Las Cruces travel guide

Las Cruces travel guide

National Airports

Las Cruces is served by the Las Cruces International Airport (LRU), which is located about 10 miles from downtown Las Cruces. The airport offers daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) via American Eagle, and also provides general aviation services for private aircraft. However, LRU is a small regional airport and does not offer many flight options.

The El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the closest major airport to Las Cruces, located approximately 50 miles away in El Paso, Texas. ELP offers daily flights from major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, connecting to major cities across the United States. Many visitors to Las Cruces fly into ELP and rent a car or take a shuttle or taxi to reach their destination.

Trains in Las Cruces

Unfortunately, there are no passenger train services that operate directly in Las Cruces. The closest Amtrak station to Las Cruces is located in El Paso, Texas, approximately 50 miles away. The station is served by the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle lines, which run between New Orleans and Los Angeles, and Chicago and Los Angeles, respectively. From the El Paso Amtrak station, visitors can take a shuttle or taxi to reach Las Cruces. Alternatively, visitors can take the New Mexico Rail Runner Express from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, which offers scenic views of the state’s landscape, and then take a shuttle or taxi to reach Las Cruces.

Buses in Las Cruces

Las Cruces has a local bus system called RoadRUNNER Transit, which provides transportation within the city limits and to nearby communities. The system operates seven days a week and offers several routes to major destinations such as New Mexico State University, the downtown area, and the Mesilla Valley Mall. Fares are affordable, and passengers can pay using cash or purchase passes in advance.

There are also several long-distance bus companies that operate in Las Cruces, including Greyhound and El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express. Greyhound provides connections to major cities across the United States, while El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express offers services to several destinations in the Southwest, including El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles.

How to get to Las Cruces

Las Cruces is located in southern New Mexico, and there are several ways to get there:

By air: The closest major airport to Las Cruces is El Paso International Airport (ELP), located about 50 miles away in El Paso, Texas. Visitors can fly into ELP from major cities across the United States and then take a shuttle, taxi, or rent a car to reach Las Cruces.

By car: Las Cruces is located at the crossroads of Interstate 10 and Interstate 25. Visitors can drive to Las Cruces from major cities across the Southwest, including Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, and El Paso.

By bus: Las Cruces has a Greyhound bus station that provides connections to major cities across the United States. Visitors can also take the El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express, which offers services to several destinations in the Southwest, including El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles.

By train: The closest Amtrak station to Las Cruces is located in El Paso, Texas, approximately 50 miles away. From there, visitors can take a shuttle or taxi to reach Las Cruces.

By shuttle service: Several shuttle services provide transportation between El Paso International Airport and Las Cruces, including ShuttleWizard, Sun City Shuttle, and Las Cruces Shuttle & Taxi.

What is the best time to travel to Las Cruces

The best time to travel to Las Cruces depends on what activities and experiences you are looking for. Here is some information about the weather and events in Las Cruces throughout the year:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Las Cruces, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 80s (Fahrenheit). The spring months are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and exploring the city’s parks and gardens. Spring is also a great time to visit if you want to attend festivals and events such as the Renaissance ArtsFaire and the Cowboy Days & Music Festival.

Summer (June-August): Summers in Las Cruces are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the heat, summer is still a popular time to visit, especially for those looking to enjoy the city’s water parks, swimming pools, and other aquatic activities. Summer is also a great time to attend events such as the Fourth of July Celebration and the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival.

Fall (September-November): Fall is another beautiful time to visit Las Cruces, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 80s Fahrenheit. Fall is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, as well as attend events such as the Harvest Wine Festival and the Dia de los Muertos celebration.

Winter (December-February): Winters in Las Cruces are mild, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 60s Fahrenheit. Winter is a great time to visit if you want to explore the city’s museums and historic sites, or if you want to hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts. Winter is also a great time to attend events such as the Las Cruces International Film Festival and the Renaissance ArtsFaire.

How to get around Las Cruces

There are several ways to get around Las Cruces:

Car rental: Renting a car is a popular and convenient way to get around Las Cruces. There are several car rental companies located at the Las Cruces International Airport and in the city center.

Taxis and rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Las Cruces. You can easily request a ride using your smartphone and the drivers will pick you up at your location.

Public transportation: The City of Las Cruces operates a fixed-route bus system called RoadRUNNER Transit. The buses operate on several routes throughout the city and tickets can be purchased on board.

Bicycles: Las Cruces has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around on two wheels. Bikes can be rented from several shops in the city.

Walking: Las Cruces is a walkable city with several parks, trails, and historic districts. Walking is a great way to explore the city and enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Accommodations in Las Cruces

Las Cruces offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are some popular options:

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces: A beautiful, historic hotel with Southwest decor and modern amenities, including an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and fitness center.

Ramada Hotel and Conference Center by Wyndham: This hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center, as well as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Hampton Inn & Suites Las Cruces I-25: A popular chain hotel offering comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, and free hot breakfast.

Casas de Soledad: A cozy bed and breakfast located in a quiet residential area, featuring private casitas with kitchenettes, outdoor pool, and beautiful gardens.

Vacation Rentals: Las Cruces offers a variety of vacation rentals, including condos, apartments, and houses. Websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo are good resources for finding and booking rentals in the area.