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Before you go
Your trip to Albuquerque.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Albuquerque – New Mexico Destination Santa Fe and Albuquerque about 100 km from Santa Fe
How to get there
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Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 8 km
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Alvarado Transportation Center 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), the Sunport, is about 8 km from downtown. The regional Rail Runner train connects the city to Santa Fe, and the long‑distance Chicago–Los Angeles line stops at the Alvarado transportation center. By car, I‑25 and I‑40 cross in the city.
How many days
A day and a half covers Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Sandia tram at late afternoon. With two days, you’ll have time for the Petroglyph National Monument and the museums.
When to go
From spring to fall, with afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Early October is the time of the balloon festival, when the city is busy. In winter days are usually sunny and cold, with snow high on the Sandia Mountains.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Helpful. Buses and the regional train serve downtown and Old Town, but the tram, the petroglyphs and the region’s pueblos are easier to reach by car.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Albuquerque
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Morning
Old town
Walk around the Old Town plaza, see the church of San Felipe de Neri and the adobe houses with shops and galleries around it.
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Afternoon
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, with the museum of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos and, on some days, dance performances.
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Evening
Sandia Tram
Take the Sandia Peak tram near sunset and watch the Rio Grande valley darken and the city lights come on from above.
2 days in Albuquerque
Day 1
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All day
Old Town, pueblos and Sandia
Do Old Town in the morning, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in the afternoon and the Sandia tram at sunset.
Day 2
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Morning
Petroglyphs
Go early to the Petroglyph National Monument and hike one of the trails among the carved volcanic rocks.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Albuquerque?
Stroll Old Town, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, ride the Sandia Peak tram, see the petroglyphs at the national monument and, in October, watch the balloons launch at the festival.
What is Albuquerque’s time zone?
Mountain Time: UTC−7 in winter and UTC−6 in daylight saving time, from March to November.
How to get from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
By car on I‑25 in about an hour, or by the regional Rail Runner train, which departs downtown Albuquerque and arrives near Santa Fe’s historic center.
Where can I watch the Albuquerque balloon festival?
At the festival park north of the city, where the balloons take off at dawn on event days. Admission is paid and traffic becomes heavy; many visitors take the festival shuttle buses.