Albuquerque International Sunport Airport Guide

Whether you have a quick connection, an overnight layover or simply love exploring airports, our Travel Code ABQ Guide will help you plan every moment. Below you will find information on facilities and services available inside the terminal – from Wi-Fi and charging points to rest zones, airport hotels, transport links and everything in between.

Table of Contents

• Airport Overview
• Airport Hours
• Rest & Relaxation Zones
• Cots
• Hotels
• Lounges
• Drinking Water
• Food & Drinks
• Luggage Storage & Lockers
• Mobile Charging
• Showers
• Wi-Fi/Internet
• Airport Conditions
• Safety & Security
• More Information

“Around midnight security kindly escorted everyone landside until checkpoints reopened.” – a recent traveller

ABQ Airport Overview

What to Expect

The Albuquerque International Sunport (IATA: ABQ) is a mid-sized, three-level terminal with a single concourse that splits into Gates A1-A4 (predominantly Southwest) and Gates B1-B10 (all other carriers). A modest range of eateries and shops can be found airside, while pickings are slimmer landside. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, although travelers report variable speeds, and there are power outlets scattered through both concourse wings. At present, the airport does not feature any airline or pay-in lounges.

Sleeping in the Airport

Many passengers have managed to catch a few hours of sleep inside ABQ. Comfort is middling, but staff are generally tolerant and helpful. Seat design often includes armrests, yet observant travelers can still locate a handful of armless benches or padded corners for a lie-down.

Where to Sleep & Seating Tips

Landside

• The baggage claim hall (particularly the far corners) and the check-in foyer provide some quieter, dimly lit spots.
• Three long benches sit in the vestibule of the Tia Juanita Mexican restaurant just before security – they are first-come, first-served.
• Much of the public area is carpeted; a compact travel mat or extra clothing layers will make floor-sleeping warmer and softer.

Airside

• Most airside seating includes fixed armrests, though a cluster of cushioned benches with attached tables lies beside Gate A8 – popular with overnight guests.

If you prefer a guaranteed bed, several hotels are only minutes from the terminal. Check our dedicated Airport Hotels section below.

Help us keep the guide accurate: feel free to share updates with Travel Code.

Airport Hours

The terminal is open 24 hours a day. TSA checkpoints normally operate 03:30 – 23:45; once the final departure has boarded, the secure side closes and all passengers must move landside.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

No official quiet rooms or nap pods exist at ABQ. Travelers rely on informal corners; if that changes, please let us know!

Cots

The airport does not distribute cots during irregular-operation events.

Airport Hotels

On-site

• Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel – directly opposite the terminal entrance, a two-minute walk.

Nearby

• Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Airport
• Homewood Suites by Hilton
• Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport
• Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Airport
• Rodeway Inn

For reviews and availability, visit brand websites such as Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton Honors or independent platforms like Tripadvisor. Alternatively, explore Travel Code’s curated list of airport hotels.

Airport Lounges

No pay-per-use or airline lounges are currently advertised at ABQ.

Drinking Water

Filtered refill stations and classic fountains can be found on both sides of security, including next to the Southwest ticket desks (bi-plane display) and along the hallway to the restrooms on the same level.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate with staggered schedules; none stay open all night. Current venues include Black Mesa Coffee, Comida Buena, Keva Juice, Panda Express, Rio Grande Brew Pub, Route 66 Lounge, La Trattoria, and Watch! Sports Lounge & Grill. Schlotzky’s is temporarily closed.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service lockers are not offered.

Mobile Charging

Power availability varies: some gates offer abundant outlets, while others have few. Consider travelling with a full power bank.

Showers

No shower facilities are available at this time.

Wi-Fi/Internet

Connect to the “sunport” SSID for free unlimited access.

Airport Conditions at Night

• Temperature: Reviews range from pleasantly mild to chilly. Pack a hoodie or light blanket.
• Lighting: Bright overheads remain on overnight. Eye-shades are recommended.
• Noise: Boarding and security announcements are loud and frequent. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are invaluable.

Safety & Security Tips

No significant security concerns have been reported, but standard precautions apply:

• Locate CCTV cameras and stay within sight of security staff.
• Keep valuables out of view and, if possible, attached to your body or a fixed object.
• Choose to rest near other travelers rather than in isolated corners.
• If you feel uncomfortable, remain awake; catch up on rest once on the aircraft.

More Airport Services & Facilities

• Airport Tours: Group appointments available on request.
• Art Program: Rotating and permanent installations throughout the terminal.
• ATMs: Several cash machines; fees vary by bank.
• Baby Care: A dedicated nursing suite airside.
• Baggage Carts: Coin-operated trolley's landside.
• Currency Exchange: Not provided.
• Information Booth: Volunteer-staffed desk opposite Baggage Claim 4.
• Meditation Room: First level, next to the Baggage Office 3.
• Observation Deck: 2 500 sq ft viewing terrace between Gates A1 and B1.
• Pet Relief: Indoor room at Gate A7 plus two outdoor areas.
• SIM Cards: Local SIMs are best purchased in town; if you locate a kiosk, please update us.
• Smoking: Designated outdoor zones only.

Airlines Serving ABQ

Advanced Air, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, United.

Ground Transport

Buses & Shuttles

Route 50 (weekdays and Saturdays) runs between the Sunport and downtown Albuquerque, connecting with New Mexico Rail Runner Express services. Several private shuttles also depart from Baggage Claim Carousel 6 to Santa Fe, Los Alamos and other cities.

Car Rental

All major brands, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty, operate from the Sunport Car Center. Complimentary shuttles run every 10 minutes 24/7 from the first-level commercial lane.

Hotel Shuttles

Many nearby properties – Baymont, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Courtyard, Days Inn, Fairfield, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Ramada, Sheraton, Sleep Inn and Staybridge Suites – offer free rides. Confirm directly with your hotel on arrival.

Ride-Sharing & Taxis

Uber and Lyft cost roughly US$10-15 to downtown. Metered cabs wait outside Door 2 on the ground transportation curb.

Need More Travel Support?

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All details are subject to change without notice. Travel Code compiles information from official airport, airline and hotel sources, but we are not their representative. Spot an error? Please send us a correction.