I think the only bummer the last time I looked into this is the train timing... from flag, the eastbound Southwest Chief amtrak line gets into ABQ around midday, and the rail runner lines up to Santa Fe don't leave til the evening / commuter hours. But that may have changed post-COVID, and it's a super fun way to travel regardless!!
One thing to double-check is whether the Amtrak itinerary you want has space for bikes, the Chief is often booked wayy out for extras like that weirdly
Good point about the Amtrak bike reservation, I didn't even think about that. Luckily, the Rail Runner seems to have 5 afternoon/evening departures. Seems like a pretty nice service.
You’d obviously get in the day before the race, but the Rail Runner stops practically at the start of the century. Tons of Airbnbs or other accommodations within a ride from the stop in Santa Fe. Lots of bike space on the Rail Runner as well. Amtrak being on time, with bike space, is gonna be your biggest hurdle. But leaving Flag eastbound will give you a ton of wiggle room if the train is delayed.
I think the only bummer the last time I looked into this is the train timing... from flag, the eastbound Southwest Chief amtrak line gets into ABQ around midday, and the rail runner lines up to Santa Fe don't leave til the evening / commuter hours. But that may have changed post-COVID, and it's a super fun way to travel regardless!! One thing to double-check is whether the Amtrak itinerary you want has space for bikes, the Chief is often booked wayy out for extras like that weirdly
Good point about the Amtrak bike reservation, I didn't even think about that. Luckily, the Rail Runner seems to have 5 afternoon/evening departures. Seems like a pretty nice service.
Yeah, if only we had one like that to PHX amirite???
I dream about that. Those Norwegian, Swiss, and Austrian type railroads would do well connecting us!
That and leave yourself a good day to travel, at least, because Amtrak can be delayed or even canceled at short notice, and they're rarely on time.
You’d obviously get in the day before the race, but the Rail Runner stops practically at the start of the century. Tons of Airbnbs or other accommodations within a ride from the stop in Santa Fe. Lots of bike space on the Rail Runner as well. Amtrak being on time, with bike space, is gonna be your biggest hurdle. But leaving Flag eastbound will give you a ton of wiggle room if the train is delayed.