School’s out and the train is free for young travelers. This summer, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express invites all youth aged 17 and under to ride at no cost between June 1 and July 31, 2025. This initiative offers families an affordable way to travel around Central New Mexico, providing opportunities for kids and teens to get out, reconnect, and enjoy the season without worrying about transportation costs.
About the Rail Runner and Rio Metro
Operated by the Rio Metro Regional Transit District, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe with other cities in the region, including Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Belen. Designed for both commuters and casual travelers, the train offers free Wi-Fi, secure bicycle storage, and connections to local bus routes. It’s a practical, reliable part of Central New Mexico transportation and a useful tool for residents throughout the corridor.
How It Works: Basics and Travel Tips
The Rail Runner Express youth transit program is straightforward:
Who rides free? Kids and teens ages 17 and under. Children under 10 must travel with an adult aged 18 or older.
When? From June 1 through July 31, 2025.
Where? Any Rail Runner station from Belen to Santa Fe.
What to Bring
While no tickets are needed, youth are asked to bring a student ID, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID if available.
To make travel easier, download the Rio Metro app from the App Store or the Google Play Store for real-time train tracking and trip planning. Bring snacks and water to enjoy during your trip and sunscreen if you plan outdoor adventures when you arrive at your destination. Onboard free Wi-Fi keeps teens connected, and bicycles are welcome at no extra charge — perfect for families who want to continue their day by bike once they reach their stop.
Destinations with Kids in Mind
The Rail Runner connects families to kid-friendly stops between Santa Fe and Belen, each with its own story and places worth visiting. Here are some highlights along the route.
Around Santa Fe
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Railyard Park
- Museum of International Folk Art
- Santa Fe Rail Trail
- Santa Fe River Park
Heading South: Albuquerque Attractions
- ABQ BioPark
- Civic Plaza and Downtown Library
- Explora Science Center
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History
Stops Along the Way
- Belen Harvey House Museum
- Coronado Historic Site (Bernalillo)
- River Park (Los Lunas)
Summer Events Calendar: Plan Your Rail Runner Outings
Summer brings a full calendar of events within easy reach of the Rail Runner. With free rides for youth through July, it’s a great time to plan day trips tied to local festivals, concerts, and family programming.
June Events
Santa Fe Summer Scene: Free live music on the plaza with space for dancing, picnicking, and relaxing under the trees.
ABQ Pride Festival: A downtown celebration with family-friendly performances, food trucks, and kids’ areas.
Rail Runner Discovery Days: Special onboard activities designed for younger passengers, running select dates in June.
July Highlights
International Folk Art Market: A weekend event held at Railyard Park in Santa Fe showcasing handmade art from around the world, with booths and activities geared toward kids.
Route 66 Summerfest: Nob Hill in Albuquerque turns into a street fair with music, classic cars, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Why It Matters
For many households, affordable family outings during summer are hard to come by. The Rail Runner’s Youth Ride Free program helps alleviate transportation costs while also providing a safe and structured travel environment for teens.
It’s also a meaningful way to introduce kids to sustainable travel, showing how trains connect communities efficiently without needing a car. As a bonus, navigating stations and schedules helps build independence and confidence, making it an educational summer activity for kids.
Families love the Rail Runner and give it glowing reviews. One rider shared, “Sky, sun, beautiful scenery, and countryside you can’t see when traveling in the car is what you enjoy when you take the NM Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. It is a great trip for family and friends to enjoy together and when you arrive in Santa Fe you are relaxed and ready to take in the sights before you get to enjoy another relaxing and scenic return ride on the double-decker Rail Runner home. Special treat for [the] family every time they come because it is something we can all do together!”
Plan Your Summer on the Rails
Families planning summer 2025 family travel in New Mexico can begin by visiting the Rio Metro website. The Youth Ride Free page offers complete schedules, a system map, and helpful FAQs.
There’s no registration — just hop on and ride. This no-cost-for-kids transportation option makes summer travel around New Mexico easy and budget-friendly for families. Use the Rail Runner to visit friends, attend events, or simply enjoy time together without worrying about travel costs. Take advantage of this chance to make your summer trips smoother and more enjoyable while it lasts!
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
