There are no unusual driving problems in most of this area under normal conditions; the mountains are not high enough, nor the arid valleys low and hot enough, for significant weather-related driving hazards. Partial exception for I-25 north to Santa Fe, which gains considerable elevation and can be closed for hours at a time at "La Bajada Hill" north of Cochiti Pueblo due to snow and ice. One minor warning: Albuquerque doesn't get much snow, and consequently, its residents aren't used to snowy roads. When the occasional snowstorm does blow through, driving conditions in town can range from mildly crazy to downright alarming, more because of the behavior of the motorists than due to objective road hazard.
Public transportation in this area is generally limited to Albuquerque. However, a commuter railroad, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express (http://www.nmrailrunner.com), links the train/bus depot in downtown Albuquerque to Santa Fe as well as to some of the smaller communities along the Rio Grande: Belen, Los Lunas, and Bernalillo. It runs with limited service daily, with additional service for some special events. Fares are based on how far you ride, and a day pass will usually be in the range of $5-$9. Tickets can be purchased online (http://www.nmrailrunner.c...) or from ticket agents at the station and on the train.
