USA Guide
The Southwest
Arrival
Public transportation in Albuquerque has been transformed by the new Rail Runner light-rail system (fares from $1; 
1-866/795-7245, 
www.nmrailrunner.com ). Commuter trains from its Downtown Albuquerque station, in the Alvarado Transportation Center at First and Central on the eastern edge of downtown, run south to Belen and north to Bernalillo, but the main appeal for tourists is that services also continue all the way north to Santa Fe, as detailed under Arrival. The first Rail Runner stop south of downtown, the Bernalillo County/International Sunport station at 113 Rio Bravo SE, is a short ride from the airport on ABQ Ride bus #222; alternatively, bus #50 runs straight from the airport to the Downtown station.
Both Amtrak trains between Los Angeles and Chicago, and long-distance Greyhound buses (including 4 daily buses to Santa Fe; 505/243-4435; $28), also use the Alvarado Transportation Center.
Finally, the Alvarado Transportation Center is also the hub of the ABQ Ride city bus network ( 505/843-9200, www.cabq.gov/transit ). Its free D-Ride route circles downtown, while commuter buses further afield cost $1 a ride.