Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe: All Transportation Options (2026)4 min read
Flying into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and heading to Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is roughly 60 miles north of the airport, and driving typically takes about one hour.
For most travelers, the best options are renting a car, taking the NM Shuttle, using Uber or Lyft, or taking the New Mexico Rail Runner. The best choice depends on your budget, arrival time, and whether you’ll need a car while visiting Santa Fe.
| Option | Travel Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | ~1 hr | $$ | Exploring Northern NM |
| NM Shuttle | ~1–1.5 hr | $$ | Easy airport transfer |
| Uber / Lyft | ~1 hr | $$$ | Convenience / groups |
| Rail Runner | ~2+ hrs | $ | Budget travelers |
| Private Car Services | ~1 hr | $$$ | Groups / late arrivals |
Rent a Car at Albuquerque Airport — Best for Exploring
Renting a car will most likely be the most popular option for many who are trying to get from Albuquerque’s Sunport Airport to Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Daily tip: If you’re staying around the Plaza or Railyard and spending most of your trip downtown, you may not need a rental car.
But a car is extremely useful for day trips to Bandelier, Los Alamos, Taos, Ski Santa Fe, hiking trails, and other destinations outside central Santa Fe.
NM Shuttle — Best Without a Rental Car
NM Shuttle offers scheduled transportation between Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Santa Fe, making it one of the easiest options for travelers who don’t want to rent a car.
One-way fares are currently around $70 after taxes and fees, although pricing can change. Check NM Shuttle for current fares and departure times before booking.
Uber or Lyft — Best for Convenience
Uber and Lyft offer door-to-door transportation from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe without requiring a reservation on a fixed shuttle schedule. Fares vary based on demand, time of day, and vehicle availability.
For couples or groups splitting the fare, rideshare can sometimes be more competitive with purchasing multiple shuttle tickets.
New Mexico Rail Runner (NMRX) — Cheapest Option
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is one of the most affordable ways to travel between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it’s personally one of my favorite options if you’re not in a rush.
The train ride is comfortable, scenic, and avoids the hassle of driving.
The main downside is that the Rail Runner does not stop directly at Albuquerque International Sunport, so you’ll need to connect to the Downtown Albuquerque station first.
The easiest public-transit route is:
ABQ Airport → ABQ RIDE Route 50 → Alvarado Transportation Center → Rail Runner → Santa Fe Depot
You can also take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station if you want a quicker connection.
Rail Runner fares are inexpensive compared with renting a car, taking a shuttle, or using rideshare for the full trip, making this a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Just keep in mind that the full trip takes longer than driving directly to Santa Fe, so this is best for travelers with a flexible schedule.
Read my full guide on how to ride the New Mexico Rail Runner for schedules, stops, fares, and tips.
Private Car Services from Albuquerque to Santa Fe
- Bernards – Get a quote today
- Rob’s Rides – Get a quote from Rob here!
Do You Need a Rental Car in Santa Fe?
- You may not need one if: you’re staying around the Plaza/Railyard and primarily dining, shopping, and visiting museums downtown.
- You’ll probably want one if: you’re visiting Bandelier, Los Alamos, Taos, Ski Santa Fe, trailheads, or other destinations outside the city center
Explore the Best of the City Different
You’ve made it to Santa Fe! Here are some of my local guides to the area: