Car Rental Albuquerque International Airport

Parking in Albuquerque

• The Convention Center Parking Garage (87102) has more than 1,500 spaces. It’s close to the El Ray Theatre, Turquoise Museum and Madonna of the Trail.
• Premium Parking Lot (87106) has over 40 spaces. Close to the Greetings from Burque mural and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
• Street Parking: If you’re looking to park your rental car on one of the Albuquerque streets you’re exploring, there are plenty of on-street metered parking bays around the city. These are paid for with coins.

Key Roads in Albuquerque

• Interstate 25 (I-25) takes drivers north-south of the city and connects Albuquerque to nearby Sandoval.
• The Big I is a great route for getting between the I-40 and the I-25. The only five-level interchange in the state, this road is very popular.
• The Business Loop I-40 is the most straightforward route when traveling east-west of the city, and you can easily access via the Big I.

How to get from Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) to Downtown

It should only take you about 15 minutes with a rental car to get from our airport pick-up location to Downtown.

1. When exiting the airport, head east on Sunport Boulevard, staying in the middle lane for about two miles.
2. Next, get into the left lane to safely merge onto Sunport Loop SE, before using the right lane to merge onto the I-25 N.
3. Continue on the I-25 for 2.7 miles towards Oak Street NE, then take exit 225.
4. Merge onto Oak Street and use the left two lanes to turn onto Lomas Boulevard NE into the heart of Downtown.

How to get from Albuquerque to El Paso

El Paso is only a four-hour drive south of Albuquerque when you follow the I-25. On your way, you’ll pass typically beautiful New Mexican landscapes.

Best Albuquerque Hotels

Albuquerque Marriot Hotel

2101 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

This is wonderfully situated in Uptown Albuquerque, so is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and attractions. The hotel offers over 400 comfortable rooms and suites for those seeking an added bit of luxury.

Hotel Parq Central

806 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

One of Albuquerque’s finest boutique hotels, a stay at the Italian-inspired Hotel Parq Central is a stay you won’t forget. Aside from their luxurious guest rooms, the hotel also has 15 suites and cottages to stay in.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

This four-star hotel is in a perfect location in Old Town, close to popular attractions including ABQ BioPark and downtown Albuquerque. The stylish rooms come equipped with free wi-fi and some have stunning mountain views. After a busy day sightseeing, relax in the outdoor pool.

Best Restaurants In Albuquerque

La Salita Restaurant

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd NE Suite H, Albuquerque, NM 87112

Sample the southwest and Mexican cuisine here at La Salita including crunchy tacos, chili cheese fries, homemade guac and so much more. For a mouth-watering sensation that is sure to get your tastebuds fired up, order from the signature menu for the likes of burritos and enchiladas. And if you fancy something sweet, the cheesecake chimichanga (cheesecake rolled in a pastry tortilla) will satisfy that sweet tooth.

Pueblo Harvest

2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

More than just a museum, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center also has a famous restaurant. As part of the cultural experience, all dishes are inspired by traditional Puebloan cuisine and created with locally grown ingredients. We recommend sampling their bison carpaccio paired with pickled fiddlehead ferns, or a classic bowl of red chile stew.

Grove Café & Market

600 Central Ave SE STE A, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Whether you’re looking for breakfast or lunch, Grove will whip you up something impressive. You won’t just get a standard plate of scrambled eggs – instead, it’ll be made with a tastebud-tingling combo of spices and herbs.

Best Attractions in Albuquerque

Sandia Peak Tramway

30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

Standing proud in Cibola National Forest, Sandia Peak is one of the most beautiful and beloved peaks in the US. At 10,378 feet above sea level, standing atop this peak is to take in Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area in all its glory. Hop aboard the tramway for a 15-minute ride into the skies.

Old Town

Albuquerque, NM 87104

The original neighborhood of the city, Albuquerque’s Old Town is a historic district. Since the first bricks were laid in 1706, Old Town has gradually become one of the most popular places to visit in Albuquerque. One of its biggest draws is its plethora of museums, with the Pueblo Cultural Center being among the most popular.

Breaking Bad

3828 Piermont Drive, 87111
If there’s one thing that comes to mind when thinking of Albuquerque, it’s the hit TV show Breaking Bad. This multi-award-winning show is a big draw to the city, with tours planned around shooting locations. Visit Walt’s notable house on 3828 Piermont Drive (87111), then head over to Jesse’s on 322 16th Street (87104) and see Walt and Skyler’s car wash at 9516 Snow Heights Circle (87112).