The best way to see downtown Santa Fe, especially the plaza area, is on foot. Free walking-tour maps are available at Visitor Information Centers, and several guided walking tours are available.

By Bus

Santa Fe’s public bus system, Santa Fe Trails (www.santafenm.gov/transit; tel. 505/955-2001), has ten routes; although primarily geared to the needs of Santa Fe residents, they are also an economical way for visitors to get around the city, with buses serving the plaza area, Museum Hill, and Cerrillos Road. One trip for adults costs $1; a one-day pass costs $2, and a 31-day pass costs $20. Rates are half that for seniors 60 and older and people with disabilities, and youths up to age 18 and U.S. military veterans ride free. Fares must be paid in cash on the buses; checks and credit cards are accepted at the bus system office, 2131 Rufina Street. Visitors can pick up a map from any of the Visitor Information Centers. Most buses operate Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm and Saturday 8am to 8pm. There is limited service on Sunday and holidays.

By Car

Overall, you’ll probably need a car in Santa Fe—there are quite a few places you’ll want to go where driving yourself makes the most sense—but when exploring the plaza area, it’s best to leave the car parked and do so on foot.

Street parking is difficult to find during summer months, especially near the plaza, but the city has about 1,850 off-street parking spaces in downtown Santa Fe. Metered parking may be costlier during special events, but the basic fee is $2 per hour and it is collected 8am to 6pm Monday through Saturday; free Sundays and major holidays. A metered lot within walking distance of the plaza is at 100 E. Water Street a block south, open 24 hours, and there are two nearby parking garages, open daily 7am to midnight: at 216 W. San Francisco St. 2 blocks west, and at the convention center, 119 S. Federal Place 2 blocks north. At the Santa Fe Railyard, there’s a parking garage at the north end, and a lot toward the south. Santa Fe Visitor Information Centers (see above) can give you a printed guide to Santa Fe parking areas, and you can get specific directions at www.santafenm.gov/parking_lots_and_garages.

The State Highway and Transportation Department has a toll-free Road Advisory Hotline (tel. 511 or 800/432-4269) and also a website—www.nmroads.com—that provides current information on road closures and driving conditions.

The State Highway and Transportation Department has a toll-free hot line (tel. 800/432-4269) that provides up-to-the-hour information on road closures and conditions.

Driving Warning — New Mexico has one of the highest per-capita rates of traffic deaths in the nation (mostly due to drunk driving), and also a high rate of uninsured motorists. It’s a good idea to be especially cautious while driving, especially at intersections.

By Bicycle

Riding a bicycle is somewhat challenging in downtown Santa Fe due to its narrow streets and limited number of bike paths. However, it is a good way to get around for experienced city riders. You can rent bikes from Mellow Velo, 132 E. Marcy St. (www.mellowvelo.com; tel. 505/995-8356) and Bike-N-Sport, 504C Cordova Rd. (www.nmbikensport.com; tel. 505/820-0809).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.