I'll be in Santa Fe during the first week in October. Is it possible to get into the Balloon Fiesta (considering crowds, traffic, parking considerations) while commuting from SF ?? Or is my only option to stay in Albuquerque for a day or 2??

The primary purpose in vacationing in the SF area is experiencing the natural and cultural aspects of the area. However, since so many posters on this board say that Balloon Fiesta is a "must see", I'd like to try to get there.

Book now! I would recommend that you stay in ABQ during Fiesta since the hours of the event are sooo early in the morning and some last until late in the evening. It is a long drive if you are sleepy.



Also, you know you can book a ride to leave off of the balloon field. I highly recommend it. Check out www.balloonfiesta.com for the scoop of rides and hours of events.


There is a shuttle system set up or you can park on the grounds.

I will take your recomendation seriously. The next question would 2 or 3 nights be enough to book in ALB to ensure I see 1 AM and 1 PM show, with the possible postponement due to weather conditions ??

Thanks for your help.

Hi,
There is a Holiday Inn Express right near the about 2 miles from the Balloon fiesta 5401 ALMEDA BLVD NE but the prices seem steep for the fiesta week $150 a night. And a (fairly new 3yrs or so old) Motel 6 not too far either I-25 at Paseo del Norte, Exit #232
Phone: (505) 821-1472; that is $50 a night and it is close to Balloon fiesta park (about 3mi). I would do a 2 or 3 day thing. They have balloon glows with fireworks show certain nights.
Here is the Official website to the fiesta http://www.aibf.org/
I would book a hotel now; what do you have to lose? You can always cancel if your plans change (if you they don't, you will be ahead of the game). Have fun come Sept-Oct!!!

I will offer similar advice regarding the hotel. Book either very close to the balloon field or inquire about distance to the shuttle parking. I made the mistake one of taking advantage of a friend's hospitality. She told me "leave early" and I thought I had left more than early enough. I was stuck in such traffic that it took me 2 hours to reach the balloon field! I recommend paying more to save that hassle!

Thanks again for the advice. I have booked the Marriott Pyramid, which has shuttle service and may be walkable(?). If anyone has any first hand accounts of this hotel, please reply.

DonnieD. I live in ABQ. I don't think it is walkable and it is very cold. In fact if I heard you were walking it would break my heart that someone would tell you that you can walk there.

The hotel is one of our NICER hotels here in ABQ. Do rent a car; there is a lot to see and do here and you may want to visit Santa Fe (1hr away). They have special shuttles that take you to the balloon fiesta called park and ride. This is great because you get on a bus and it drops you off right at the fiesta and you can walk around and then the bus takes you back. You don't have to worry about terrible traffic! If you go to the website here is more info http://www.aibf.org/Guests/At_The_Event/parkandride.php
Calvery Chapel will be closest to you so get to Calvery and ride the bus; make sure you are at the bus by 5 or 5:30. You will enjoy this "no hassle" way of getting into the park. Hope this helps

Thanks Skippy, It's great to hear from a resident.

yes, I will have a car, and the hotel has emailed about a shuttle between the hotel and the park. Actually, nobody told me that I should walk, but I am an avid walker, and the distance didn't look too bad on a map.

I wanted to make sure that I have chosen a hotel with easy access to the park.

My only word of warning is the hours in which these events take place. Be sure to bring a flashlight!