Location: Camino del Pueblo, East Calle Don Francisco and Calle Duranes at Railroad Track Road (820 Rail Road Track Road in Bernalillo)
 

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The Downtown Bernalillo Rail Runner station is located in the center of historic Bernalillo, which has held onto its rich history while offering budding employment, housing, and commercial opportunities. This central location allows travelers to get right off the train and experience the warm and inviting culture of Bernalillo.  Once part of the famous “Route 66”, Bernalillo’s Main Street is now home to all kinds of specialty restaurants and shops. One noteworthy place that has been there since the early 1930’s is Silva’s – the oldest continuous saloon in the country. Another timeless treasure within walking distance of the station is the old Sisters of Loretto Convent and High School. The building, which was in its heyday in the 1920’s, has recently been designated for historic renovation.

.The parking lot, which offers free parking, is located just south of Calle Duranes, on the west side of Railroad Track Road. With only 23 parking spaces, it is the smallest of all Rail Runner stations’ lots, reflecting the fact that the station is so centrally located, that most Bernalillo residents can easily walk there from their homes.

Station Area Development

Bernalillo has two Rail Runner Express stations – one in its historic downtown area, and the other serving regional commuters at the busy intersection of U.S. 550 and Interstate 25. Development at each is guided by Bernalillo’s very own Transit-Oriented Development Plan. The plan lays out community goals, including the creation of a sense of “place” at each depot, improved connectivity for transit users, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers and provision of a variety of housing types. An overarching goal of the plan is to maintain the historic character of this town.

The downtown station plan also calls for the creation of “The Alameda,” a pedestrian-focused road directly from Camino del Pueblo - Bernalillo’s main thoroughfare - to the station. This would open up visual access from the station to downtown Bernalillo, create new shopping, dining and entertainment areas as well as spur new development near the station.

The symbol for the station – the conquistador helmet - brings to light the history of old Bernalillo when Spanish explorer Coronado is said to have camped near an excavated pueblo in 1540 on his famous quest for the seven golden cities of Cibola. Today, people travel far and wide to Bernalillo to visit the historic site which is now called Coronado State Monument.