Car Hire Albuquerque International Airport

Car Hire

At less than five miles from Albuquerque and 66 miles from Sante Fe, New Mexico’s main air hub is the gateway to this scenic state and its top attractions. Local buses and faster shuttle buses run between the airport and Albuquerque, while shuttle buses also run to Sante Fe. Commuter trains operate between the airport and both Albuquerque and Sante Fe from nearby Bernalillo County/International Sunport Rail Runner Station. Nonetheless, the quickest way to get to the city and others in the state is with car hire in Albuquerque Airport, with Albuquerque a 15 minute drive to the northwest.

Who to Book With
Car rental agents at the airport include global suppliers such as Hertz, Avis and Budget, and American firm Payless. All suppliers have counters in the Sunport Car Rental Center, which can be accessed from the terminal by free shuttle bus.

Need to Know Essentials
At vehicle collection, you will need to show the following documents:

- Your UK driver’s licence (both parts)
- The credit card that was used to make the reservation
- Booking confirmation

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Each state across the US has different parking laws, but overall motorists can expect towing and an immediate fine if parked in a prohibited area. On-street parking zones are colour coded, with green allowing motorists to stop for up to 30 minutes. Yellow, red and white curbs mean no parking. Self-serve petrol pumps are commonplace and accept credit and debit cards for payment, though UK-issued cards may not be honoured. Interstates provide a fast way to zip around the country. Toll roads exist in some states and can be found at major bridges and tunnels. Many toll booths accept cash payment though RDIF transponders are become more common and are available through most rental agencies.

For more tips on driving here, see our guide to the US.

Transport

Self-drive is a fast way for passengers arriving at the airport to access the city. Trains reach the city almost as quickly but do not operate straight from the airport, while buses take longer and stop running at 20:00. Passengers arriving late have the option of taking an expensive taxi or limousine.

Trains
Bernalillo County/International Sunport Rail Runner Station is a 15-minute bus ride from the passenger terminal. From here, Rail Runner Express trains run to Downtown Albuquerque in around 15 minutes as well as to Sante Fe, taking around 2 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station and cost around £1.25 to Albuquerque and £5.50 to Sante Fe.

Taxis
Taxis depart from outside of the Baggage Claim area on Level 1 and are provided by Albuquerque Cab Company.

Taxi prices:
Albuquerque Airport to Albuquerque city centre is about £8
Albuquerque Airport to Sante Fe is about £90

Buses
Bus tickets for local ABQ Ride buses to Albuquerque can be purchased directly on the bus. The number 50 takes passengers from the airport to Albuquerque’s Alvarado Transportation Center, while the number 250 serves Albuquerque’s railway station. Passengers wishing to board the Rail Runner train should board bus number 222. A one-day bus pass for travel within Albuquerque costs around £1.20. Shuttle buses also run between the airport and Albuquerque, as well as other locations.

Facilities

Terminals
The single terminal has three concourses that can all be accessed on foot. Concourse A is the largest of the three, while Concourse E is the smallest and is used only by New Mexico Airlines. The airport serves close to six million passengers a year who arrive from major air hubs across the country including Carlsbad in southeast New Mexico.

Parking
There are two car parks at the airport, with one situated directly in front of the passenger terminal and the other to the east of the terminal building. Parking rates are: £0.60 for up to 30 minutes, £1.85 for up to 1 hour, £2.50 for up to 3 hours, £3.10 for up to 6 hours and £4.30 per day for long-term stays.

Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet is accessible to passengers throughout the terminal building.

Information Services
There are no information desks in the terminal. Passengers needing information should go to their airline check-in desk.

Useful Numbers
Call Centre: +1 505 244 7700

Accessibility
Passengers with reduced mobility are able to avail of assistance at the airport through their airline and airport staff. In addition, the main four-level car park has spaces on each floor which are reserved for disabled persons, and all public buses into the city are wheelchair-friendly.

Restaurants and Bars
There are a few restaurants in the terminal building, with Los Cuates (pre-security) serving New Mexican cuisine and Il Trattoria (post-security) featuring Italian cuisine. There are also three cafés and a handful of fast-food counters, while concourses A and B each have a lounge serving local beer, wine and spirits.

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges at Albuquerque Airport.

Money and ATMs
ATMs can be found in the Great Hall on Level 2, in the public area on Level 3 and on all concourses. There are no currency exchange kiosks or bank branches on site.

Shopping
Everything from handbags to drums are stocked at the shops in the terminal building. Native American handicrafts such as dream catchers, rugs and drums can be purchased at Sundancer Trading Co (pre-security), while other souvenirs are available at Thunderbird Curio (post-security). Those with a sweet tooth can buy New Mexican candy and chocolate at Senor Murphy Candy Maker (Concourse A), while the gourmand can bring home regional foods from Greetings from NM (pre-security).