Things to know about parking at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Elizabeth Tucker / Journal Staff WriterBy Adrian Gomez Elizabeth Tucker / Journal Staff WriterBy Adrian GomezElizabeth Tucker / Journal Staff WriterBy Adrian Gomez Journal Staff WriterBy Adrian Gomez / Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
If you are planning on attending the 51st 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
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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
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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
ARRIVAL AND PARKING
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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
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Park & Ride tickets must be purchased online atballoonfiesta.com/park-ride. Bus service will operate Friday-Sunday, but not Monday-Thursday.MARK CAMDEN
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.RiverNorthPhotography
See these penguins — and other bird special shapes — fly at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Correction: Balloon Fiesta intersects with solar eclipse in October
