How far is Taos from an airport?

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29 minute drive from Taos Regional Airport

More than one hundred years ago, there was a small copper mining town, first called Amizette and, later, Twining, high in the mountains just northeast of the town of Taos, New Mexico. The town was abandoned in 1910, and no trace remains of the ghost town today. That’s because in the early 1950s, Swiss-German ski pioneer Ernie Blake spied the area as he was flying his Cessna 170 between Santa Fe and Colorado. He’d long desired to start his own ski resort, and when he saw the big basin of snow in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, he knew he’d found his spot.

Today, the location of that old mining town houses Taos Ski Valley, a world-class ski and snowboard destination only a 20-mile drive from downtown Taos. Taos Ski Valley is an unlikely collision of rustic charm and Alpine opulence, with accommodations and dining options ranging from homey old-world to five-star luxury. It’s also the first ski resort in the world to become a certified B Corp, meaning that Taos Ski Valley prioritizes the well-being of its workers, guests, business partners, community, and environment. In a world that seems to get smaller by the day, these changes can have an outsized impact.

Three hundred is a magic number at Taos Ski Valley. With an average of more than 300 inches of chalky, dry powder every year and an average 300 days of sunshine, you’re bound to find ideal conditions on the slopes. Whether you’re cruising the groomers under bluebird skies, catching some air in one of the terrain parks, or finding hidden stashes of powder in the trees, Taos is a treasure trove of terrain. 

There are more than 110 runs at Taos Ski Valley, and although just over half of them are considered advanced/expert terrain, the iconic sign at the base says it all: “Don’t Panic! You’re looking at only 1/30thof Taos Ski Valley. We have many easy runs, too.” While the view from the village may be vertiginous, the resort houses one of the highest rated ski schools in the world—named after Ernie Blake, the resort’s founder. There’s also a dedicated children’s area and plenty of approachable terrain for beginner adults as well.

But back to that expert terrain….Some of it can be reached by lift—including the Kachina Peak lift that transports skiers literally to the top of the mountain at 12,481 feet—but some is accessible only to those willing to throw their skis over their shoulder and hike. The rewards repay the effort in spades.

Taos Ski Valley isn’t just about the mountain, though. At the foot of the slopes, visitors find a welcoming village with shops, sports outfitters, restaurants, and ample opportunities for a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. 

The fun at Taos Ski Valley continues after the snow melts, with hiking, mountain biking, and a Via Ferrata for beginning and experienced climbers alike. Live music, festivals, trail runs, and more round out the year’s events, making Taos Ski Valley the perfect destination for those looking for a cool mountain retreat and some summer adventure. 

But when winter rolls around again, Taos Ski Valley should always be top of your list for the ultimate ski and snowboard experience.

Arriving By Air

Taos Air offers scheduled non-stop service between Taos Regional Airport and Austin and Dallas, Texas, and Carlsbad-San Diego and Hawthorne-Los Angeles, California.

Since Taos Air flies from private terminals, it makes the airport experience faster, easier, and simpler. Parking and security are free of hassles and lines, there are no baggage fees for up to two bags, and check-in is available at the terminal up to 30 minutes prior to departure. Once you arrive at Taos Regional Airport, catch the free ground shuttle to downtown Taos or to Taos Ski Valley. 

Larger airports are located in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Santa Fe Airport services two airlines with daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix. The Albuquerque International Sunport offers nonstop flights to and from 24 cities across America, including major airline hubs. 

Both Santa Fe and Albuquerque have ample car rental options, so once you’ve finished taking in their delights, you can make your way up to beautiful Taos and the Enchanted Circle at your own pace. Car rentals in Taos include Wheeler Peak Rent-a-Car, located at the Taos Regional Airport, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car, located on the south side of town and accessible by local bus route.

Shuttles, buses, and trains are also available to get you from the airport where you land to your destination in Taos. The North Central Regional Transit District provides a free ground shuttle between Taos Regional Airport and the Town of Taos. The Bus also has a variety of routes, some free of charge, around Taos and the Enchanted Circle as well as services to and from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. 

There are also several private shuttle services that will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Taos, either at a flat rate or per person fee. The New Mexico Rail Runner train provides light rail service between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Finally, Taos does have some rideshare options, though they aren’t always the most reliable or economical. This is the old wild west, after all!

Taos Air
Direct air service between Taos and the following:

  • Carlsbad/San Diego, California
  • Austin, Texas
  • Dallas, Texas
  • Hawthorne/Los Angeles, California

Visit TaosAir.com

Santa Fe Airport
Services two airlines with daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix.
Visit FlySantaFe.com.

