Take the Rail Runner to Santa Fe!

Let me guess … You’re in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the much of the week for the Albuquerque Int’l Balloon Fiesta. You want to spend an afternoon or two in Santa Fe sightseeing. Do you really want to make that long drive, over an hour in each direction? Do you want the hassle of finding parking? You may need a designated driver if you plan to enjoy a good wine with your meal, and, frankly, driving back in the evening, after dark, is not fun. Is there a better option?

Take the Rail Runner to Santa Fe!

Here’s what you do: Take the Rail Runner! The Rail Runner is economical ($10 round trip per adult) and is one of the most pleasant commuter trains you will ever experience. Plus you get to see the “lay of the land” in a way that you cannot when driving along Interstate 25.

New Mexico Rail Runner — Rail Runner Train (on right) at Santa Fe Depot.

If you’re staying in a downtown Albuquerque hotel you can easily park the car at an indoor lot across the street from the Alvarado Transportation Center to catch the Rail Runner. You can catch an afternoon commuter train, have about four and a half hours of blissful time in Santa Fe for dining and exploring, catch the 8:15 train home and be snug and snoozing in your hotel bed before 11 PM. Cool!

Albuquerque Photos: Rail Runner — The Rail Runner is that sleek white train with the red roadrunner on the side – Santa Fe Depot

The Rail Runner puts you in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. A leisurely stroll will take you to the Plaza, Canyon Road, and many of the must-see attractions, and, leave you enough time for a good meal before heading back to the Santa Fe Depot for the train home. Easy peasy!