New Mexico Rail Runner Express
Hop a commuter train to Albuquerque and Santa Fe — no driving required
About New Mexico Rail Runner Express
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail line running 100 miles from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe, connecting small-town New Mexico to two of the state's most vibrant cities — all without fighting I-25 traffic or hunting for downtown parking. For Kiva RV Park guests, the Belen station is just a 20-minute drive south, making it the perfect car-free gateway to world-class museums, historic districts, restaurants, and cultural attractions in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The train runs along one of the most scenic commuter rail corridors in America. Heading north from Belen, the route follows the Rio Grande through the valley past volcanic mesas, the Sandia Mountains, and Native pueblo lands before climbing La Bajada Hill into Santa Fe. The journey from Belen to downtown Albuquerque takes about 50 minutes; continuing to Santa Fe is roughly two hours total. Trains feature spacious seating, onboard restrooms, bicycle racks, and large windows designed for sightseeing. Weekend and holiday schedules are reduced, so check the timetable before planning your trip.
Using the Rail Runner from Kiva is a uniquely practical RV-travel hack: instead of breaking camp and navigating a large rig through city traffic, guests can leave their RV at Kiva's full-hookup site, drive a tow vehicle to the Belen station's free parking lot, and ride the train into the city. The Alvarado Transit Center in downtown Albuquerque connects to ABQ RIDE city buses for easy access to Old Town, the BioPark, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and more. The Santa Fe Depot is a short walk from the historic Plaza, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Canyon Road galleries, and the Palace of the Governors.
What to See & Do
- Ride from Belen to downtown Albuquerque in about 50 minutes — no traffic, no parking hassles
- Continue all the way to Santa Fe for a full day of museums, art galleries, and historic adobe architecture
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Rio Grande, Sandia Mountains, and La Bajada mesa from oversized train windows
- Connect to ABQ RIDE buses at the Alvarado Transit Center for easy access to Old Town, the BioPark, and museums
- Free parking at the Belen station — leave your tow vehicle while you explore the city
- Bring bicycles on board for flexible urban exploring when you arrive in Albuquerque or Santa Fe
Visitor Information
- Hours
- Weekday trains run multiple departures; limited weekend/holiday schedule — check timetable
- Fees
- Fares from Belen: ~$4 to Albuquerque, ~$7 to Santa Fe (one-way). Day passes available. Seniors/youth discounted.
- Best Time to Visit
- Year-round; weekdays have the most frequent departures. Check holiday schedules.
- Address
- Belen Rail Runner Station, 100 Reinken Ave, Belen, NM 87002
- Website
- Official Site
Getting There from Kiva
From Kiva RV Park, head south on I-25 to Exit 195 (Belen). Turn right onto NM-548/Reinken Ave and follow signs to the Belen Rail Runner Station. Free parking is available at the station lot. Total drive: approximately 20 minutes.
Open in Google MapsThe Ideal Base Camp for New Mexico Rail Runner Express
Leave your RV at Kiva's secure, full-hookup site and take the train to Albuquerque or Santa Fe — no city driving or parking stress
Return to Kiva's quiet rural setting after a full day of urban exploration — the best of both worlds
Combine a rail day trip with your horse motel stay: trail ride in the morning, train to the city in the afternoon
The Belen station is just 20 minutes from Kiva — closer than driving to most Albuquerque attractions directly
Explore More from Kiva
While you're visiting New Mexico Rail Runner Express, check out these other nearby attractions.
Albuquerque Old Town
55 miWhere 300 years of New Mexican culture come alive in adobe courtyards and galleries
Learn more
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
55 miCelebrate the living cultures of New Mexico's 19 Pueblo nations
Learn more
ABQ BioPark
55 miZoo, aquarium, botanic garden, and fishing pier — Albuquerque's most complete family attraction
Learn more
New Mexico State Fair
55 miEighteen days of rodeos, concerts, green chile, and New Mexico culture in Albuquerque
Learn moreMake Kiva Your Base Camp
Whether you're chasing cranes, exploring history, or riding trails — Kiva RV Park puts you at the center of central New Mexico's best attractions.