How to Get to Taos from Los Angeles [2025–2026 Guide] 🏔️🚗✈️
The fastest way to get from Los Angeles to Taos County is to fly and shuttle which takes 6h 31m and costs $210 – $750. More details.
🏔️ Why Visit Taos?
Taos, New Mexico is a high-desert town famous for its art scene, adobe architecture, Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Taos Ski Valley. From Los Angeles, you’ll be heading northeast into the Rocky Mountain region. Since Taos is not a major transit hub, getting there requires combining different modes of transportation. The distance between Los Angeles and Taos is about 950 miles (1,528 km).
✈️ Option 1: Flying from Los Angeles to Taos
Flying is the fastest and most convenient option.
- Nearest Airports:
- Taos Regional Airport (TSM): Small local airport, limited flights.
- Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): ~1.5 hours from Taos.
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): ~2.5 hours from Taos.
- Route:
- Direct flights to Albuquerque (ABQ) from LAX, BUR, or LGB.
- From ABQ, rent a car or take a shuttle to Taos.
- Travel Time: ~1.5-hour flight + 2.5-hour drive.
- Cost: $120–$250 (flight) + $40–$60 (rental car/fuel or shuttle).
👉 Best for travelers who want the fastest and easiest option.
🚗 Option 2: Driving from Los Angeles to Taos
A road trip is a scenic way to reach Taos, especially if you enjoy desert landscapes.
- Distance: ~950 miles (1,528 km).
- Route: Take I-40 East across Arizona into New Mexico, then connect north toward Taos via US-285 or NM-68.
- Travel Time: ~14–16 hours (can be done in 2 days with an overnight stop).
- Fuel & Tolls: ~$120–$180 depending on gas prices and stops.
👉 Great for road-trippers, skiers bringing gear, or those who want to explore Arizona & New Mexico on the way.
🚌 Option 3: Bus from Los Angeles to Taos
Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly choice, though less direct.
- Operators: Greyhound runs buses from Los Angeles to Santa Fe or Albuquerque.
- Route:
- LA → Albuquerque (ABQ) by Greyhound (~16 hours).
- From Albuquerque → Taos via Taos Express shuttle or local bus.
- Travel Time: ~18–20 hours total.
- Cost: $80–$120 one-way.
👉 Best for budget travelers and students willing to trade time for savings.
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🚆 Option 4: Train from Los Angeles to Taos (via Albuquerque/Santa Fe)
Trains don’t go directly to Taos, but you can combine Amtrak with local transit.
- Route:
- Take the Amtrak Southwest Chief from Los Angeles Union Station → Lamy, NM (near Santa Fe) (~15 hours).
- From Lamy → Santa Fe by shuttle (~30 minutes).
- From Santa Fe → Taos via shuttle or rental car (~1.5–2 hours).
- Travel Time: ~18–20 hours total.
- Cost: $100–$160.
👉 Perfect for travelers who enjoy long scenic train rides and don’t mind transfers.
📊 Travel Options Summary
| Option | Duration | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flying (to ABQ/SAF/TSM) | 4–5 hrs (incl. transfers) | $160–$300 | Fastest, easiest |
| 🚗 Driving | 14–16 hrs | $120–$180 | Road trips, flexibility |
| 🚌 Bus | 18–20 hrs | $80–$120 | Budget travelers |
| 🚆 Train (via Lamy/Santa Fe) | 18–20 hrs | $100–$160 | Scenic travel lovers |
💡 Travel Tips for 2025–2026
- Winter Travel: If visiting Taos Ski Valley, be prepared for snow; carry chains if driving.
- Book Early: Flights to Santa Fe or Albuquerque can fill quickly during ski season.
- Budget Hack: Greyhound to Albuquerque + shuttle to Taos is the cheapest option.
- Cultural Experience: The train ride on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is one of the most scenic rail journeys in America.
❓ FAQs About Getting to Taos from Los Angeles
Q1: What’s the fastest way to get to Taos from Los Angeles?
Flying to Albuquerque (ABQ) and then driving or taking a shuttle to Taos is the fastest way.
Q2: Is there a direct flight from Los Angeles to Taos?
No, most travelers fly into Santa Fe (SAF) or Albuquerque (ABQ), then drive or shuttle to Taos.
Q3: How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Taos?
Around 14–16 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Q4: Can I take a train from Los Angeles to Taos?
Not directly. You can take Amtrak to Lamy (near Santa Fe), then transfer to a shuttle or rental car to Taos.
Q5: What’s the cheapest way to get to Taos from Los Angeles?
The bus to Albuquerque + shuttle to Taos is the most budget-friendly option.
✅ Whether you want to fly fast, drive scenic highways, or take a budget bus/train, getting from Los Angeles to Taos in 2025–2026 is absolutely doable. For speed, fly to Albuquerque. For adventure, road trip. For savings, take the bus.