Albuquerque International Sunport
Offers nonstop flights to 24 major cities.
Visit ABQSunport.com

Transportation Services

Airport Shuttle Service
NCRTD (AKA the “Blue Bus”) provides free ground shuttle between Taos Regional Airport and the Town of Taos (Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance).
Call 866-206-0754 option #2.

Mountain View Shuttles
Visit mountainviewshuttle.com or call 575-770-8759.

Taos Rides LLC Shuttle Service
Serving Albuquerque, Taos, Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire.
Visit taosrides.com or call 575-613-3256.

Uber
Taos does have Uber drivers!

Transportation between Santa Fe and Taos

New Mexico Rail Runner
Light rail service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
riometro.org

The Taos Express / NCRTD
The Taos Express provides weekend express service between Taos, Espanola and Santa Fe. All NCRTD buses are ADA compliant and can accommodate two bicycles.

Around Taos

340 Chile Line Red
Providing service throughout the Town of Taos and surrounding communities.
Visit ncrtd.org for Taos area transportation services, routes and schedules.

Rental Car Companies

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1350 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ste A
575-758-5553
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00AM – 3:00pm. Closed Saturday and Sundays.

Scenic Driving Routes to Taos from Santa Fe

Two major routes offer equally beautiful but different experiences on your drive from Santa Fe to Taos.

The High Road

The “High Road” to Taos from Santa Fe travels through forests, past jagged 13,000-foot peaks, and through small, isolated mountain towns. These places retain the flavor of the early Spanish settlers who came here four centuries ago. A scenic drive with beauty, hidden galleries, mountain vistas, and pure New Mexico charm.

The Low Road

The “Low Road” from Santa Fe is the most direct route between Taos and communities to the south. But don’t let the name fool you—the low road does not lack in natural beauty or cultural interest. It follows the Rio Grande through Northern New Mexico’s farming lowlands and, during the summer, local produce farmers set up roadside fruit and vegetable stands. The road then winds its way up through the Rio Grande Gorge, with small villages, galleries, and local wineries and breweries. It provides some of the most stunning scenery around, especially just south of Taos where you are met with a vista of mesa, mountain, and gorge that will take your breath away.

Drive Times

  • Denver: 4 hours 43 minutes
  • Colorado Springs: 3 hours 32 minutes
  • Lubbock: 6 hours 3 minutes
  • El Paso: 6 hours 6 minutes
  • Phoenix: 9 hours 16 minutes
  • Oklahoma City: 9 hours 12 minutes
  • Dallas: 10 hour 34 minutes
  • Austin: 12 hours 28 minutes

Driving Directions

  • ALBUQUERQUE TO TAOS: I-25 to Santa Fe; exit on 599 north to bypass Santa Fe; Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 68 to Taos.
  • BRECKENRIDGE TO TAOS: Hwy. 9 to Fairplay; Hwy. 285 and Hwy. 17 to Alamosa; Hwy. 285 to Tres Piedras; Hwy. 64 to Taos.
  • CRESTED BUTTE TO TAOS: Hwy. 135 to Gunnison; Hwy. 50 to Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 17 to Alamosa; Hwy. 285 to Tres Piedras; Hwy. 64 to Taos.
  • DENVER TO TAOS: I-25 to Colorado Springs to Walsenburg; Hwy. 160 to Fort Garland; Hwy. 159 and Hwy. 522 to Taos.
  • DURANGO TO TAOS: Hwy. 160 to Pagosa Springs; Hwy. 84 to Chama; Hwy. 17 to Antonito; Hwy. 285 to Tres Piedras; Hwy. 64 to Taos.
  • VAIL TO TAOS: I-70 to Copper Mountain; Hwy. 91 to Leadville; Hwy. 24 and Hwy. 17 to Alamosa; Hwy. 285 to Tres Piedras; Hwy. 64 to Taos.
  • WEST TEXAS TO TAOS: I-40 to Clines Corners; Hwy. 285 to I-25 to Santa Fe; Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 68 to Taos.

What airport do you fly into for Taos?

Commercial airlines don't land in Taos; the nearest airport would be Santa Fe, about 70 miles southwest of the town. A recent search on Kayak.com showed LAX-Santa Fe flights for $652 round-trip on American Airlines.

Is there a shuttle from Santa Fe airport to Taos?

There are also several private shuttle services that will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Taos, either at a flat rate or per person fee. The New Mexico Rail Runner train provides light rail service between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Can you fly into Taos New Mexico?

Taos Air – Direct Flights to Taos, New Mexico Fly directly to Taos from private terminals, which makes the airport experience faster, easier, and simpler. Parking, check-in, and security are hassle-free, with no line-ups. Simply arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to departure, and fly direct to Taos!

What airlines fly out of Taos New Mexico?

Taos ABQ Flight Information.