Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe depot (# 0958)

Despite Santa Fe’s historical importance as the state capitol, elevation challenges resulted in transcontinental rail lines not passing through it and passenger service to Santa Fe historically used a spur line and a separate train from the main line. By the time Amtrak took over transcontinental service, the connections to Santa Fe were by bus from a station in Lamy. It is thus not surprising that the train station in Santa Fe is not at all spectacular. Changes in rail capabilities and the creation of the Rail Runner have resulted in quicker access south to Albuquerque, but transcontinental Amtrak connections to Santa Fe continue to be by bus from Lamy.