Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule during the 2008 holidays?

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express will be on a normal schedule through December 24, 2008. Trains will not run on Thursday, December 25^th, Friday, December 26^th or Thursday, January 1^st. Regular weekday service will resume on Monday, December 29^th.

Please note: ABQ Ride connections will not operate after 3pm on Wednesday, December 24 for Christmas Eve.

There will be Special Weekend Service on December 27^th & 28^th, and January 3^rd & 4^th. For the holiday weekend train schedule, click here.

Why is my train late?

Due to the overwhelming response to our new Santa Fe service, some of our trains have been delayed as people take more time to board. We are adding extra service to accommodate our new passengers. We apologize for any inconvenience these delays have caused and are working hard to return to our tradition of on-time performance.

What do I do if there’s no room on the train?

Rail Runner seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many of our trains to Santa Fe have been filled to capacity on weekends and some people waiting on the station platform have not been able to board. We have responded by adding extra railcars and trains. If you are not able to find a seat on the train, you are allowed to stand in the aisles. If the train is full, you will have to wait for the next train. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are working to increase our capacity so that does not occur.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online, or on-board from ticket agents wearing yellow vests. They accept cash and all credit cards except American Express. You will receive a significant discount for buying tickets on-line. Click here to purchase tickets on-line.

Can I ride for free?

Weekend Rail Runner Express service is free through January 4, 2009. If you live in Santa Fe County, you can ride all Rail Runner trains for free until March 17, 2009, if you provide proof of residency. However, if you take advantage of the free train service, you will need to pay for transit connections both in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

How much do I pay for transit that takes me to and from the Rail Runner stations?

If you purchase a ticket for the Rail Runner, transit connections aboard Santa Fe Trails and ABQ Ride are free. Transportation provided by Sandoval Easy Express, Los Lunas Public Transportation, Belen Transportation, or the Socorro Shuttle is not free. For more information about transit connections at each station, click here.

What can I do when I arrive in Santa Fe?

There are several Santa Fe attractions such as museums, restaurants, galleries, shops, and the famous Santa Fe Plaza within easy walking distance of the Santa Fe Railyard Station. There are also shuttles leaving from that station that will take you to area destinations. Those shuttles are free with a Rail Runner ticket or monthly or yearly pass. Click here for Santa Fe shuttle information.

What can I do when I arrive into the Albuquerque area?

There are many shops, restaurants, museums, and other attractions located within easy walking distance of the Downtown Albuquerque Station. A few steps away from the Downtown Rail Runner stop is the Alvarado Transportation Center. From there, you can catch transit connections that take you throughout the Albuquerque area. Most Rail Runner stations in Sandoval, Bernalillo, and Valencia counties have transit connections that will take you to area destinations. For information about connections at each station, click here.

How do I get to the Albuquerque Airport?

Shuttles to the Albuquerque Airport run on weekdays only.

If you are travelling southbound into Albuquerque, get off the train at the Downtown Albuquerque Station and board the “Airport Express Bus” - Route 350 - to get to and from the Albuquerque airport. The bus meets every southbound train before 8pm.

If you are travelling northbound into Albuquerque, get off at the Bernalillo County/Sunport Station and take the “Rio Bravo-Sunport-Kirtland” Bus – Route 222 - to get to the airport. For more information about airport service, click here.

What is a Rail Runner Discount Card and where can I get one?

The Rail Runner Discount Card can be used for discounts and benefits at hundreds of restaurants, shops, and area attractions throughout the Rail Runner service area, including free admission to New Mexico State Museums and Monuments. Get your card from Rail Runner ticket agents or conductors on board the trains, through March 31. For more information about the cards and a list of participating merchants, click here.

Are pets allowed on trains?

Pets are not allowed on Rail Runner trains. Service animals are allowed.

New Summary of Technical Information on Service to Santa Fe (October, 2008)

This report provides a summary of the technical information and analysis that has been completed for extending commuter rail service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The report follows the refinement of alternative alignments, summarizes public comments, and presents findings of the market of potential commuters, noise impacts, and current project activities.

View the Report, revised October, 2008 (84.2 MB)

For more information about this project, contact Chris Blewett with the Mid-Region Council of Governments at (505) 724-3634.