The Albuquerque, Train Station is a place that you must see if you live in Albuquerque, NM. It is a great place to see if you want to check out the local sights and not have to spend any money. It's historic for the kids, and fun if you are a train fan.

The Alvaredo Transportation Center is now used to transport people in Albuquerque, New Mexico from there to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a fun and convenient form of transportation. It is more commonly called the Rail Runner. Now for some history on the Alvarado Transportation Center. 

It used to house the Alvarado Hotel back in Albuquerque's history. It was the height of the best to both socialize and stay at the Alvarado Hotel. Back in its day, it was the place to see, and be seen. Then after some time, it faded away. Gone, like a ghost town, by 1970, the Hotel Alvarado was no more. The Rail Runner, also known as the Alvarado Transportation Center was only a plan in the future, that had not been thought of.

If it hadn't ben for the hard times in 1970, the Hotel would still be in place.

It started as one of the Harvey Houses' of the Southwest. It was a stop between one life and another out west. It was a landmark to marvel at. Constructed in 1902, as the brainchild of architect Charles Whittlesey; the Alvarado Hotel was decorated by Mary Colter. She also designed the entire interior of the landmark. Pictured here in this picture; the Alvarado Hotel was very well built and decorated.

Then in 2000, the former location of the Avarado Hotel came back to life. It changed use and became the Alvarado Transportation Center. It was a slow and daunting task, but by 2006 the project was completed. It was a historic moment yet again. Today it is the hub of Albuquerque, transportation between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Santa Fe.

 There are plans to rebuild the Alvarado Hotel in another location. The location is still in the decision and planning stage. Check back later for details. 

 In the meantime, check it out. You can catch a ride from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Santa Fe at the New Mexico Rail Runner.

The schedule changes, so be sure to call and check ahead to ensure that your times have not changed. Also know that the Rail Runner offers discounts frequently. If you have a family, this can really be a great outing for a week-end. Take a lunch in a cooler and get your family, and head to Santa Fe Old Town. Have a great day exploring Santa Fe; then come back on the famous Rail Runner. Its final destination is one of New Mexico's most historic places — the old Harvey Hotel of Albuquerque. As you arrive back into the Alvaredo Transportation Center, be sure to tell your kids the history you learned here. You are experiencing history in the making. Take it in, and savor it. 

Copyright: Michelle Hullett