I remember using the airport four or five times in the first year after moving to Albuquerque, and I was surprised at how convenient it was.

Based on my experience, there were both failures and discoveries, and I want to share them honestly.

Albuquerque International Sunport (airport code ABQ) is located about 5 km southeast of downtown. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to drive from downtown, making it very accessible. The airport is medium-sized, with a single terminal building.

The distance from check-in to the gate is short, so there's no stress of getting lost in a large, complicated airport. Major domestic airlines operating here include American Airlines, Southwest, United, Delta, and Alaska, with direct flights to major hub cities like LA, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and San Francisco.

There are almost no direct international flights. Seasonal direct flights may operate to Cancun, Mexico, or some other destinations in Mexico, but most international routes require a transfer in Dallas (DFW), LA (LAX), or Denver (DEN).

Of course, there are no direct flights to Korea, and transferring in LA or Dallas is common.

The ABQ to LAX segment takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and there are many flights available, making connections favorable.

The airport parking lot offers two types: short-term (hourly) and long-term (economy), with long-term parking costs around $9 to $12 per day, which is cheaper compared to larger airports.

Using Uber/Lyft from downtown to the airport costs about $15 to $25, and the airport pickup zone is well organized.

Now, let's talk about trains. Albuquerque has two rail services. The first is the Amtrak Southwest Chief, a long-distance route connecting Chicago and LA, which stops at the Albuquerque Alvarado Transportation Center.

This transfer center, located downtown, is a complex facility that includes the Amtrak train station, ABQ RIDE bus hub, and ART terminal. It takes about 26 hours to Chicago and about 16 hours to LA. It's recommended for those with a flexible schedule who enjoy train travel. Prices vary depending on the season and booking time, but for a coach to LA, it's around $50 to $120.

The second is the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a commuter train connecting Albuquerque and the state capital, Santa Fe. It departs from the Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown Albuquerque and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Santa Fe, passing through Rio Rancho and Bernalillo. The round-trip fare is about $10, making it reasonable, and some residents use it for commuting or sightseeing in Santa Fe.

Personally, I used the Rail Runner for a day trip to Santa Fe, and it was nice to enjoy the scenery outside without worrying about driving. However, since the frequency is not very high, it's important to check the schedule in advance. In summary, I would say the airport is a solid option in Albuquerque's transportation infrastructure, while the train offers a limited but unique alternative.