exiledprincess

I usually fly out to Phoenix the latter part of September, after the monsoon season has passed.

However, this year, I'm thinking about taking Amtrak from Chicago Union Station to Flagstaff to see the sights I've missed before, and then take the shuttle south to PHX.

But that's not the question mark in my itinerary. There *could* be an almost full day (with overnight stay) lay-over at either Albuquerque or, possibly, Sante Fe. Never have been to either place.

In using Amtrak's website, they have shown Lamy, NM as the station to pick up a bus service to Sante Fe. The hitch: It is sold out on the particular date I would need it to go TO Sante Fe - although it is available from Sante Fe TO Lamy the next day. There's no room in my schedule for date changes due to work demands and other timing issues, unfortunately.

I'm assuming that there is only 1 shuttle service in Lamy to Sante Fe. Is that correct?

I could still have a lay-over in ABQ, and take the Sandia Shuttle Express from ABQ Sunport up to Sante Fe, although it would be more time on the road.

I could then possibly:

1) Return via the bus service to Lamy the next day and pick up Amtrak there; or

2) Return to ABQ via Sandia Shuttle.

Mapquest indicates around 11 minutes from the Amtrak station to the airport. Is that about correct later afternoon near 4:00 p.m.?

Do you think it would it be worth the extra effort to go to Sante Fe this time around? Or should I consider just staying in Albuquerque?

Any suggestions or comments appreciated. Do not want to rent a vehicle this time around.

BeachGirl247

I think if the ABQ shuttle to Santa Fe is available I would take it. Then take the shuttle to Lamy for the train connection.

Santa Fe has more to offer especially if you are on foot. There are many restaurants, museums and galleries you can visit and only hit the tip of the ice berg in one day. ABQ would require a car and has less to offer than Santa Fe. It's fine if you're in the area but I would not recommend ABQ over Santa Fe.

Good luck in your planning. September is gorgeous!

BeachGirl247

( Oops, that should read 'iceberg'. )

Bill_H

almost full day (with overnight stay) lay-over at either Albuquerque or, possibly, Sante Fe. Never have been to either place.

Since you visit the Phoenix area often I'll just say that Santa Fe is to Scottsdale as Albuquerque is to Phoenix.

dmlove

I completely agree with Bill's analogy!

NewbE

Shouldn't that be "Scottsdale is to Phoenix as Santa Fe is to Albuquerque"?

Bill_H

NewbE, I think we're expressing the same sentiment but your way is probably better

Colette

no help from me exiledprincess....just wanted to say I loved the tuneful title to your post.....

exiledprincess

Collette, I just thought that it would be a little more fun than titling this thread "Sante Fe" or even "What do I do now?"

Thanks to all of you for your comments. Since I originally posted this, I also spoke with a friend who has visited both Albuquerque and Sante Fe and he basically advised the same. I had suspected that Sante Fe would be my preferred destination from other comments.

I'll be making the final travel arrangements in the next couple of days and do appreciate your help.