Navigating
the streets of Santa Fe is a unique experience that may
take a little time to master. The roads, originally
created for heavy burro traffic, are narrow and
twisting. Newcomers are typically confused by the
wanderings of Paseo de Peralta, but it only takes a few
months to truly master the map. Parking in the city has
been upgraded to a pre-paid key system which helps move
things along. If all else fails, you can hail a cab or
hop a bus.
Air
Santa Fe is served by
Santa Fe Municipal Airport. Built in 1941, this
is a "nonhub" airport used mostly by private planes and
small jets. A planned upgrade will hopefully bring
regional jet service that could connect Santa Fe
directly with cities like Dallas, Phoenix and Los
Angeles. (505-955-2900)
Santa Fe Shuttle provides service between Santa
Fe and the Albuquerque International Airport.
(505-833-2300)
Great Lakes Airlines flies directly to Denver, and
Delta and American Airlines will start direct regional
jet service to Salt Lake, Los Angeles and Dallas in
2008.
Road
Santa Fe is located on I-25. In addition, U.S. Route
84 and U.S. Route 285 pass through the city along St.
Francis Drive.
Bus and rail transit
Santa Fe Trails operates a number of bus routes
within the city while New Mexico Rail Runner Express is
scheduled to begin commuter train service from
Albuquerque to Santa Fe in 2008.
The
Santa
Fe Southern Railway, now mostly a tourist rail
experience, connects to Lamy, 15 miles to the southwest,
to Amtrak's Southwest Chief for train service to Chicago
or Los Angeles. It offers several special activities and
themed event trains for the holidays; the Valentine's
train includes wine, dinner and a romantic ride under
the stars. Kids of all ages enjoy waving to passers-by
from the train as it makes its way through Santa Fe's
bustling traffic. (505-989-8600)
