Navigating "The City Different"
Santa Fe is a fascinating mix of two different worlds: the compact, historic downtown that feels like an old European village, and the sprawling high-desert neighborhoods that surround it. When people ask me about living in Santa Fe or just visiting, I always tell them that how you get around depends entirely on what you plan to do that day.
If you are sticking to the Historic Plaza and the Railyard District, you can easily get by on foot or with a bike. However, our city spreads out quickly. If you want to hit the world-class museums on Museum Hill, hike the trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or check out homes in Santa Fe neighborhoods like Eldorado or the Southside, you are going to need wheels.
That said, you don’t strictly need to own a car to enjoy the city. While having your own vehicle offers the most freedom—especially for grocery runs or trail access—it is entirely possible to navigate using a combination of our free shuttles, the rail system, and rideshare services. We call it "Santa Fe style"—things move a little slower here, but the view is always worth it.
Is Santa Fe Walkable? What to Expect
If you love walking, you’re going to fall in love with the downtown core. The Historic Plaza and the Railyard District are incredibly pedestrian-friendly, packed with dense rows of galleries, shops, and restaurants. Connecting these two major hubs is the Santa Fe River Trail, a lovely paved path that makes the roughly 0.75-mile journey between them a scenic 20-minute stroll.
However, there are a few local realities to keep in mind. First is the altitude. We sit at 7,000 feet above sea level. If you are visiting from sea level, that walk might feel like a workout. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, and take your time.
Second, "historic" often means "uneven." Many of the sidewalks in the historic eastside Santa Fe and around the Plaza are brick or flagstone, which can be tricky for strollers or wheelchairs. Also, in the winter, our beautiful adobe walls cast long shadows that keep ice on the sidewalks for days after a storm, so watch your step if you're visiting in January or February.
Santa Fe Trails and The Pick-Up Shuttle
For getting around the main parts of town without burning through shoe leather, we have two main bus options: the regular city bus and the "Pick-Up."
Santa Fe Pick-Up: This is the one everyone loves because it’s free. It’s a shuttle service that loops around the most popular spots: the Rail Runner station, the Plaza, and up to the galleries on Canyon Road. It runs daily and is perfect for tourists or locals doing a quick downtown errand.
Santa Fe Trails (City Bus): This is our standard municipal bus system. It’s reliable, clean, and very affordable—typically around $1.00 a ride or $2.00 for a day pass (just bring exact change). There are about 10 routes that cover the major corridors. Route 2 along Cerrillos Road is the main workhorse; it’s the best way to get from the tourist areas to the major shopping centers and movie theaters on the south side. All the buses have bike racks, which is a huge plus if you want to mix cycling with transit.
Regional Connections: Rail Runner & Blue Bus
If you want to explore beyond the city limits without driving, we have excellent regional transit that connects us to the rest of Northern New Mexico.
NM Rail Runner Express: This is our commuter train that runs between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It’s not a high-speed bullet train; it’s a leisurely, scenic ride that takes about 90 minutes end-to-end. It’s fantastic for a stress-free day trip to ABQ or for coming up from the Sunport. We have three stops in town: Zia Road, South Capitol, and the Santa Fe Depot at the Railyard. Fares are zone-based but very reasonable, usually hovering around $9 to $11 for a day pass covering the full distance.
NCRTD (The Blue Bus): You’ll see these blue buses buzzing around, and they are a gem. The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) connects Santa Fe to neighboring communities like Taos, Los Alamos, and Española. Most of these routes are fare-free. A local favorite is the "Mountain Trail" route, which runs from downtown up to Ten Thousand Waves and the Ski Santa Fe basin. It’s the smartest way to get to the ski hill in winter without worrying about icy mountain driving, though check the current schedule to see if there is a nominal fee for that specific recreational route.
Driving and Parking in Santa Fe
If you do drive, you need to shift gears—literally and mentally. The streets in the historic district were originally laid out for burros and carts, not modern SUVs. They are narrow, winding, and often one-way. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for pedestrians who might step off a narrow curb.
Parking Strategy: A rookie mistake is circling the Plaza hunting for a street meter. It’s stressful and unnecessary.
Use the Garages: The municipal garages—specifically the Sandoval Garage, the Convention Center garage, and the Railyard garage—are plentiful and affordable. You’ll usually pay around $1 for the first hour with a daily max of about $12.
Skip the Meters: Street meters are tighter, often cost around $2 an hour, and have strict time limits.
Free Options: If you don't mind a short walk, the parking lot at the State Capitol (the Roundhouse) is often free and open to the public on weekends and evenings.
Traffic isn't usually terrible compared to big cities, but Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive can get congested during the classic 8-to-9 AM and 5-to-6 PM rush hours.
Biking Around the City
Santa Fe has worked hard to become bike-friendly and is rated as an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center. We have a strong cycling culture, whether you’re on a mountain bike or a cruiser.
For commuting or casual riding, stick to the multi-use paths. The Santa Fe Rail Trail runs along the train tracks—it’s paved near town and turns to dirt as you head out into the desert. The River Trail is another safe, paved artery through the city.
A word of caution: I generally advise casual riders to avoid biking directly on major thoroughfares like Cerrillos Road or St. Francis Drive. Traffic moves fast there. Stick to the designated lanes and trails. Also, given our hills and altitude, e-bikes have become incredibly popular here; they make that climb back up to the Plaza much more manageable.
Getting to and from the Airports
We have two main airport options, and the logistics for each are quite different.
From Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): This is our small, local airport. It’s incredibly convenient—you can land and be downtown in 20 minutes. Since it’s small, transit options are limited. Your best bet is to grab an Uber, Lyft, or a rental car right at the terminal.
From Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): This is the major airport, located about 60 to 75 minutes south of us. To get here, you have a few choices:
Rent a Car: An easy hour-long drive up I-25.
Rail Runner: You can take a shuttle from the airport to the train station, then enjoy the train ride north. Just remember the train schedule is geared toward commuters, so check the times.
Shuttles: There was a big shake-up in late 2025 when Groome Transportation stopped servicing the route. Since then, operators like "NM Shuttle" and "Santa Fe Valet" have filled the gap. You’ll want to book these van services in advance.
Rideshare and Taxis
Regarding apps like Uber and Lyft—yes, they operate here, but it’s not like NYC or LA. Availability can be lower, and wait times of 15–20 minutes are common, especially early in the morning or late at night. If you have a 6:00 AM flight, do not rely on finding a driver last minute. Pre-booking your ride is highly recommended. Traditional taxis and private car services are also available, but they almost always require calling ahead rather than hailing from the street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get around Santa Fe without a car?
Yes, absolutely, if you are staying near the Plaza or Railyard. You can walk to dinner and museums and use the shuttle for local trips. However, if you plan to explore the mountains, visit the pueblos, or look at real estate in the suburbs, a car is strongly recommended.
Is there a free shuttle in Santa Fe?
Yes. The "Santa Fe Pick-Up" is a free shuttle service that connects the Railyard, the Plaza, and Canyon Road. It’s distinct from the standard city buses (Santa Fe Trails), which charge a small fare.
How much is the train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
The Rail Runner Express is very affordable. Fares are based on how many zones you travel through, but a day pass for the full trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe generally costs around $9 to $11.
Is parking difficult in Santa Fe Plaza?
Parking right on the street can be difficult and tight. It is much easier to park in one of the nearby municipal garages (like the Convention Center or Sandoval garage), which are just a block or two away and usually cheaper than the meters.