and U.S. Route 285 pass through the city along St. Francis Drive.

Bus and rail transit

Santa Fe Trails operates a number of bus routes within the city while New Mexico Rail Runner Express is scheduled to begin commuter train service from Albuquerque to Santa Fe in 2008.

The Santa Fe Southern Railway, now mostly a tourist rail experience, connects to Lamy, 15 miles to the southwest, to Amtrak's Southwest Chief for train service to Chicago or Los Angeles. It offers several special activities and themed event trains for the holidays; the Valentine's train includes wine, dinner and a romantic ride under the stars. Kids of all ages enjoy waving to passers-by from the train as it makes its way through Santa Fe's bustling traffic. (505-989-8600)