Kirtland Air Force Base sits on the southeast edge of Albuquerque, adjacent to the Albuquerque International Sunport. It’s home to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Sandia National Laboratories, and several tenant organizations.

Whether you’re visiting, here on TDY, or PCSing in or out — here’s what you need to know about lodging near the base.

Jump to: Hotel Picks · Vacation Rentals · On-Base Lodging · Pet-Friendly Hotels · PCS Entitlements

Lodging Near Kirtland AFB

The primary off-base corridor is the Yale Blvd SE and Gibson Blvd corridor — both within 10-15 minutes of the main gate and adjacent to the airport. Albuquerque has solid hotel inventory overall, and rates here are generally reasonable compared to other major city installations.

Vacation Rentals Near Kirtland AFB

Albuquerque has solid vacation rental inventory, and the surrounding high desert landscape means many properties have outdoor space and mountain views. Weekly rates regularly come in at or under the standard government lodging rate — making vacation rentals a competitive option for longer TLE stays.

If you’re PCSing, VRBO bookings are reimbursable under TLE as long as the nightly rate is at or under the lodging cap. Keep your booking confirmation and get an itemized payment receipt to file with your voucher.

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On-Base Lodging at Kirtland AFB

Kirtland’s on-base lodging is the Roadrunner Inn, operated through Kirtland Force Support Squadron. Reviews are consistently excellent — apartment-style suites, pet-friendly rooms with XL dog crates provided, and a dog walking area on site. Additionally, their TLFs have two- or three-bedroom houses with a full kitchen and washer and dryer.

Check here first for official travel, and it it’s unavailable, get a non-availability confirmation number before booking off base for official travel.

• Phone: (505) 846-9653
• Reservations: Book through Kirtland Force Support
• Pet policy: Pet-friendly upon request in designated TLFs. Limited to two pets, shot records are required at check-in. There is an additional $10 nightly pet fee. If necessary, a cleaning fee of $150 may apply.

Pet-Friendly Lodging Near Kirtland AFB

The Roadrunner Inn on base is actually one of the better pet-friendly options in the area, so don’t skip calling them first. Off base, the Days Inn and Garner Hotel both accommodate pets. Call ahead to confirm current breed restrictions and fees before booking.

If you’re PCSing, pet hotel fees are reimbursable under JTR paragraph 050107 — up to $550 CONUS total per PCS. Keep itemized receipts showing pet fees as a separate line item.

Kirtland AFB Location Factors You Should Consider

Albuquerque is a real city. You’re not stuck in a highway strip — Old Town, the Nob Hill district, and the Rio Grande bosque are all worth exploring. The food scene is also excellent, especially if you like green chile on everything.

Balloon Fiesta. If you’re arriving in early October, the International Balloon Fiesta is one of the largest hot air balloon events in the world and happens right in Albuquerque. Hotels book out months in advance during that week — both on and off base — so plan accordingly.

Altitude. Albuquerque sits at 5,312 feet. If you’re coming from sea level, plan for a day or two of adjustment — headaches and fatigue are common, and staying hydrated is crucial.

Sandia Mountains. The Sandia Peak Tramway is about 20 minutes from base and worth the trip. At the top you’re at 10,378 feet with views of the entire Rio Grande valley.

White Sands connection. If you have orders to Kirtland and you’re driving up from Holloman AFB or through southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park is worth a stop on the drive.

See our Holloman AFB lodging guide for Alamogordo options if you need an overnight stop en route.

PCS Entitlements at Kirtland AFB

The amount you receive depends on your household size and the locality per diem rates at your installation. The overall TLE daily cap is $290, covering both lodging and M&IE combined. Keep in mind lodging taxes are reimbursable separately and do not count against you.

Know Your PCS Entitlements Before You Book

There are two different lodging entitlements on a PCS move:

• If you’re staying near Kirtland on the drive between duty stations, your lodging is capped at the standard CONUS rate — currently $110/night.
• If you’re moving to or from Kirtland and using TLE, your lodging is based on your family size and the local per diem, up to $290/day total.

For the full picture of what you’re authorized — MALT, per diem, TLE, DLA, pet reimbursements, and more — see our complete PCS entitlements guide. Or plug your move into our free PCS planner to calculate travel days, per diem, and mileage in one shot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lodging at Kirtland AFB