Santa Fe Municipal Airport: Your Gateway to the Land of Enchantment
Introduction
Santa Fe Municipal Airport is located right at the edge of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains and serves as the gateway to one of the most enchanting cities in New Mexico—the city of Santa Fe. This midsized airport is a combination of culture, history, and natural beauty; thus, it is much more than just a stop on your journey.
Airlines and Destinations
Servicing two major airlines, American Eagle and United Express, Santa Fe's airport provides direct flights to some of the most popular destinations: Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Denver, and Houston. Santa Fe Municipal Airport offers, on average, 20 daily departures and arrivals and is happy to welcome both business and leisure travelers.
Number of Passengers and Flights
Over the years, Santa Fe Municipal Airport has experienced a considerable increase in passenger flow. Thus, in 2019, the airport serviced over 142,000 passenger boardings, once again showcasing its growing popularity. Moreover, the number of flights continues to grow steadily, being around 1,500 departures per year, calculations for other types of flights excluded.
How to Get Here
The Santa Fe Municipal Airport is located ten miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe and is easily accessible by different means of transportation. Travelers can use the airport's complimentary shuttle, which connects the terminal with the closest hotels and city center. It is also possible to rent a car, take a taxi, or benefit from the rideshare services.
Parking
Santa Fe Municipal Airport provides parking services, both long-term and short-term. The parking area is located in close proximity to the terminal, which guarantees the minimum trouble for those who use this option. The rates are affordable and, therefore, an attractive option for those who visit the enchanting city.
Transportation Prices
Stead said prices to or from the airport depend on transportation mode. A free airport shuttle is available to all guests. Taxi — cost $20-$30 one-way transfer to downtown, with similar costs at Uber/Lyft (shared available) and normal rates apply.
Terminal Layout
Santa Fe Municipal Airport has one passenger terminal with two levels. Baggage claim and car rental services are on the Ground Level, but it is predominantly used by service vehicles; Ticketing Hall with check-in desks is at the upper level in the Passenger Terminal. This is compounded by a small footprint — not much walking for us weary travelers to do.
Navigate the Airport
The Santa Fe Municipal Airport is easy to get around. When you arrive in the terminal, simply follow clearly signposted routes to check-in desks, security checkpoint, and your departure gate. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the airport, so you can get online while occupying your time before departure.
Getting Between Terminals
There are no terminals to be concerned with, as Santa Fe Municipal Airport has only one terminal. It means all arrivals and departures are within the same building – so any mistakes made in one section can be corrected before you enter another.
Services and Amenities
Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM) is home to the somewhat obscure — but well-equipped — Site Summit Airport, serving private air charters just three miles northwest of town center. There is free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, and a cafe with light refreshments. Passengers have access to free baggage carts and electrical outlets for charging devices from the airport as well.
Restaurants and Shops
As with the places to eat and shop, there might not be a lot of selection at Santa Fe Municipal Airport, but guests will find some local items. Its café features a variety of Southwestern-themed cuisine and beverages, catering to those who are looking for the taste of true-Southwest in this Midwestern city. ANOTHER offers locally made, hand-crafted items and gifts suitable for both last-minute-buyers and souvenir-seekers at the airport gift shop.
Security and Customs
Passengers heading out from Santa Fe Municipal need to check in through the regular security procedure. This even goes as far as taking your shoes and belts off, anything metal out of your pockets, all while making sure that your luggage is within TSA requirements. This is a domestic airport without customs.
Accessibility
The Santa Fe Municipal Airport is striving to create a convenient and welcoming environment for each of its travelers. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the terminal is equipped with large walkways as well as access to ramps and elevators for passengers requiring mobility assistance. If needed, designated parking spaces and assistance is provided.
Travel Tips
- Get to the airport 90 minutes or more prior to your scheduled flight departure so you have enough time for check-in and security.
- If you need them, use the complimentary baggage carts in the airport to get around.
- Try new dining and shopping establishments in the nearby area for a taste of Santa Fe culture.
- If you have a long layover or evening flight, head into the city and hit up all of Santa Fe's historic landmarks (including their stunning art galleries), natural overviews, and funky food tours.