How far is Albuquerque, NM from La Cienega, NM?
The driving distance from Albuquerque, NM to La Cienega, NM is about 49.4 miles (79.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Albuquerque and La Cienega.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albuquerque and La Cienega.
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1
Start on Central Avenue Northwest
933 ft · 38 sec · Central Avenue Northwest
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2
Continue on Central Avenue Southwest
1.1 km · 2 min · Central Avenue Southwest
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3
Turn left onto Oak Street Northeast
1181 ft · 28 sec · Oak Street Northeast
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 25 North: Santa Fe, Oak Street
106 m · 9 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 25 North: Santa Fe
973 ft · 24 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Pan American Freeway
46.3 mi · 48 min · Pan American Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CR 50F: La Clenega
1194 ft · 35 sec
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8
Turn left onto Entrada la Cienega
1.1 mi · 3 min · Entrada la Cienega
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9
Turn left onto Camino Capilla Vieja
1922 ft · 1 min · Camino Capilla Vieja
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Camino Capilla Vieja
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Albuquerque and La Cienega.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Pan American Freeway
Merge slight left onto Pan American Freeway
46.3 mi · 00h 48m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Albuquerque and Sunny near La Cienega.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Albuquerque to La Cienega?
The road trip is about 49.4 miles (79.5 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
San Felipe Pueblo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.7 miles from Albuquerque and 24.7 miles from La Cienega.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:36 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.59 one way or $13.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Albuquerque and Sunny near La Cienega.
Stop Ideas Near San Felipe Pueblo
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Rio Rancho Parks & Recreation
Rio Rancho Water Utilities
Rio Rancho Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to San Felipe Pueblo.
Alvarado Transportation Center
Lamy station
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Las Vegas station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Albuquerque and La Cienega. Straight-line distance: 44.19 mi (71.11 km).
#1 Albuquerque
The third most populous city in New Mexico and the center of the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
| Population | 562,540 |
| Coordinates | 35.0844900, -106.6511400 |
| Altitude | 1511 |
| Country | United States |
#2 La Cienega
City in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States of America
| Population | 3,819 |
| Coordinates | 35.5628100, -106.1308600 |
| Altitude | 1808 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Cienega (-106.13086, 35.56281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $6.59 | $13.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $7.41 | $14.82 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $8.05 | $16.10 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $9.42 | $18.84 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New Mexico · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.