It depends on where you want to go and where you are staying. There is a rail system now that runs from Belen to Bernalillo, I have not been there to try it out yet. The bus system used to suck but maybe it is better. I recommend you rent a car so that you can go to the mountains and see the views.

There is now what they call the "rapid ride" which will cruise you from downtown burque (maybe further) to the mall and it runs by the university and it comes by every ten minutes. I believe there is a similar thing for around downtown these days. there might also be another rapid ride route somewhere else that i havent checked. most of the other busses are far more infrequent and more difficult in my experience. I am mostly a bike rider.. i have not checked out the commuter railway either, as i have little to do in either belen or bernalillo (does anybody?...some day it will go to santa fe, but not yet) the website for the busses is www.abqride.com good luck ... hope this helps

I would recommend splitting it between both renting and using public trans. That way you don't spend so much. There are so many things to see in the landscape of NM that are mind blowing, and most of them require a ride. Then there are the numerous attractions here in the city. The zoo and botanical gardens have MUCH improved over the years and are now well worth the admission. The food here is wonderful, and in great variety, and the night life seems to be getting better by the year. Probably due to the multi million dollar movie industry setting up here in NM. So...While you are in the city use the bus. It is not as bad as some would make it out to be, and the central bus runs every 15 min like clockwork ( well, and odd version of a clock anyway ) Then, once your city slicken is done, rent a car ( something with all wheel or four wheel drive would be a bonus and open up whole new areas to explore ) and go for a cruise. There are many people here that would probably be interested in showing you some of the sights as well. Then there is Santa Fe.....Anyway, feel free to contact me if you want, I would be happy to spend some time showing you around, or at the very least pointing you in some good directions. I hope you trip is a peaceful one. Happy trails : )