Approaching the City
Albuquerque is a designated Port of Entry into the United States. When arriving in Albuquerque by plane, visitors are greeted by the Albuquerque International Sunport terminal, which introduces them to local art and pueblo architecture. Located within the city limits, the airport is served by 8 major commercial airlines and 5 commuter airlines. The airport offers nonstop service to 27 cities across the country, plus nonstop service to 7 in-state cities.
Albuquerque is at the crossroads of two major highway routes: Interstate 25, running from Canada to Mexico, and Interstate 40—formerly Route 66—intersecting the city from east to west.
Passenger bus transportation into Albuquerque is available through commercial bus companies. Train service is provided by Amtrak; Albuquerque is a stop along its Southwest Chief route, a daily line between Los Angeles and Chicago.
Traveling in the City
The landscape surrounding Albuquerque—the Sandia Mountains to the east and mesas to the west—provides convenient landmarks for finding direction in the city. Dividing Albuquerque into quadrants are Interstate 40, which runs east to west, and Interstate 25, known as the Pan American Freeway, which runs north to south. The streets form a grid accommodating this intersection. Central Avenue (old Route66), called the "spine" of the city, is parallel to Interstate 40.
Albuquerque's mass transit service is provided by ABQ Ride. During the major festivals held in the city, such as the International Balloon Fiesta, the State Fair, and Luminaria, ABQ Ride supplies special service to and from the event venues. A trolley serves shoppers and tourists, running between Old Town, the zoo, and downtown. A light rail system is expected to be completed and running in 2006.
The city also maintains a number of well-lit and well-paved paths for bicycle travel, including 70 miles of on-street bike lanes.
