Tourism by Rail
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express launched its tourism campaign in July 2014 with an impressive video highlighting the culture, beauty and history that you can experience by taking the train. Whether your interest is fine dining, art, shopping, the outdoors, or just sight-seeing, take the train and live the adventure we call home.
Your Experience Begins the Moment You Step on the Train
All of these places are only steps away from the New Mexico Rail Runner Express! Let us take you to experience New Mexico - the adventure we call home.
Arts & Culture
From the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe to Judy Chicago in Belen, there are dozens of options for exploring New Mexico art within walking distance of the Rail Runner. You can also take the short free shuttle to gallery row along Canyon Road.
At the southern end of the rail line is the community of Belen, New Mexico. Walk across the pedestrian overpass to Becker Avenue and you will find the Harvey House Museum, Pete's Cafe and Becker Street Pub. And you can look forward to a new brewery opening this fall in our station parking lot.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express travels through five Native American pueblos. Free shuttles meet every train to the Isleta Resort and Casino, Sandia Resort and Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino, San Felipe Casino and Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino.
Hundreds of restaurants are only steps away from the train. Whether you are looking for an upscale restaurant in Santa Fe or causal dining in Bernalillo, just about every station has choices for mouth watering food that is sure to satisfy everyone in your party.
Native American artisans set up shop in front of the Palace of the Governors every day in Santa Fe. Take a short 15-minute walk from the Santa Fe Depot or take the free shuttle.
In Albuquerque, visit the artisans in Old Town Plaza. From Downtown ABQ, connect to the Rapid Ride Red Line for free and exit at Rio Grande.
You can't visit New Mexico without taking home a piece of our culture. Native American pottery is sold everyday at various stores along the route, or you can make plans to attend several Indian art markets held from July through September.
Outdoor Tourism
Albuquerque is the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Just about any calm morning, you can find up to a dozen hot air balloons right outside the train window. In October, during the International Balloon Fiesta, you can see more than 700 balloons floating in the sky.
You can always take your bike on the train or you may decide to rent a bike locker. Several stations conveniently connect to bike trails, including:
- Bernalillo County
- Downtown Albuquerque
- Los Ranchos / Journal Center
- Santa Fe Depot
- South Capitol
The Santa Fe Plaza is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Santa Fe Depot. There are tons of shops, galleries and restaurants along the way. Just walk north on Guadalupe and east on San Francisco Street. Or you can take the free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes.
If hiking is your thing, then we've got you covered. From the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque to Tent Rocks in Sandoval County, New Mexico offers some amazing trails with beauty you can only experience in the southwest!
The zoo in Albuquerque is the most visited attraction in the State of New Mexico. From polar bears to giraffes, this award winning facility is easy to get to from the train. Just exit the train in Downtown ABQ and connect for free to Bus Route 53.
Whether you want to attend a rodeo at the New Mexico State Fair or go horseback riding at a private ranch in Los Lunas, there are plenty of options. Bus connections or other transportation may be necessary.
From New Mexico sunsets to gorgeous mountain views and valley landscapes, the scenery from the New Mexico Rail Runner Express cannot be beaten. You can see all of this and so much more from the comfort of your seat on the train.
Some of the best skiing in the United States is right here in New Mexico. From the South Capitol Station, take the Mountain Trail Route bus to Ski Santa Fe.