getting around Albuqueque, Santa Fe and Taos

We are planning a trip in about 6 weeks to the area. We plan to fly into Alb. and travel (immediately) to Santa Fe. We also would like to visit Taos and perhaps some of the local sites(maybe one day). Is is possible (or advisable) to 1) take a train form Alb. airpor to Santa fe 2) rent a car for a day or two from near SF historic plaza. Would it be better to book a tour to Taos?

Any suggestions?

Also any ideas for one or 2 day trips around SF?

getting around Albuqueque, Santa Fe and Taos

Depending on your arrival time/date, you may be able to catch the NM Railrunner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Schedules are available at www.nmrailrunner.com and the station at the airport is Bernalillo Co./Sunport.

getting around Albuqueque, Santa Fe and Taos

While the Railrunner sounds like fun, it may be a good idea to rent a car from the airport at ABQ. You will have more choices, and consequently better prices, than renting in SF. I haven%26#39;t checked, so I don%26#39;t know for sure-- but comparison shopping may be worthwhile to determine if there is a significant difference.

Also, you may want to check the Railrunner schedule for your return trip to make sure it departs in plenty of time for you to make your outbound flight. Renting a car from the airport in ABQ gives you more flexibility about timing your return to the airport.

Thank you - really good suggestions - with our own car we might be able to get to Taos for a bit less than the cost of a tour for 2.

A big ditto to renting your car at the Albuquerque International Sunport. You%26#39;ll have a much larger selection from there.

I%26#39;m biased living here, but I wish you%26#39;d consider spending the first afternoon/night in Albuquerque, and taking in our historic Old Town area with its many diverse shops, museums, and restaurants.

I have no idea of your ages, but some people find it a pretty quick change from near sea level to over 7,000ft. elevation in Santa Fe. Albuquerque is a couple thousand feet lower.

The Railrunner is currently offering free rides, and many people are having to stand up and back to Santa Fe. The numbers will probably be reduced when the fees take effect again, but personally I%26#39;d consider riding it a little ';iffy,'; especially if you are not spending more time in the area, so as to be more flexible as to time tables.

Enjoy yourselves, and thank you for coming to visit us. I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll find New Mexico to be friendly, and certainly ';different'; than Connecticut. But, that is why we travel isn%26#39;t it? :-)

we had not thought about Albuquerque - maybe that would be a nice day also. I will check out that forum and see if there are any ideas for a day%26#39;s visit (or maybe also come back a day early and have dinner - then sleep there. Thanks for the ideas!

Your message didn%26#39;t say how long you are planning to be in the Land of Enchantment but whatever the length, I would highly recommend your renting a car at the Sunport. You could be much more flexible in your schedule and see what you want. It%26#39;s your vacation after all.

As long as you are going to Taos, take the high road and stop through Chimayo and the other towns along the way.

Bandelier Monument is a great place to see the ruins and is a short drive from SF.

Also, I agree with the Alb. experts, take a day to visit in Alb., esp. the Tramway (it%26#39;s on the way to SF). Personally, I prefer Acoma Pueblo to Taos, but it is a little out of the way.

Happy Trails!