The Santa Fe Opera and Rio Metro Regional Transit District
Expand Late Night Train Service for Weekend Operagoers
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Santa Fe, NM — The Santa Fe Opera and Rio Metro Regional Transit District are proud to announce an expansion of a transportation initiative that makes it easier to attend world-class opera performances in the City Different. Beginning July 3, a special late-night Rail Runner train will run after Friday and Saturday performances (except July 4), providing opera-goers from Albuquerque and all communities in between with a convenient round-trip travel option to and from the opera. The Rail Runner Train Package includes round-trip train service from Albuquerque (and all stops in between) to the Santa Fe Depot, plus shuttle service to and from the opera throughout the season for just $25 per person.
By making it possible for more New Mexicans to experience live music, the Santa Fe Opera and Rio Metro are helping to broaden access to one of the state’s most iconic cultural institutions. Says General Director Robert K. Meya, “We are excited to partner once again with Rio Metro in growing this transportation initiative, which makes it easier for more people, especially from Albuquerque, to experience the magic of live opera under Santa Fe’s starry skies.”
Rail Runner Train Package
- $25 per rider (round trip). Includes:
- Round-trip day pass for rail transportation from Albuquerque stations and all stops in between and the Santa Fe Depot.
- Round-trip shuttle transportation between the Santa Fe Depot and the Santa Fe Opera.
- Offered on Fridays and *Saturdays throughout opera season: July 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and August 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. *The Rail Runner train is closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
- The Rail Runner Train Package must be purchased by 3 pm the day before the performance.
- To pair your opera evening with round-trip train travel, visit santafeopera.org and choose “Rail Runner Train Package” as an add-on to performance tickets.
- Please note that opera tickets are sold separately and can be purchased online, in person at the Box Office, or over the phone by calling 505-986-5900 (Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm).
Your Opera Evening Itinerary
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, dining or strolling in Santa Fe’s Railyard District before boarding a shuttle to the Santa Fe Opera:
- Arrival at Santa Fe Depot by Rail Runner train:
- On Fridays, arrive no later than the 6:07 pm train into the Santa Fe Depot
- On Saturdays, arrive no later than the 4:56 pm train into the Santa Fe Depot
- Explore Santa Fe: Enjoy dining, shopping or relaxing in the Railyard District
- Meet the Opera: SFO Docents will be on-site an hour before shuttle departure to answer questions and greet guests
- Opera Shuttle pickup location:
- Montezuma Avenue Bus Stop, near Beastly Books at the end of the pedestrian walkway at the Santa Fe Depot between the Vladem Contemporary Museum and the Jean Cocteau Cinema
- Opera Shuttle departure times:
- 7:55 pm ( Fridays & Saturdays, July 3 – August 1), 8:30 pm performances
- 7:25 pm (Fridays & Saturdays, August 3 – August 29), 8:00 pm performances
- The shuttle from the opera to the Santa Fe Depot will depart approximately 15 minutes after the performance ends
- Rail Runner Late-night Train departure times:
- Train departures vary depending on each show’s runtime and depart approximately 45 minutes after the performance concludes
- All confirmed passengers will be accommodated before the train departs
About the 2026 Season — In 2026, the Santa Fe Opera presents a lineup of classic, rarely performed and new works. The 69th Festival Season features 38 performances of two new productions, two celebrated revivals and an American premiere. An homage to the company’s first-ever performance in 1957, Opening Weekend takes flight on July 3 with Lee Blakeley’s acclaimed production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, revived by Melanie Bacaling. Next, on July 4, is a new international co-production with Garsington Opera of Mozart’s The Magic Flute directed by Christopher Luscombe. Centering the season from July 18 is a revival of Alessandro Talevi’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, originally presented during the opera’s 2021 Season. On July 25, Handel’s Rodelinda is offered for the first time at the Santa Fe Opera, led by Santa Fe Opera Music Director and early music specialist Harry Bicket with direction by R.B. Schlather. Finally, on August 1, the Santa Fe Opera presents the American premiere of Lili Elbe, an opera in two acts by Grammy-winning composer Tobias Picker and librettist Aryeh Lev Stollman, featuring former Apprentice singer Lucia Lucas in the title role. Tickets are on sale now at santafeopera.org.
About The Santa Fe Opera — Recognized in 2022 as “Festival of the Year” at the International Opera Awards, the Santa Fe Opera annually draws 85,000 people from New Mexico and around the globe. Nestled atop a mountain vista in northern New Mexico, the company’s iconic Crosby Theatre is open on three sides, allowing visitors to enjoy performances complemented by the elements. Since 1957 the company has presented over 2,000 performances of 180 operas by 92 composers spanning five centuries of opera, creating a legacy of 45 American premieres and 19 world premieres.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at the Santa Fe Opera — Opera has the power to speak truth, broaden perspectives and invite empathy. The Santa Fe Opera is committed to the continuous work of becoming an antiracist and anti-oppressive organization and incorporating the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Our goal is to create a joyful and engaging environment in which a diverse community of artists, staff, volunteers and audiences alike belong.
The mission of the Santa Fe Opera is to advance the operatic art form by presenting ensemble performances of the highest quality in a unique setting with a varied repertory of new, rarely performed, and standard works; to ensure the excellence of opera’s future through apprentice programs for singers, technicians and arts administrators; and to foster an understanding and appreciation of opera among a diverse public.
Discover More: santafeopera.org
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