Albuquerque International Sunport Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The Sunport is surrounded by hotels with a free shuttle 5 minutes from the terminals: the natural choice for anyone leaving at dawn or landing late who doesn't want to waste time driving. Those who prefer to see the city head for Old Town, the historic adobe core with galleries and Native American crafts, or Downtown, livelier in the evening among bars and venues; both are 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the Sunport, with no direct train. Uptown, halfway between the airport and downtown, offers modern hotels next to the shopping centers for those who get around by car anyway.

Airport Area (Sunport)

Airport area · the hotels' free shuttles reach the Sunport terminals in about 5 minutes

Best for: those with a dawn flight, a night arrival or a short layover who don't want to depend on traffic

Pros

round-the-clock shuttle available on request
just minutes from check-in to the gate even at peak times

Cons

an industrial area, with little or nothing to do on foot in the evening
to dine outside the hotel you need a car or a taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Airport: a block from the terminal, with a shuttle and an on-site restaurant for those arriving late with no desire to go out
Residence Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport: rooms with a kitchen and a generous breakfast, convenient for those staying more than one night near the Sunport
Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport: free shuttle and outdoor pool, a good middle ground between price and comfort for a layover

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Old Town

Neighbourhood · about 15 minutes by car or taxi from the Sunport, there's no direct bus

Best for: those who want to visit the historic adobe center, the museums and the Native American art galleries without using a car

Pros

walking distance to Old Town Plaza, museums and the zoo
the Sawmill district with restaurants and galleries nearby

Cons

farther from the Sunport than Downtown or Uptown
a tourist area, crowded on weekends with events

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town: right on the historic plaza, convenient for getting around on foot among museums and crafts
Hotel Chaco: a boutique hotel next to Old Town with Native American décor and art, an upscale choice

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Downtown

City centre · the ABQ RIDE bus line 50 connects the Sunport to the Convention Center downtown for free; by car or taxi it's about 15 minutes

Best for: those who want venues and nightlife downtown and aren't tied to a morning flight

Pros

bars and restaurants open late, within walking distance of the hotel
a free bus connection with the airport

Cons

farther from the Sunport than the airport area
on event weekends downtown gets noisy

Recommended hotels in this area

The Clyde Hotel: formerly the Hyatt Regency, renamed in 2025, in the heart of downtown with a rooftop pool
Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by Hilton: a historic boutique hotel downtown with a panoramic terrace, for those seeking a stay with character

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Uptown

Neighbourhood · about 12-14 minutes by car from the Sunport

Best for: those who get around by car and want to stay halfway between the airport and downtown, near the shopping centers

Pros

next to the ABQ Uptown shopping centers with stores and restaurants
a convenient location for both the airport and downtown

Cons

a commercial district, with little evening life outside the mall venues
you need a car to get around elsewhere in the city

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Place Albuquerque Uptown: a few steps from the Uptown shopping centers, with breakfast included and ample parking
Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Uptown: suites with a kitchenette, convenient for families or multi-night stays near the stores

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