Shuttle To Santa Fe (Albuquerque, Las Cruces: rental car, rentals, how much)

[Carlitosway]

Happy mother's day to all the moms of NM. I will soon be going to Santa Fe, and would like to know the general consensus about going from Albuquerque to Santa Fe using the shuttle bus, and then renting a car in Santa Fe, or renting one in Albuquerque and then drive to Santa Fe. In other words, is it safe to drive there? Are there desolated stretches of roads in between the two cities? My gratitude for your good input goes without saying.

[_yb]

It's not a bad drive up I-25 from Albuquerque. Rent a car at the airport and then make the drive up to Santa Fe. Should take you under an hour to make the drive.

[dcmeyer]

what can I do in Socorro

[pinusconus]

On my visit to Santa Fe last year, I took the Sun Port shuttle to Santa Fe from the ABQ airport. Santa Fe is a great city for walking. There is an excellent bus system. I used the bus to visit the museums on Museum Hill. I used a tour service to visit Taos and a taxi to visit the Tesuque Market. My B&B (El Paradaro, which I highly recommend) was an easy ten minute walk to the Plaza. So, in my estimation, a car isn't really necessary in Santa Fe. Have a great trip!

[tito]

All depends on how much driving you intend to do, if you're going to be visiting only Santa Fe downtown you really don't need to rent a car; but if you're planning to visit many places, a car will become handy. I recently visited ABQ, Santa Fe, Tesuque, Taos, Truth and Consequences, Las Cruces and El Paso and driving a rented car made it all possible. In Santa Fe I used the car to explore the city and look for good restaurants away from downtown and I found many that I could have missed if I hadn't been driving. I visited Canyon Road and Museum Hill on the same day, I also went to the flea market in Tesuque two consecutive days. The cost of the rented car was definitely lower than if I taken taxis or public transporation, plus the bonus of not being tied up to schedules.

[Carlitosway]

Thank you. Renting a car in Abq and driving to Santa Fe would be less expensive. I don't know why, but car rentals are more expensive in Santa Fe. I was just worried about driving in lonely roads. Thanks for the input. Great ideas everyone! I will keep you posted upon my return.

[Cbundy]

I-25 north from Abq to Santa Fe is a great modern highway - not some desolate back road. You can find all of the modern conveniences. The best prices for gas can be found at any of the Indian reservation stations - also clean bathrooms. Or any of the Indian casino stops, great gas prices and restrooms. It's a nice drive too, I'd much rather rent a car in Abq than ride a crowded, smelly bus. Ü

[rherna4]

I would like to drive to Las Cruses but I need to rent a Car, Does anybody knows a Cheap rental car company here in ABQ to make a travel for a week?Thks

[mortimer]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned that there is regularly scheduled train that goes from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?

Originally Posted by dcmeyer

what can I do in Socorro

Why are you asking about Socorro in the [Shuttle To Santa Fe] thread?

Originally Posted by rherna4

... drive to Las Cruses but I need to rent a Car,
Does anybody knows a Cheap rental car company here in ABQ to make a travel for a week?

Most car rental companies offer weekly rates.
f that's not "cheap" enough, I recommend saving more money before you make the trip.

Originally Posted by Carlitosway

Renting a car in Abq and driving to Santa Fe would be less expensive.
I don't know why, but car rentals are more expensive in Santa Fe.

It's because there is a "real" airport in Albuquerque feeding rental car lots with customers.
There is less cost per rental car associated with the inventory there and the costs are reflected in the prices.

Originally Posted by Carlitosway

I was just worried about driving in lonely roads.

Even if you take the route through Jemez Springs and Los Alamos ( Rt 4 ) you will not be driving on a lonely road.

You *will* be driving on a gorgeous road that has lots of things to stop an see on it and excellent visual interest.

[Future Santafean]

Hey Tito! That is some road trip! I'm curious to know which city was your favorite? I'm right up the road from you (when you are in Chicago of course) in Madison, WI and longing for retirement to NM someday. Love Madison, but the weather leaves alot to be desired, as you know. The only city in NM I've visited so far is Santa Fe, and of course I fell in love with the place.