Getting Around Las Cruces
Las Cruces is New Mexico's second-largest city, and it sprawls across the Rio Grande valley. That sprawl shapes everything about how you get around: this is a car-dependent city, and most visitors find that a rental car is the practical baseline for their stay. That said, there are real alternatives — a local bus system, intercity buses, rideshare, taxis, and a compact historic district that rewards walking.
By Car
Las Cruces sits at the junction of Interstate 10 and Interstate 25, and I-25's southern terminus is here. The city orients around the I-25/US-70 grid, and parking is generally easy — including near Old Mesilla. If you're planning to see much beyond a single neighborhood, driving is the most flexible option.
Rental cars are available in town from the major agencies, with several offices along South Telshor Boulevard and South Valley Drive. If you're arriving by air, you can also rent at El Paso International Airport and drive up.
Rail and Tram
There is no Amtrak station in Las Cruces, and no local rail, metro, or tram network. The nearest Amtrak stops with regular service are in El Paso, Texas, and Deming, New Mexico — both require a local connection to reach Las Cruces. For practical purposes, you should not plan a visit around train travel.
Buses and Public Transport
Local public transportation within the city limits is provided by RoadRUNNER Transit, which runs bus routes covering the city's main corridors and serving major shopping areas, employment centers, and healthcare facilities. It's an inexpensive, budget-friendly option, and buses can carry bicycles.
Be aware of the limitations: service is limited to Monday through Saturday and ends by 7:30 in the evening, routes run infrequently, and the network is oriented toward commuters rather than visitor attractions. Check the City of Las Cruces transit page for current routes and stop locations before you rely on it.
For travel beyond the city, the Mesilla Intermodal Transit Terminal at 300 W. Lohman Ave. (at Lohman and Alameda) serves as the central bus station. Greyhound operates from here, traveling along I-10 between El Paso, Lordsburg, Tucson, and Phoenix, with some routes continuing on I-25 to Albuquerque. Because this stop functions as a pick-up and drop-off point, tickets should be purchased in advance online or by phone, and you should check schedules carefully. The New Mexico Park & Ride Gold Line also stops here, connecting Las Cruces to Anthony, Texas, and El Paso along I-10. The South Central Transit District provides public transportation around Doña Ana County outside Las Cruces, as well as services to El Paso from Anthony.
Flixbus has a separate stop at 1685 E. University Ave., with service to El Paso from Los Angeles, Phoenix/Tempe, and Tucson via I-10. El Paso–Los Angeles Limousine Express also serves the city.
For regional trips, bus journey times are competitive with driving. For destinations beyond the region, you'll often need to connect through a larger hub such as El Paso or Albuquerque.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft operate in Las Cruces, and taxi services are available as well — Checker Cab is one local option. Rideshare is useful for airport runs and evening outings, but keep in mind that costs compound over the metro's distances, so it's less economical as a primary way to get around all day. Some hotels also offer shuttle service to local attractions and businesses.
Walking
Because the city sprawls, walkable sightseeing is limited across Las Cruces as a whole. The notable exception is Old Mesilla (La Mesilla), which is compact and walkable: park near the historic plaza and explore the shops and restaurants on foot. Guided walking tours of the historic downtown are also available. Otherwise, plan to drive, bike, or walk selectively rather than expecting to cover the city on foot.
Bicycling is another option — bike rental shops in the area offer both city and mountain bikes, and local buses can carry your bike.
Getting There from the Airport
Las Cruces International Airport (LRU) is a general aviation airport, not a commercial one. It sits about 10 minutes west of downtown in West Mesa, at Exit 132 of I-10, and handles general aviation and VIP flights along with facilities for unmanned aerial activity and testing. You should not expect scheduled passenger airline service here.
Most visitors instead arrive via El Paso International Airport, roughly 50 miles south in Texas and about a 45-minute drive from downtown Las Cruces on I-10. Your onward options are:
- Rental car: Rent at El Paso and drive up I-10. This is the most flexible and cost-competitive choice for stays of more than a day or two. All the major agencies have counters at El Paso International Airport.
- Shared shuttle: Fixed schedules, and they add stops along the way, but they're cheaper than private car service. Several shuttle and limousine operators serve the route.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available, but the distance makes this an expensive option.
- Bus: Limited bus service runs between El Paso and Albuquerque with stops in Las Cruces, including the New Mexico Park & Ride Gold Line and Greyhound.
Once you're in town, the same trade-offs apply: a car gives you the most freedom, RoadRUNNER Transit covers the main corridors on a limited schedule, and rideshare or taxi fills the gaps for specific trips.