Albuquerque, New Mexico is a city full of charm, rich history, a vibrant art scene, delicious cuisine, and is the home to the International Balloon Fiesta.
Although the city of Albuquerque has so much to offer, a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is totally worth the adventure. Santa Fe is just a short hour drive northeast of the city of Albuquerque and is a place to visit for those interested in exploring more throughout New Mexico.
For those interested in unique architecture, world-class galleries, rich history, and unbelievable restaurants, a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe must be on your bucket list.
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Distance From Albuquerque To Santa Fe
You will find that Albuquerque is not far from Santa Fe. In fact, it is about 64 miles between the two cities. This means that heading on a day trip from Albuquerque is super easy and something that many people take on frequently. Santa Fe is gorgeous and it has so many things to do. This makes it an ideal place for a day out.
How To Get To Santa Fe From Albuquerque
There are three main options to pick from when deciding how to get from Albuqueruqe to Santa Fe. You can pick between driving a car, taking the bus, or hopping on a train.
Car
It takes about 1 hour to drive between the two cities and it is quite the simple drive. This is definitely the most popular option for those looking to go on a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Plus, it is nice to have a car upon your arrival to Santa Fe so that you can easily explore the different areas throughout the city.
Train
Another option for transportation between the two cities is to take the Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.
The train ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours in length.
Bus
The third option is to take the bus. Groome Transportation runs between the two cities and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in length.
When Is The Best Time To Go On A Day Trip From Albuquerque to Santa Fe
There truly is never a bad time to go on a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. However, we typically recommend embarking on this fabulous day trip during the spring or fall months. During these two seasons, the weather tends to be more mild, making it the perfect temperature to go on a road trip and explore a new destination.
Where To Stay In Sante Fe
If you fall in love with the charming city and wish to extend your day trip to Santa Fe, check out our favorite accommodation options below for the best places to stay in the area.
- Budget Friendly: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza – This is a great place to stay for those looking for a budget friendly option near the Santa Fe Plaza.
- Mid-Range: La Fonda on the Plaza – This hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a great mid-range option with endless shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance.
- Luxury: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi– For those looking for a luxurious getaway to Santa Fe, this hotel has a beautiful aesthetic and incredible amenities.
Where To Stop On A Day Trip From Albuquerque To Santa Fe
Just outside the city of Albuquerque lies the town of Bernalillo, a great place to stop on your journey to Santa Fe!
The town of Bernalillo, is roughly 20 minutes from Albuquerque and is directly on the way to Santa Fe.
This small town is a great place to stop for those interested in history. Make sure to check out the Coronado Historic Site. This historic site is full of ancient Pueblo ruins and a great place to visit for those looking to learn more about New Mexican history.
Things To Do On A Day Trip From Albuquerque To Santa Fe
There are countless things to do on a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe! Check out our top recommendations down below.
1. Go On A Walking Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (263 Reviews) Price: $99 per person Duration: 2 hours 30 min 📍Meeting Point: Tees & Skis Details: Read more on Viator!
A walking tour of Santa Fe is one of the best activities to embark on to learn more about this charming city and learn from a local. There are countless different options to pick from including history tours, art tours, architecture, and many others so you are sure to find a walking tour that interests you!
2. Take In The Views From A Hike
One of the most beautiful things about Santa Fe is the endless outdoor recreational opportunities around the city. One of the best ways to get outside and appreciate all of the beauty that Santa Fe has to offer is by hitting the trails. This is a great way to spend some time outdoors and it’s also a great opportunity to get some exercise in.
We recommend checking out the Picacho Peak Trail. This hike is roughly 4 miles in length and is considered to be moderately challenging. This is a great option for those looking to take in some awesome scenery of the surrounding Santa Fe area while working up a decent sweat.
3. Drink Margaritas On The Margarita Trail
Santa Fe is known for its delicious cuisine and beverages.
One of the coolest activities you can do in the city is stop by different bars and restaurants on the Margarita Trail and try different variations of margaritas.
This is a terrific way to support local restaurants and bars and also a great way to experience the delicious flavors of Santa Fe.
4. Immerse Yourself In Art At Meow Wolf
For those interested in art or for those simply wanting to try a unique experience, you must head to Meow Wolf. This immersive art experience will leave you amazed at how talented artists are and will have you feeling inspired and intrigued.
Be sure to allocate at least one hour for this experience but we recommend spending at least 2-3 hours so that you can take your time and experience all of the exhibits and truly appreciate each room.
5. Visit The Santa Fe Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza boasts endless shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, hotels, and so much more. It is a great place to walk around and enjoy the heart of Santa Fe and support local businesses.
