New Mexico (Santa Fe Southern Railway)

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The Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway is known as The Santa Fe Southern Railway and operates scenic train rides from its station in Santa Fe to Lamy and back. It has been in Santa Fe for about 130 years. The trip to the sleepy little town of Lamy takes an hour or so each way. Lamy is reminiscent of towns from the 19th century and is a small place located about eighteen miles southeast of Santa Fe. The train is powered by a diesel electric GP7 locomotive and, in addition to carrying passengers, also hauls freight. There is a cash bar on board which sells alcohol, snacks, and other beverages. The passenger car is reminiscent of bygone days and is not airconditioned, however one can raise up the windows and the cool breezes blowing in keep the passengers comfortable. There is also an open car, without seats, where passengers can stand and snap photos of the surrounding countryside.

The station in Santa Fe is a picturesque building and there are other places of business nearby. Close to the station is an underground parking lot and, for about $5, one can leave his auto there while he takes the train ride. Our train left at 11:00am and returned at 3:00pm. The train stops for about two hours in Lamy before returning to Santa Fe. Next to the station in Lamy is the Lamy Station Cafe which is located in a converted dining car. This place is really nice inside and the food served there is delicious. The train ride is not as scenic as other train rides that I have taken but it is worth the time and money if one is ever in Santa Fe and has time to kill.

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