Car Travel in Santa Fe

South-north-running I-25 actually curves in almost an west-east direction as it cuts just south of Santa Fe, which is 62 mi northeast of Albuquerque. U.S. 285/84 runs north-south through the city. The Turquoise Trail is a scenic, two-lane approach to Santa Fe from Albuquerque. The NM 599 bypass, also called the Santa Fe Relief Route, cuts around the city from I-25's Exit 276, southwest of the city, to U.S. 285/84, north of the city; it's a great shortcut if you're heading from Albuquerque to Española, Abiquiu, Taos, or other points north of Santa Fe.

Parking

Parking in Santa Fe is difficult, but public and private lots can be found throughout the city. Parking meters are well monitored. There are parking garages near the Plaza on San Francisco and Water streets. On weekends, you can park for free in the lots of some of the government buildings near the capitol, which is within walking distance of the Plaza (check signs carefully for specific parking rules).