Car Travel in Albuquerque

Albuquerque sprawls out in all directions, but getting around town is not difficult, despite growing traffic problems as the city's population steadily increases. Drivers here have a spotty reputation, too, often pushing it through yellow lights and failing to use turn signals. The main highways through the city, north-south I-25 and east-west I-40, converge just northeast of downtown and generally offer the quickest access to outlying neighborhoods and the airport. Rush-hour jams are common in the mornings and late afternoons, but they're still far less severe than in most big U.S. cities.

Parking

Because it's a driving city, most businesses and hotels have free or inexpensive off-street parking, and it's easy to find metered street parking in many neighborhoods. Problems usually arise only when there's a major event in town, such as a concert near University of New Mexico or a festival downtown or in Old Town, when you may want to arrive on the early side to get a space.