Getting Around, Taos Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Taos, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Taos is somewhat neglected by long distance transport connections and most visitors invariably arrive via Albuquerque, which is some two hours' drive away.

A local airport next to Taos receives flights via Albuquerque, although it should be noted that there is no rail service. Car hire is available at the neighboring Taos Regional Airport and buses travel to other major centers in the Southwest.

Taos Regional Airport (TSM) / Arriving by Air

The Taos Regional Airport is the aerial transport gateway to the town, although many people opt to travel directly here, overland from the Albuquerque International Sunport (130 miles / 208 km from Taos), which receives many direct flights from airports within the United States and overseas. There is no direct service to the town's airport - you must change planes at Albuquerque. The Taos Regional Airport is located just 12 miles / 19 km west of the town and taxis can be radioed to take you into the center. Only Cottam Walker offers rental cars from the airport, and so if you want to rent a car from another company you will need to pick it up in Albuquerque.

Car Rental

Cottam Walker is the sole rental car transport agency in Taos and it rents cars by the day, week or by the month. Albuquerque has representatives of Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty, and so you should be able to negotiate a much better rate and travel to Taos from there. An SUV or another type of 4WD vehicle is recommended in the winter months for people who want to explore the hinterland.

Book your Taos Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Greyhound's local subsidiary - Texas New Mexico and Oklahoma Coaches, runs a coach service to and from Albuquerque twice daily. Those without their own wheels can travel around town by using the regular Chile Line buses that operate between Taos Pueblo and Ranchos de Taos.

Trains

While no trains actually stop at Taos, Amtrak's Sunset Limited serves Deming and Lordsburg, while the Southwest Chief stops at Lamy and Albuquerque. You should be able to arrange a hire car and drive here from any of these stations.

Taxis

Getting around by taxi is not that easy, as you need to book taxi transport in advance. With the town being easily explored on foot and each of the three districts in Taos connected by local bus, taxi travel is only really necessary if you want to explore farther afield.