If you are planning on attending the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, here are some things you should know about getting to the park.
There are roughly 10,000 parking spaces set aside for the festival, and the cost of parking is $20, cash only.
If you prefer to bike to the park, there is a bike valet service free with the cost of a ticket.
The Fiesta Express Park & Ride has also added a new stop at Intel in Rio Rancho this year, but it will operate only on weekends.
Ways to get to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
BIKE VALET
Free with the price of admission from 4-11 a.m. mornings, and 3-9 p.m. for evening events. Take the trail that runs along the AMAFCA North Diversion Channel, crosses underneath Paseo del Norte and Alameda, and ends just north of the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Remember, it is dark in the morning when arriving and dark at night after leaving, so be sure to have proper bicycle illumination.Adolphe Pierre-Louis
ABOUT THE TRAFFIC
There are about 10,000 parking spaces in leased or loaned parking lots immediately adjacent to Balloon Fiesta Park. On weekend mornings, when mass ascensions are held, motorists coming from the West Side should enter Balloon Fiesta Park via Alameda Boulevard, which will be one way east only from Second Street to Balloon Museum Drive. Westbound traffic coming from the East Side will be funneled from the I-25 Frontage Roads and directed to San Mateo Boulevard heading north to Balloon Fiesta Parkway and the northern end of the balloon field. Eastbound traffic may also enter via Tramway and Alameda boulevards.Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque
ARRIVAL AND PARKING
The park is located in north Albuquerque, west of Interstate 25, and about 12 miles north of the Albuquerque International Sunport via I-25. Volunteers will direct cars into parking areas. Visitors are advised to retain their tickets for readmission in case a session is canceled. Refunds are not given. Parking is $20 each session, cash only.ROBERTO E. ROSALES
FIESTA EXPRESS PARK & RIDE
Park & Ride tickets must be purchased online at balloonfiesta.com/park-ride. Bus service will operate Thursday-Sunday, but not Monday-Wednesday.HOURS: Morning events, buses leave for the park between 4:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Return trips are 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Coronado Mall, 6600 Menaul Blvd. NE, southwest corner near San Pedro Drive
Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Road NE, northeast lot
Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Bypass NW, northeast lot
MARK CAMDEN / FOR THE JOURNAL
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY
Handicap parking is available close to the entrance gates for the regular $20 parking fee. There are also a limited number of mobility scooters and wheelchairs available for on-site rental near the north and south information booths.
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November 22, 2023
