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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

New Mexico, USA

Air Travel

Major Airports

Find airports serving the Taos Pueblo area, from local to international gateways.

Airport Options

  • Taos Regional Airport (TAS): Small airport with limited seasonal commercial service via Taos Air (JSX).
  • Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): Approx. 1.5-2 hours drive south of Taos. Flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX).
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): Approx. 2.5-3 hours drive south of Taos. Largest and most common gateway with extensive US connections.

Airlines & Routes

Understand the airlines and typical routes to plan your air journey efficiently.

Carrier Information

  • Taos Air (JSX): Seasonal flights to Dallas (DAL), Austin (AUS), Burbank (BUR), Carlsbad (CRQ). Visit Flytaos.com.
  • American Airlines: Flights to SAF and ABQ from DFW.
  • United Airlines: Flights to SAF and ABQ from DEN.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Taos Air (JSX) service to TAS operates seasonally, mainly during winter ski season and in summer. Plan your flights accordingly.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices to ABQ are generally stable but can rise during peak tourist seasons (summer, fall foliage, winter ski).

International Connections

No direct international flights land at Taos, Santa Fe, or Albuquerque airports. Connect through major US hubs.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Services

  • ABQ (Albuquerque International Sunport): Full range of services: car rentals, restaurants, shops, airline lounges.
  • SAF (Santa Fe Regional Airport): Smaller airport with basic services, car rentals, few dining options.
  • TAS (Taos Regional Airport): Very limited facilities, mainly a small terminal for JSX flights. Plan for basic needs only.
  • From TAS: Limited car rental options. Pre-book your rental car. Taxi/ride-share services are very limited; arrange transport in advance.

Transfer Options to Taos

  • From ABQ: Rental Car is the most popular option for flexibility. Book in advance.
  • From ABQ/SAF: Groome Transportation offers shuttle service from ABQ/SAF to Taos. Book in advance.
  • Private Taxi/Ride-Share (from ABQ): Available but can be expensive due to distance.
  • From SAF: Rental cars are available directly at SAF.

Other Airlines Serving ABQ

Southwest Airlines

A major carrier serving ABQ from various US cities.

Delta, Frontier, Alaska Airlines

Additional options for domestic travelers into ABQ.

Spirit Airlines

Budget airline also serving ABQ from select locations.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

While air travel is common, land transportation offers alternative ways to reach Taos Pueblo, especially for those already in the region.

Public Transport Details

  • New Mexico Rail Runner Express: Commuter rail connecting Albuquerque to Santa Fe. No direct train to Taos.
  • Greyhound: No direct service to Taos. Nearest stations are Santa Fe or Albuquerque, requiring connections.
  • Regional Bus (NCRTD "Blue Bus"): Limited service connecting Taos to surrounding communities, including Santa Fe. Check RidetheBlueBus.com for routes/schedules.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving offers flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Be aware of requirements and road conditions.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-English licenses. Minimum age for rental cars generally 21, with surcharges for under 25.
  • Road Conditions: Roads leading to Taos (US-68, US-64) are generally well-maintained. Mountain roads can be winding.
  • Winter Driving: Snow tires or chains may be required for some routes in winter, especially to Taos Ski Valley. Check NM DOT road conditions at Nmroads.com.

Car Rental & Booking

Major rental car companies mainly operate at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF). Limited options appear in Taos town.

Rental Tips

  • Companies: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Alamo are common.
  • Booking: Highly recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Use comparison sites like DiscoverCars.com to find the best rates.

Safety on the Road

Roads in New Mexico are generally safe. Remain aware of potential hazards and drive cautiously.

Road Safety Tips

  • Wildlife: Be aware of deer and elk, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive carefully.
  • Flash Flooding: Exercise caution in arroyos during summer monsoon season. Rapidly rising water can be dangerous.
  • Fuel: Gas stations are readily available in Taos and along major routes. Plan for fuel stops on longer drives.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes when departing the United States beyond those included in airline ticket prices.
  • Departure Timing (Domestic): Arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure from ABQ or SAF.
  • Departure Timing (International): If connecting to an international flight from a major US hub, arrive 2-3 hours before international departure.
  • Plan your departure from the Pueblo well before airport check-in times.
  • Factor in travel time to ABQ or SAF, which can take several hours.
  • Airport facilities vary: ABQ offers more extensive services compared to SAF or TAS.

Sea/River Arrivals

Maritime Travel

Taos Pueblo is an inland destination. Therefore, maritime travel by boat, ferry, or cruise ship is not applicable for direct arrival.

Information

  • No direct sea or river access to Taos Pueblo.
  • This section does not apply to your journey to Taos.
  • Focus on air and land transportation options.

Regional Waterways

While the Taos area features the Rio Grande, it is not used for passenger transportation to reach the Pueblo or town.

River Use

  • The Rio Grande is used for recreational activities like rafting and fishing.
  • It does not form part of the travel itinerary to Taos Pueblo.
  • All travel to Taos occurs via road or air.

No Border Crossings

Taos Pueblo is located within the United States. No international border crossings are involved for your visit.

Border Crossing Info

This section is not applicable to Taos Pueblo, as it is an internal US destination.

Inland Destination

Taos Pueblo is far from any ocean or major navigable river for passenger transport.

Departure Information

Exit Formalities

Prepare for your departure from Taos Pueblo and the surrounding area to ensure a smooth journey home.

Fees & Procedures

  • No specific exit fees or taxes appear when departing the United States beyond those already included in airline ticket prices.
  • For domestic flights from ABQ or SAF, arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • If connecting to an international flight from a major US hub, arrive 2-3 hours before your international departure.

Airport Facilities

The available services at airports vary. Be aware of what to expect based on your departure airport.

Amenities & Tips

  • Facilities vary by airport. ABQ offers more extensive services, including dining and shopping.
  • SAF or TAS have limited amenities. Plan accordingly if you need services before your flight.
  • Plan your departure from the Pueblo well before airport check-in times, factoring in travel time.

Connecting Flights

Major US Hubs

Most international travelers will connect through major US airports like LAX, DFW, or Denver.

Layover Times

Allow ample layover time for customs and potential delays at your first US port of entry.

Check Flight Status

Monitor your flight status regularly to account for any changes or delays.

Final Preparations

Double-check all travel documents before heading to the airport. Account for potential traffic or weather conditions on the day of departure.