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Adventure 20 mi from Kiva · 20 min to Belen station drive

New Mexico Rail Runner Express

Hop a commuter train to Albuquerque and Santa Fe — no driving required

Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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

Getting There from Kiva

Distance 20 mi
Drive 20 min to Belen station

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.

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Why Kiva RV Park

The 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

Make 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.