The Best Santa Fe Train Rides
Why a Santa Fe Train Ride Belongs on Your Itinerary
The Santa Fe train experience is a major part of the city’s history. For more than a century, the Santa Fe train carried artists, scientists, and presidents into northern New Mexico. Today you can choose your own version of a Santa Fe train ride: an entertainment train rolling out of the Railyard with live music and a bar car, a historic narrow gauge steam route climbing through the mountains a couple of hours north, or a commuter line that turns the trip to Albuquerque into part of the fun. Between Sky Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, and the Rail Runner Express, some of the best scenic train rides in the Southwest begin within easy reach of downtown Santa Fe, making a train ride the centerpiece of any scenic getaway here.
Apart from riding a Santa Fe train, there are so many other things to do in Santa Fe that a weekend rarely feels long enough. Beer lovers can spend an afternoon in the taproom at Santa Fe Brewing Company. Families will find plenty on our list of the best things to do in Santa Fe with kids, from hands-on museums to easy outdoor adventures. Art comes standard here, and the Canyon Road art tour packs numerous galleries into a half-mile stroll. When you are ready to venture farther, the best day trips from Santa Fe reach ghost towns, hot springs, and high-desert villages within an easy drive.
After a day on the rails, you will want to return to a comfortable place to stay. Our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe is just steps from the Plaza and an easy stroll from the Railyard depot, where both Sky Railway and the Rail Runner depart. Start with a homemade breakfast on the patio, ride the rails, and come back to one of six rooms filled with art from the region.
The Best Santa Fe Train Rides and How to Choose the Right One
Each Santa Fe train experience offers something different, and together they showcase the full range of train rides in New Mexico. Whether you are looking for a lively evening, a full day behind a historic steam locomotive, or a relaxing ride to Albuquerque, each option follows rail lines with remarkable history.
Sky Railway is the entertainment train, running beautifully restored passenger cars between Santa Fe and Lamy with live music, themed entertainment, and a full bar on board. Most excursions last about two and a half to three hours, making them easy to fit into a weekend getaway. The calendar rotates through themed rides, including sunset cocktail experiences, wine and local beer tastings, stargazing trips beneath New Mexico’s dark skies, margarita rides, and the popular Outlaw Express featuring a Wild West show through the Galisteo Basin. The railroad was revived in 2020 by a group of Santa Feans, including author George R.R. Martin, which is why the locomotives are painted with a wolf and a dragon. Trains depart from the historic Santa Fe Depot in the Railyard, just a short walk from downtown.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the ultimate day trip and one of the best scenic train rides in North America. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it is the longest, highest, and most authentic steam railroad in North America. The steam train covers 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, crossing the state line 11 times as it climbs to the 10,015-foot summit of Cumbres Pass, passes through two tunnels, and crosses the 137-foot Cascade Trestle. Riders regularly spot elk, deer, antelope, eagles, and occasionally even bears along the route. USA Today readers have voted it one of America’s best scenic railroads multiple times.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is the practical option, connecting Santa Fe with Albuquerque and communities throughout the corridor to Belen. Fares are zone-based, and tickets are available online. The Santa Fe Depot sits in the heart of the Railyard next to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, making it easy to board after breakfast.
If you are choosing just one, here is how we usually describe them to guests. Book Sky Railway for a memorable evening close to town, save the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for when you have a full day and want one of the very best train rides in New Mexico, and think of the Rail Runner as transportation that happens to include wonderful scenery. Both Sky Railway and the Cumbres & Toltec often sell out during the busiest seasons, especially on fall weekends when the aspens begin changing color, so reserving in advance is a good idea.
Where to Stay Near the Santa Fe Train Depot
Whichever Santa Fe train experience you choose, Four Kachinas Inn makes the rest of the trip easy. Located about a 20-minute walk from the Railyard depot, you can board Sky Railway or the Rail Runner without ever moving your vehicle. The inn’s six guest rooms are spread across three buildings and feature original and regional artwork, handcrafted furnishings, and traditional New Mexican architecture.
Mornings here set you up perfectly for a day on the rails. Breakfast is served each morning and includes a hot entrée, fresh fruit, home-baked goods, cereals, yogurts, juices, tea, and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room or on the patio before heading out for your Santa Fe train adventure.
Book Your Scenic Getaway to Santa Fe
After the rails bring you back to town, the peaceful garden courtyard awaits a quiet evening beneath the Santa Fe sky. Book your stay at Four Kachinas Inn and begin your scenic getaway on a Santa Fe train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
Yes. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe with Albuquerque and communities throughout the corridor to Belen, with zone-based fares available online.
Where does the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad run?
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, climbing to the 10,015-foot summit of Cumbres Pass.
Where does Sky Railway depart from in Santa Fe?
Sky Railway departs from the historic Santa Fe Depot in the Railyard, a short walk from downtown Santa Fe and from Four Kachinas Inn.
Where should you stay for a Santa Fe train getaway?
Four Kachinas Inn sits about a 20-minute walk from the Railyard depot, making it easy to board Sky Railway or the Rail Runner Express without moving your car.