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If you want to explore at all beyond the town centers, you will have to do it by car—but driving New Mexico’s scenic byways is definitely one of the pleasures of traveling here. Parking can be somewhat limited in Santa Fe, and you can get around the center of town very easily on foot, so you may want to rent a car only for the days you plan to go out of the city. In Taos, though, only the very dedicated can get around by bus, and in Albuquerque, a car can give you a great deal more flexibility in your day. All of the major car-rental chains are at Albuquerque’s airport, in a single building; see the respective city chapters for other rental companies and offices.
All but a few roads we've described are passable year-round and don’t require four-wheel-drive, but be prepared in winter for ice and snow anywhere other than central Albuquerque. Plan on an hour’s drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe via I-25, and an hour and a half from Santa Fe to Taos via the low road.
© Zora O'Neill from Moon Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque, 2nd edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.