Car Rental in Albuquerque

Why rent a car in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is by far the largest city in New Mexico and has the state's only major airport. It may not be the biggest draw for tourists (that definitely goes to Santa Fe), but it is certainly worth a visit. 

Albuquerque can serve as a hub from which to travel to other parts of the state or the start and end of a longer trip through the west. 

Top ways to enter Albuquerque

Albuquerque International Sunport - The largest airport in the state of New Mexico is its main entryway for visitors. T 

Train - Amtrak's Southwest Cheif stops in Albuquerque on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. The station is located downtown, so you can pick up a rental car at a downtown office rather than at the airport. 

By car - If you've rented a car in a neighboring state and wish to include New Mexico in your road trip, that's easy to do. Albuquerque itself is at the intersection of I25 and I-40, so it's easy to reach no matter where you are coming from. 

Top sights and activities

• Albuquerque Biological Park - This complex includes the city's zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. There is also a pond where you can fish or ride a paddle boat (called Tingley Beach). A small train runs between them all. A great way to spend a day with your family. 
• Old Town - Albuquerque has an impressive Old Town that dates back to 1706. There are serval museums you can visit. Of course, just strolling along the narrow streets is a great adventure in and of itself. 
• Sandia Peak Tramway - If you want a great view of the city but don't like hiking, then take the tramway up to Sandia Peak. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the top. Definitely consider going around sunset for a view you won't soon forget. 

Traffic and parking

While traffic isn't as bad as in other cities in the western US (like Phoenix), it still can be hectic during rush hour in certain places — mainly on the bridges and interstates. 

As elsewhere, you have to pay to park on the streets in the very center of downtown. There are streets further away where you can park for free. There are also some lots on the edge of downtown where you can park for free. City-owned lots around downtown are likely your best bet. There are also privately owned lots, but those tend to be more expensive. 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in New Mexico, so there's no need to worry about transponders with your rental car. If you plan to travel further to Colorado, Utah, or Texas, you may encounter toll roads and need a transponder (see the articles for those states for more info). 

Ideas for day trips

Albuquerque is just about in the very center of the state. This means it's a great place to base yourself from to make some day trips. New Mexico is big, though. So some destinations may be a bit too far for a comfortable day trip. 

• Sante Fe - The tourist crown jewel of New Mexico and the capital of the state is Santa Fe. It is about an hour northeast of Albuquerque. Instead of the Interstate, consider taking NM 14 for a much more scenic route. 
• Taos - Further to the north of Santa Fe in the mountains, you'll find the small art hun of Taos. It has a large New Age community in addition to being a place where you can ski in the winter.
• Jemez Mountains - About an hour or so drive to the north of Albuquerque, these mountains are a great place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Many hiking trails crisis cross them. 
• Truth or Consequences - This uniquely named town is famous for its hot springs. It used to be called Hot Springs but changed its name to win a radio contest of the show Truth or Consequences — the show was broadcast from the first town to rename itself after the radio show in the 1950s. 

Further destinations

Alburquerque can be a great place to start a longer road trip. You could travel to New Mexico's neighboring states. Be careful, as some suppliers (particular ACE) only allow traveling the states immediately bordering New Mexico.

Also, many suppliers will allow you to travel to Mexico, but you'll be required to purchase extra insurance (your car rental insurance usually does not cover you in Mexico). You should certainly check with the supplier before planning any trip to Mexico.

There are many destinations in New Mexico worth visiting:

• White Sands National Park- Protecting a large part of the great white dunes of New Mexico, this national park is definitely worth the drive to get to. And once there you can drive through the gypsum dunes along Dunes Drive. You can also sled down the dunes until you get tired of walking back up to the top. 
• Roswell - Infamous as the supposed place of alien landings, Roswell is a great tongue-in-cheek place to go through. The International UFO Museum and Research Center is a great place for a good "tour" through the local claims — you can have yourself a sort of real-life version of MST3K while going through it. There is also a serious museum about the local area if you prefer to learn something. 
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park - While this national park has backcountry and hiking trails, the main attraction is the large network of caverns. You can go down in the caverns on your own, but as of May 2022, you need to make a reservation ahead of time. If you are traveling in the summer (Memorial day to October) try to catch the Bat Flight Program in the evenings (no reservation needed). You'll learn about the bats from a park ranger before watching them leave the cavern en masse (there is an amphitheater at the exit from where you can watch). 
• The Very Large Array - One of the largest astronomical radio observatories in the world is located in New Mexico. Usually, you could watch an informative video about it and take a tour of the 27 satellite dishes, but it is currently (as of May 2022) closed to the public completely. It is still worth seeing from afar if you happen to be driving in the area.  
• Four Corners Monument - See where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet. It is on Navajo land and is therefore administered by the Navajo Nation (National Park passes are not accepted). You also need to drive through either Arizona or Colorado to reach it. 

Of course, many chose a longer road trip through the west. A trip through the desert and mountains of New Mexico and its neighboring states is a trip of a lifetime to be sure. 

• Colorado - The place to go to experience the heights of the Rocky Mountains. The state has 58 14ers (peaks 14,000 ft. or higher) and is a mecca for all things outdoors (hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, and so forth). A road trip through the West is not complete without venturing to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
• Arizona - Just two and a half hours separate Albuquerque from the border of Arizona. On the way to Phoenix or the Grand Canyon, you'll pass Petrified Forest National Park, which makes for a great stop-off. And while we're at it, what road trip in the southwestern US would be complete without going to the Grand Canyon?
• Texas - Head south on I-25 to hit I-10 and get to Texas. Of course, the more adventurous route in the eastern part of New Mexico will take you right across the border to Guadeloupe Mountains National Park. 
• Route 66 - Perhaps the most famous road in 487 miles of the original US, Route 66 went through New Mexico, including going through Albuquerque. Driving parts of the route that still exist (or trying to follow the whole route) is extremely popular for the retro vibes. 

Car rental prices in Albuquerque

• Large cars - from $52 per day
• Small cars - from $57 per day
• Medium cars - from $57 per day
• SUVs - from $66 per day
• Premium cars - from $65 per day
• Vans - from $97 per day