Albuquerque International Sunport lives up to its name as a sunny and friendly airport providing easy access New Mexico’s Albuquerque city only three miles (5km) to the southeast and well served by public transport systems and taxis.
With only one terminal for all incoming and outgoing passengers, Albuquerque Sunport is easy to find your way around. It’s also well equipped to cater for all its customers and there are a number of gift shopping options and plenty of other amenities.
Using the airport is a relatively simple and stress-free experience. Boarding gates are within easy walking distance of the check-in and security gates. The Spanish-Pueblo architectural style of the airport gives passengers a relaxed and laid back New Mexican feeling – the perfect start or end to any journey.
Albuquerque International Sunport is a hub for Great Lakes Airlines and New Mexico Airlines. Visitors to New Mexico can book flights to Albuquerque International Sunport on a number of other airlines including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
The major draw card for this airport is that it is not very busy, which, when compared with larger US airport, makes the security check relatively painless and there are seldom long queues for check-in. On the down-side, passengers should take note that food options inside the terminal are quite limited.
Back to top
There is only one terminal with two concourses.
Back to top
Train: The closest station to the airport is the Rio Bravo Station on the corner of South Valley Boulevard and Second Street. On weekdays there is a shuttle bus running between the airport and the station. Passengers eager to make use of this service should head to the west end of the shuttle island at the airport and jump on Bus No. 222, which provides a free ride to the station. Train fares are calculated on a zoning system and can be bought at the station or on the New Mexico Rail Runner’s website. A ticket between Rio Bravo Station and downtown Albuquerque is $2, while a ticket to Santa Fe will cost $6.
Bus: A free airport express Bus No. 350 is available from the western end of the lower levels shuttle area. This service takes 15 minutes to reach the city center, close to the train station. The free service runs infrequently six times a day from 5:50am until 6:08pm from Monday to Friday. Bus No. 50 is more frequent and operates between the airport’s shuttle area and downtown Albuquerque. It leaves every half hour between 7am and 8pm from Monday to Friday and every 70 minutes from 9am to 6:30pm on Saturdays. Bus No. 222 operates on a similar schedule but runs between the airport and Rio Brava and Kirtland. Bus fares start at $1.
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal building. The five-mile (8km-) trip to Albuquerque city center will cost approximately $20. Door-to-door shuttles are also available.
Back to top
The Albuquerque International Sunport has a range of parking options. Short-term parking ranges from US$1 for 30 minutes to $5 for a three to six hours and an extra $10 per day thereafter. Long-term parking starts at $1 for 30 minutes and $7 per day thereafter. Drivers waiting to pick up passengers should wait one of the Cell phone Waiting Areas until your passenger has landed, and then you can proceed to the front of the terminal for a fast pickup.
Back to top
Money and communications: The airport has a number of ATMs within the terminal. There is also a US Postal Service mailing facility and a FEDEX post box located at the airport.
Luggage: The baggage pick-up area is located on the lower level of the terminal. There is a lost and found facility at the airport for items lost at the airport, but for lost baggage or items missing from baggage passengers must contact the airline in question.
Conference and business: There are no conference facilities at the airport. However the terminal has numerous Internet workstations and plug-in points for computers and cell phones. The Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel located at the airport also has a business center and conference facilities.
Other facilities: There is a smoking area just outside the terminal, and an interfaith chaplaincy program located at the meditation room on the first level adjacent the baggage claim area.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal. There is no registration or access procedure.
Shopping: There’s a modest selection of shops both before and after check-in and the security gates. Passengers can buy last-minute gifts ranging from jewelry, scarves and souvenirs to books, textiles and authentic New Mexican sculptures at kiosks such as the quaintly named Fiesta Gifts and Senor Murphy Candy Maker. There are also some larger shops including Hudson’s Book Corner, Thunderbird Curio, Fiesta Market, Distant Drums and Earth Spirit.
Food and drink: In 2011, a new food court opened at the airport – perfect for passengers wanting a sit-down meal or a quick pre-flight snack. Passengers can grab an ice cream or quick cup of coffee at Baskin Robbins, or for something more substantial head for Quiznos Sandwich Shop, Black Mesa Coffee and Il Tratorria. There are also a number of eateries offering New Mexican fare, including Tia Juanita’s and Comida Buena Gourmet Deli, which serve up popular New Mexican green chilli dishes. Watch! Sports Lounge and Grill and Route 66 Lounge offer cocktails and other alcoholic beverages to sip on while waiting for your plane to come in.
Back to top
