Exploring Albuquerque by Hire Car

In the south of the USA in the state of New Mexico lies the city of Albuquerque, which is at the same time with more than 480,000 inhabitants the largest city in the state and this will probably remain due to the constant and large growth. Albuquerque is located between the Sandia Mountains and the famous Rio Grande, which is partly a border river between America and Mexico.
With charming museums, an old town worth seeing as well as numerous cafes, bars and restaurants, the city has a lot to offer the traveler. And also the surrounding area is extremely worth seeing and can be explored excellently with a hire car. We have put together a few tips for rental and travel.
Taking over the hire car
Most hire car customers reach Albuquerque via the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, which is located just five kilometers southeast of the city. At the airport, you will find numerous hire car agencies at the Hire Car Center nearby. A shuttle will take you there every five minutes from the first level of the terminal.
Before you book a hire car, just make sure that your rental company also operates its station in the Hire Car Center. After all, if it is only located around the airport, it may take longer for a shuttle to pick you up to take you to your hire car.
Choosing the right hire car
Wide roads with relatively little traffic make it advisable to reach for the largest car possible in Abuquerque. This will allow you to cover long distances in a relaxed manner.
Hire car prices
It is not a cheap pleasure to hire car in Albuquerque. On the other hand, the price differences between small cars and family cars are quite small, so you can easily rent a larger car.
hire car price comparison Albuquerque
Insuring the car properly
If you are involved in an accident with your hire car in Albuquerque, you are well covered with comprehensive insurance with no deductible. When it comes to liability, it is quite important to pay attention to the amount of coverage. It should be at least one million euros.
Because if people are injured in an accident, it quickly becomes really expensive. If your rental company’s coverage seems too low, you have the option of taking out a so-called traveller policy for further protection. Talk to your insurance company and make sure your policy covers the US as well.
age limit
You must be 21 years old to hire car at virtually all hire car agencies in Albuquerque. And drivers under 25 are usually charged an additional fee. Check out your rental company’s terms and conditions before booking the car.
Accessories
If you need accessories such as navigation equipment or child seats, you must always order the equipment separately from your rental company. Make reservations well in advance to ensure the items you want are available on the day of your rental.
Bail
Before renting the car, ask if your rental company only blocks the deposit for the hire car on your credit card. After all, if the amount is actually collected, it can sometimes take longer for your hire car company to transfer the money back after you return the car.
Sights in Albuquerque
San Felipe de Neri: “Ancient” Church
A city stroll could begin at San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town. The house of worship is ancient by North American standards. The church was built as early as 1793. Actually, there had already been a church of the same name here since the year 1706. However, the original building was destroyed during a storm in 1792. From the outside, the church presents itself quite inconspicuous, but in the interior there are magnificent paintings to admire.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: Meeting the Native American
Next stop on your sightseeing tour could be the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Here you will learn details from the history of the Pueblo Indians, the native people of New Mexico. The museum is run by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico. Performances are often held on weekends, where you can also admire traditional tribal dances. It’s best to check with the ticket office for current schedules.
Rattlesnake Museum: eyeball to eyeball with rattlesnakes
What would New Mexico be without its rattlesnakes? For a harmless encounter with the venomous animals, visit the Rattlesnake Museum. More than 30 different species are on display here. There’s also a remarkable exhibit centered around items that have something to do with the rattlesnake. From t-shirts to jewelry, the assortment ranges. After visiting the museum, you will then have the opportunity to stock up on souvenirs at the gift shop.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History: experience nuclear energy
Also worth a visit is the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Already in 1969 this museum was founded. There you will learn a lot about the nuclear age. From the invention of the atomic bomb to the use of nuclear energy in nuclear power plants, the informative exhibition ranges. In the attached shop, you then have the opportunity to purchase such pretty souvenirs as the 3D puzzle of an atomic submarine.
Hispanic Cultural Center: Journey into History
Afterwards, you can head to the National Hispanic Cultural Center to learn about the culture of the city’s founders. After all, the first settlers in Albuquerque were 18 Spanish families.
Sandia Peak: local mountain with a view
You’ll enjoy a grand view of the city and surrounding area when you head up Albuquerque’s local mountain to finish your sightseeing. The world’s longest free-hanging cable car will take you to the top. The ride up to the nearly 3,200-meter-high Sandia Peak takes about 25 minutes.
Find a good restaurant
Influences from Spain and Mexico have shaped the city`s cuisine, and so good restaurants can be found here. Visit El Bruno`s Restauranté y Cantina. Here they know how to prepare the often very spicy dishes of New Mexico.
Find a good hotel
Book a room at the Casas de Suenos. These cosy buildings were built in the 1930s and 40s. All rooms are homely and offer good comfort. Breakfast is served in the pretty garden.
A worthwhile destination in the area
Santa Fe: City of Artists
Not far from Albuquerque is the charming city of Santa Fe. For the 100 kilometers you need about an hour. The capital of New Mexico can boast with some historic buildings. The Governor’s Palace is worth seeing. It was built in 1610 and is the oldest public building in the USA. Today it houses the Museum of New Mexico. Here you can learn in detail about the history of the state.
Also the oldest church in the USA is in Santa Fe.
The San Miguel Church was built in 1628. If you stroll through the city, you will discover many small galleries. Santa Fe is home to numerous artists. At the Santa Fe Plaza, flying merchants also offer pretty handicrafts for sale. At the end of your visit, you can then sit down in a cozy saloon and think about what destinations you want to reach next with your hire car.
Suggestion for a trip by hire car
Acoma Pueblo: Meeting Indians
A trip by hire car could take you to Acoma Pueblo first. In just over an hour, you will be there. In Acoma Pueblo, you will be in a village with a long history. It has been settled by Native Americans since the 11th century. At the Visitor Center, you can join a historical tour that will teach you about the history of the area.
Zuni Pueblo: Charming Silver Jewelry
The Zuni Pueblo is the next destination on your trip, which you will reach in about two hours. The Native Americans who live there are talented silversmiths and sell pretty jewelry in the shops along Highway 53. You’ll learn a lot about Native life at the A:Shiwi A:wan Museum & Heritage Center.
Gallup: John Wayne was here
Before you return to Albuquerque in your hire car, you can stop in Gallup. The drive will take you three quarters of an hour. In Gallup, you will feel transported back to the America of the 50s. In the small shops of the town you can buy pretty jewellery and handicrafts. If you decide to stay in town, you can choose the El Rancho Hotel.
Because numerous westerns were filmed around Gallup in the 1940s and 1950s, the hotel welcomed many notable Hollywood actors, such as John Wayne. The management has managed to preserve the charm of times gone by, so you’ll also be taking a little trip back in time with your overnight stay. The next morning, after a two-hour drive, you’ll be back in Albuquerque, where you can plan your next tour with your hire car.
conclusion
Albuquerque is well suited as a stop for a trip by hire car. The place is easy to reach by plane and offers numerous attractions.
There are many delightful destinations in the surrounding area that are best reached by car. And with our practical price comparison, it is easy to find the right car for you at good conditions.
















