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Finding a car rental at Santa Fe Regional Airport is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in New Mexico with no booking fees. See live rates from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Budget in one search and lock in a low price before SAF's limited inventory sells out.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-Site Airport Rentals (Hertz, Avis) | • Immediate access in terminal • No shuttle required • Streamlined arrival process |
• Limited vehicle selection • Higher rates than city locations • Earlier closing times than larger airports |
| Off-Airport Services (Enterprise, Budget) | • Possibly more vehicle options • Potentially lower rates |
• Require pickup coordination • May need to call on arrival • Transportation to rental office needed |
| Santa Fe City Locations | • Often lower rates • More inventory options • Multiple agency choices |
• Transportation from airport required • Not feasible for late arrivals • Additional coordination required |
On average, car rentals at Santa Fe Airport cost around $90 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $57 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups. SAF on-site counters are super handy but often pricier. Check downtown Santa Fe rates and add the cost of a cab or rideshare—sometimes the math favors grabbing the car in town.
Peak events = book early, shoulder months = shop last-minute. July–August festivals and Dec–Mar ski season drain inventory fast, so reserve ahead. In quieter April–May or October–November, prices can drop, so keep refreshing and re-comparing.
Aim for a weekly rate. Even on a five-day trip, a 7-day booking can be cheaper than five separate daily rates—SAF suppliers often structure deals that way.
Check Albuquerque as a Plan B. If your itinerary already includes ABQ, compare its bigger-market prices. One-way fees back to SAF exist but can still net savings when ABQ's base rates are low.
Airport Parking:
Downtown Santa Fe Parking:
Local Driving Regulations:
Book a rental car so you can get to:
Downtown Santa Fe – Plaza, Canyon Road
Taos – Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley
Los Alamos – Bandelier National Monument, Bradbury Science Museum
Albuquerque – Sandia Peak Tramway, BioPark
How far is Santa Fe Regional Airport from downtown?
The airport is about 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Santa Fe. The drive takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Do all rental car agencies have counters inside the terminal?
No. Hertz and Avis have counters inside the terminal. For Enterprise and Budget, you need to arrange your pickup ahead of time since their offices are not at the airport.
What if my flight arrives after the rental counter closes?
If you have a reservation and your flight is late, you should call the rental company ahead of time. Many companies will let you pick up your key after hours, but you must arrange this with them beforehand.
Is there a shuttle between the airport and rental car locations?
For rental companies that are not at the airport, you'll need to call them when you land so they can arrange a pickup. There isn't a regular shuttle service like you'd find at bigger airports.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight?
For flights out of SAF, you should get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight leaves. Plan for 30 minutes to return your rental car and 60 minutes to check in and go through security.
Can I pick up at SAF and drop off in Albuquerque?
Yes, you can usually arrange a one-way rental between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The rental company will often charge an extra fee for this. You should book ahead of time because the Santa Fe airport has a limited number of cars.
Are there any gas stations at or near the airport?
No, there are no gas stations right at the airport. You can find the closest ones on Airport Road near NM-599, which is about a 5 to 10-minute drive from the terminal. Make sure you get gas before you head to the airport.
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