Albuquerque Travel Info

Getting There

Two major highways, I-25 and I-40, cross at Albuquerque. Greyhound buses stop at 300 2nd Street downtown. The train station is at 214 1st Street, and Amtrak trains leave for Los Angeles everyday. There is also a shuttle train to nearby Santa Fe. Albuquerque International Airport is south of downtown, and an Airport Express shuttle bus to town will cost you $10.

Around Town

Most of the bars and cafes area along Central Avenue, which is part of the legendary old Route 66. Sun-Tran Transit runs buses around the city, but only until 6 in the evening. In the evening, you'll have to call a taxi from Albuquerque Cab (883-4888) if you want to venture away from the main strip.

Where to Stay

Route 66 Hostel, 1012 Central Ave. SW. (505-247-1813)
If you're looking for a nice place to lay your head down, search no further. Dorm beds go for around $13, including use of kitchen facilities. Ask about private double rooms.

Crossroads Motel, 1001 Central Ave. NE. (505-242-2757)
Sweating bullets? Come inside for the A/C! Spacious rooms will keep you happy with cable and phone service. Singles start at $29; doubles $39.

University Lodge , 3711 Central Ave. NE. (505-266-7663)
Camp out here and you'll be 10 minutes from the University of New Mexico's campus. Singles are assigned for $33, while doubles go for $40. Rates lower in the winter.

Tourist Sites

Sandia Peak Tramway (505-856-7325)
Feel like going for a ride? Hop on the Sandia Peak Tramway and enjoy the view at the summit of your 10,390 foot ascent. Just remember that what goes up must come down. The total duration of the 2.7 mile ride is about 18 minutes.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (505-843-7270)
Interested in learning about Native American culture and heritage? If so, you'll definitely want to check out the Pueblo Center. Here you'll find a crafts market, and an open courtyard where live dances are held on the weekends.

Albuquerque BioPark (505-764-6200)
This complex boasts an aquarium, a botanic garden, and a zoo.

Petroglyph National Monument (505-899-0205)
For the naturalist, the Petroglyph National Monument will capture your imagination. Take a gander at thousands of images etched into lava rocks by Pueblo natives and Spanish settlers. You'll find some strange stuff here.

La Luz Trail
Are you a fitness buff? If you have the time, and the stamina, take the 8 mile La Luz Trail challenge! Your reward for this grueling hike is the scenic view above the Sandias.

Museums

National Atomic Museum (505-284-3243)
For the science enthusiast, or the little kid in each of us who dreams of blowing things up, stop by the National Atomic Museum on Kirtland Air Force Base. Be forewarned that you'll need more than library card to gain access. This place blends nuclear know-how with political considerations and propaganda. Keep an open mind.

Turquoise Museum
If you like shiny rocks, swing on by the little Turquoise Museum. Inside, feel free to gawk in awe of the rare and beautiful nuggets. But don't touch!

Rattlesnake Museum
What's that sound? Uh, oh... You've stumbled into the Rattlesnake Museum. Live rattlers are on display, so take a picture, but don't take your scaly friend home.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History (505-841-2800)
Looking for a good place to see motorized dinosaur replicas and a simulated volcano blowing its top? The New Mexico Museum of Natural History is something you don't want to miss! See how your footprints measure up to a Wooly Mammoth and crawl through a recreated Ice Age snow dwelling.

Pubs and Music

University Draft House, 318 Central Ave. SW (505-843-7078)
Come on down if you want to see frat boys doing what they do best! The atmosphere is hectic and casual.

Caravan East, 7605 Central Ave. NE (505-265-7877)
Cozy ambience and live music.

Dingo Bar, 313 Gold St. SW (505-246-0663)
Into rock music? Perhaps you're more of the blues vein? Reggae anyone? Whatever your taste, local bands will keep you content.