What started out as a small gathering with just 13 balloons in 1972, has grown to an international event that attracts almost 600 balloons and 1,000 pilots. And with this growth, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta.com) has also experienced some traffic problems. That said, you can bypass the delays and hop on a wheelchair-accessible Fiesta Express Park & Ride bus to get to and from the Fiesta Grounds. It’s fast, easy, and even economical.

Where

There are four Fiesta Express boarding locations, so there’s one that will work for just about everybody.

1. Hoffmantown Church (8888 Harper Road NE)
   Park in the northeast lot only.
2. Cottonwood Mall (10000 Coors Bypass NW)
   Park in the northeast parking lot near Seven Bar Loop and Coors Bypass NW
3. Coronado Center (6600 Menaul Blvd. NE)
   Park at the southwest corner near San Pedro Dr. and Uptown Blvd.
4. Intel (1600 Rio Rancho Dr. SE, Rio Rancho, NM )
   Park in the southeast lot only. This route only runs on weekends

When

Fiesta Express buses run from Thursday to Sunday during the morning and evening events. Morning service begins from the remote lots at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. Service from Balloon Fiesta Park to the remote lots begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00, with straggler buses following until 11:30.

Evening service from the remote lots runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with return service from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and straggler buses following until 10:00 p.m.

Tickets

Fiesta Bus tickets include transportation to and from the event as well as admission to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

All purchases must be made online at balloonfiesta.com/Park-Ride .

• Children: (5 and under) FREE
• Children: (6-12) $10
• Adults: (13-61) $25
• Seniors: (62+) $23

Tickets purchased after midnight on the day of usage are considered same day tickets..

• Children: (5 and under) FREE
• Children: (6-12) $13
• Adults: (13-61) $26
• Seniors: (62+) $28

On-site ticket purchases are not available. All tickets must be purchased online. If you experience problems purchasing your tickets online call (855) 725-1824.

And for more information about access at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit emerginghorizons.com/up-up-and-away-at-the-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta.

Ride the Fiesta Bus and enjoy more of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta this year!