For those interested in shopping be sure to check out the Malouf on the Plaza. This jewelry store is a great place for those looking for southwestern inspired jewelry.
It’s a great place to pick up a keepsake that will remind you of your time in Santa Fe.
Additionally, it’s a great place to shop for friends and loved ones if you are looking to bring back a souvenir or two from your awesome day trip!
6. Take In The Art At Canyon Road Art District
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (58 Reviews) Price: $70 per person Duration:2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Morning Star Gallery Ltd Details: Read more on Viator!
The Canyon Road Art District is known for its countless galleries, studios, and boutiques. This is a great place for art enthusiasts looking to appreciate the local talent.
We recommend stopping by Canyon Temporary, this art gallery is home to some truly remarkable pieces of artwork.
7. Learn Something New At The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a great place to visit for those looking to learn more about the artist, her work, and her life. There are various exhibits, collections, and archives to explore.
Additionally, this fabulous museum holds various events year round including classes, family fun days, and community events.
This is a great place to spend a few hours exploring and appreciating Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about paintings, drawings, and so much more.
8. Eat Something Delicious
Santa Fe is known for its tasty New Mexican cuisine. Be sure to try local favorite restaurants such as La Choza and The Shed.
Both of these terrific restaurants serve up traditional New Mexican cuisine as well as delicious beverages such as margaritas and sangria.
9. Walk Around The Railyard District
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (2 Reviews) Price: $55 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: 1608 Alcaldesa St Details: Read more on Viator!
The Railyard District of Santa Fe is a great place to walk around and shop. This district is full of fun art, endless shopping, and scrumptious places to eat a meal or grab a drink.
Be sure to check out Second Street Brewery at the Railyard for tasty craft beer and delicious pub bites to eat.
Tips For Embarking On A Day Trip From Albuquerque To Santa Fe
There are several things you should know before embarking on a day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Check out our ultimate list below!
- Fill Up On Gas- There aren’t many places to stop between Albuquerque and Santa Fe and there are limited gas stations between the two cities as well. Be sure to fill up your gas before heading on your adventure so that you don’t run out of fuel on your way!
- Pack Plenty of Water and Snacks- As with any road trip, make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks so that you stay healthy, hydrated, and full on your journey!
- Think About Visiting During The Month of October- Albuquerque and Santa Fe in October are both incredible during October. The weather is incredible and there are endless things to see and do. For instance, you can check out the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque or the Santa Fe International Film Festival.
- Pack For a Desert Climate- New Mexico is known for its desert climate and therefore you must pack your clothing accordingly! Typically it is fairly warm while the sun is up but can get pretty chilly during the evenings and night time. Consider packing layers or bringing along a light jacket so that you stay comfortable and warm during the day but can also stay warm and toasty at night once the sun goes down.
- Bring Comfortable Closed Toe Shoes- Albuquerque and Santa Fe are two awesome cities to explore so be sure that you pack comfortable closed toe shoes so that your feet stay comfortable while walking around and exploring!
- Bring Sunscreen- Due to the desert climate, the New Mexican sun can be pretty harsh all year round. Make sure to pack sunscreen and put it on if you plan on spending several hours outside!
- Try To Plan Your Day Trip In Advance- Day trips are so much fun and can easily be a spur of the moment adventure, however, we recommend planning your day trip to Santa Fe in advance so that you can truly experience all that this city has to offer.
With so much to see and do in Santa Fe, you will want to make sure that you plan your time and fully max out your day so that you can appreciate the art, history, and cuisine that the city has to offer.
Additionally, some experiences require reservations in advance so it is best to plan ahead of time so that you don’t miss out on things like spectacular walking tours or Meow Wolf!
FAQs About A Day Trip From Albuquerque To Santa Fe
What is the most scenic drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
The most scenic drive is the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway! This is a fabulous drive with beautiful New Mexican scenery that will take you from Albuquerque to Santa Fa.
What is there to see between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?
The main things to see between Albuquerque and Santa Fe lie in the small town of Bernalillo. In this town you explore the Coronado Historic Site and take in the beautiful desert scenery..
How long does the rail runner take from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
The Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours in length.
How do I get from Albuquerque to Santa Fe without a car?
You can take the Rail Runner train or you can take the bus system offered by Groome Transportation.
A day trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe must be on your bucket list. The drive is just a short one hour car ride away and takes you through some phenomenal desert scenery. Additionally, Santa Fe has so much to offer and there are so many things that you can see and do in just one day in Santa Fe.
About The Author
Abby and Sam Price are the founders and storytellers behind Trekking Price’s, a couples’ travel and outdoor adventure blog.
Their website focuses primarily on United States travel and their favorite outdoor hobbies. They are passionate about sharing their travels, tips, and recommendations with others!