Car Rental Albuquerque International Airport

Parking in Albuquerque

• The Convention Center Garage (401 2nd St) has more than 1,500 spaces and is surrounded by popular restaurants. It’s also near local attractions, like the historic El Ray Theatre.
• 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 available between 8am and 6pm. These are paid for with coins.

How to get from Albuquerque International Airport to Downtown

It should only take you about 15 minutes with a rental car to get from our airport pick-up location to Downtown. Here’s an easy to follow route:

• When exiting the airport, head east on Sunport Boulevard, staying in the middle lane for about two miles.
• 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.
• Continue on the I-25 for 2.7 miles towards Oak Street NE, then take the exit 225.
• Merge onto Oak Street and use the left two lanes to turn onto Lomas Boulevard NE into the heart of Downtown.

Notable roads and freeways in Albuquerque

• Interstate 25 (I-25) take 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 and convenient.
• When travelling east-west of the city, the most straight-forward route is via the Business Loop I-40, which you can easily access via the Big I.

Traffic in Albuquerque

Like all major cities, there are peak traffic times when driving in Albuquerque. The morning commute generally lasts between 7am and 10am, picking up again the evening between 5pm and 7pm.

Albuquerque to El Paso

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

Things to do in Albuquerque

Sandia Peak Tramway (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.

Park up your rental car in the lot below then hop aboard the tramway for a 15-minute ride into the skies. Once at the top, you can step out onto the observation deck to see Albuquerque and surrounding New Mexico in all its glory. Visit on a clear day and you can see as far as 11,000 miles from every angle.

Old Town (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 it plethora of museums, with the Pueblo Cultural Center being among the most popular. Here you can learn more about the history and culture of the region’s nine Pueblo tribes. Want to find out more about Albuquerque’s resident animals? The American International Rattlesnake Museum covers everything you’d ever need or want to know about the local snake.

Breaking Bad

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when thinking of Albuquerque, it’s hit TV show Breaking Bad. This multi-award-winning show is a big draw to the city, with tours planned around shooting locations. Some choose to join organized bus tours, but why not use your rental car to see it at your own pace? Visit Walt’s house on 3828 Piermont Drive (87111) then head over to Jesse’s on 322 16^th Street (87104). We don’t expect you to wash your rental car, but feel free to stop by Walt and Skyler’s car wash at 9516 Snow Heights Circle (87112).

The best restaurants in Albuquerque

Pueblo Harvest (87104)

More than just a museum, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center also has a famous restaurant. 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 (87102)

Whether you’re looking for breakfast or lunch, Grove are sure to 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, and accompanied with sausages from local farm, Tully’s.

Top Albuquerque hotels

Albuquerque Marriot Hotel (87110)

Marriot hotels are known around the world, and Albuquerque’s venue delivers on the chain’s distinguished reputation. It’s 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. It also acts as a superb base for professionals, with 20 meeting rooms available.

Hotel Parq Central (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 if you are looking for something with wow factor.

The hotel has its own private gardens and at the end of the day, head up to the Apothecary Lounge to take in splendid views of the Albuquerque skyline while you relax.