Getting Around: Santa Fe

Public Transportation

Santa Fe Trails: This is the local bus system serving the city of Santa Fe. It has several routes connecting major attractions, residential areas, and commercial centers. The system gives a cost-effective way to move within the city. Santa Fe does not have a metro or tram system.

NM Rail Runner Express: This commuter train connects Santa Fe (Santa Fe Depot) south to Albuquerque and other communities along the Rio Grande corridor. Mainly used by commuters, it also serves as a convenient option for travelers moving between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, offering a scenic ride.

Routes & Fares

Santa Fe Trails Hub: Downtown Transit Center (DTC) at 540 S. Guadalupe St. Routes cover Plaza, Canyon Road, Museum Hill.
Santa Fe Trails Fares: Single ride: $1.00 (exact change). Day Pass: $2.00. Purchase on bus or at DTC.
NM Rail Runner Express: Santa Fe Depot (410 S Guadalupe St) is northernmost station. Fares are zone-based.
Purchase Rail Runner tickets at vending machines or via the Rio Metro app on your Smartphone. Day pass to Downtown Albuquerque typically $10.

Hours & Frequency

Santa Fe Trails: Mon-Sat, approx. 6 AM - 8 PM. Limited/no service Sundays/holidays. Every 30-60 mins. Rail Runner: Mon-Fri, reduced weekends.

Accessibility

All Santa Fe Trails buses and NM Rail Runner Express trains are wheelchair accessible.

Navigation Tips

Use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking. Have exact change or a pass ready. Buses are cost-effective for short distances.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis

Licensed taxis are available but less common to hail on the street. Call a local company (e.g., Capital City Cab).
Fares are metered. A short ride downtown might cost $10-$15. Credit cards are generally accepted.
Safety: Use licensed taxis. Confirm the meter is on.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are widely available. Request rides via their smartphone apps.
Apps display estimated fare, driver details, and vehicle information. Transparent fares.
Safety: Confirm driver, license plate, and car model match the app before entering. Share trip details.

Airport Taxi/Ride-Share Info

Available at SAF

Taxis and ride-shares are available at Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF).

Available at ABQ

Available at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).

ABQ Cost

From ABQ to Santa Fe, ride-sharing can be expensive (often $100+).

Shuttle Alternative

Shuttle services like Groome Transportation often give a more economical alternative for this longer distance.

Rental Options

Rental options give flexibility for exploring Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.

Car Rentals

Requirements: Valid driver's license. Minimum age 21 (often 25 without surcharge). Major credit card in renter's name.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is for non-English licenses.
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty operate at ABQ and SAF.
Booking: Recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. Use DiscoverCars.com or other comparison websites.

Driving Logistics

Driving Laws: Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are for all. Texting while driving is illegal.
Road Conditions: Generally good. Historic Plaza streets can be narrow. Winter: snow tires/chains for mountain passes.
Parking: Downtown/Plaza has metered street parking (scarce) and garages (Water Street, Sandoval Street). Free at hotels/attractions outside downtown.
Safety: Wildlife hazard (deer, elk) on rural roads at dawn/dusk. Never drive through flooded arroyos during monsoon season.

Other Vehicle Rentals

Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Limited options directly in Santa Fe. Some independent shops might offer motorcycle rentals.
Bicycle Rentals: No city-wide bike-sharing program. Several independent shops offer mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes for rent.
Specialty Vehicle Options: Santa Fe does not have specialty vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys for tourist transportation.

Booking Tip: If renting gear, call ahead to reserve your size, especially during peak seasons. This confirms availability.
Insurance Tip: If driving a rental car extensively, consider purchasing additional insurance from the rental company or verifying your personal auto insurance covers rentals. Check your credit card benefits, as some cards have rental car insurance.
Hotel Parking Tip: Confirm if your hotel offers free parking or if there is a daily fee.

Renting vs. Buying Gear

Rent if...

You use the item infrequently, want to save on baggage fees, or prefer not to transport bulky items.

Buy if...

You use the item often, prefer your own broken-in gear, or the cost of renting outweighs purchase.

Local Availability

Bike and ski/snowboard rentals are readily available in Santa Fe.

Walking & Cycling

Santa Fe's scale and charm make walking and cycling appealing ways to explore. Experience Santa Fe on foot.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Downtown/Plaza: Highly walkable. Most major attractions, shops, restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Canyon Road: Excellent for walking. Stroll past over 100 art galleries, enjoying the adobe architecture.
Historic Districts: Barrio de Analco and other districts are charming to explore on foot.
Walking Tours: Many guided tours focus on history, art, architecture, and ghost stories. Self-guided options are also available.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

Bike Lanes: Santa Fe has some dedicated bike lanes and multi-use trails (e.g., Santa Fe Rail Trail, Arroyo Chamisa Trail).
Safety: Cycling on main roads needs caution. Drivers may not always expect cyclists. Helmet use is for all cyclists.
No-Go Areas: Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Some major arterial roads have heavy traffic and lack pedestrian/cycling infrastructure.
Walking Tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good support. Santa Fe's elevation means even flat walks can feel more strenuous.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Loretto Chapel Tours offer guided tours, sometimes with shuttle services. Local companies have guided city tours via small buses/vans.

No large hop-on-hop-off system.

Water Transportation

Not applicable. Santa Fe is a landlocked city; no boat taxis, cruise ports, or river transport.

Focus on land-based travel.

Unique Local Transport

Santa Fe does not have cable cars, funiculars, or other unique, iconic local transport systems.

Mainly conventional options.

Accessibility Services

Accessible Options

Santa Fe Trails buses are accessible, accommodating wheelchairs.
Many newer hotels and attractions comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.
Contact specific attractions or accommodations in advance to inquire about their accessibility features.

Historic Building Limitations

Older historic buildings, notably in the Plaza and Canyon Road areas, may have limited accessibility.
This is due to their historic nature (e.g., stairs, narrow doorways, uneven surfaces).
Organizations like the New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disability can also give resources.

Safety and Navigation Reminders

Walking/Cycling Safety

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
Stick to designated trails and pedestrian-friendly zones for cycling.
Wear comfortable shoes with good support due to Santa Fe's elevation.

Transit & Driving Reminders

Have exact change or a pass for bus fares.
Drive cautiously and observe speed limits; watch for wildlife on rural roads.
Never drive through flooded arroyos during monsoon season.

Final Tip

Purchase a Santa Fe Trails day pass for just $2 if you plan multiple bus rides in one day. This gives convenience and savings.

For ride-sharing, check the fare estimate in the app before confirming your ride. This helps you know the cost upfront.

Getting Around Santa Fe