How far is Albuquerque, NM from Ruidoso Downs, NM?
The driving distance from Albuquerque, NM to Ruidoso Downs, NM is about 187 miles (301 km), with a travel time of about 03h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.2 miles (217.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 39m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in 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 Ruidoso Downs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albuquerque and Ruidoso Downs.
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1
Start on Central Avenue Northwest
575 ft · 26 sec · Central Avenue Northwest
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2
Turn right onto 2nd Street Southwest
1453 ft · 42 sec · 2nd Street Southwest
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3
Turn left onto Coal Avenue Southwest
1367 ft · 29 sec · Coal Avenue Southwest
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4
Continue on Coal Avenue Southeast
2203 ft · 1 min · Coal Avenue Southeast
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 25 South
933 ft · 23 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Pan American Freeway
84.2 mi · 1 hr 25 min · Pan American Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward San Antonio
3008 ft · 57 sec
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8
Continue straight
1711 ft · 29 sec
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9
Continue on 2nd Street
73.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min · 2nd Street
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10
Turn right
14.2 mi · 21 min
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11
Turn right
8.3 mi · 12 min
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12
Turn left onto Cree Meadows Drive
85 m · 9 sec · Cree Meadows Drive
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13
Turn right onto Country Club Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Country Club Drive
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14
Turn slight left onto Paradise Canyon Drive
1.9 mi · 3 min · Paradise Canyon Drive
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15
Turn slight left onto Sudderth Drive
1.1 mi · 2 min · Sudderth Drive
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16
Merge slight right
1.4 mi · 2 min
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17
Turn left
23 m · 3 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Albuquerque and Ruidoso Downs.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Pan American Freeway
Merge slight left onto Pan American Freeway
84.1 mi · 01h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Albuquerque and Sunny near Ruidoso Downs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Albuquerque to Ruidoso Downs?
The road trip is about 187 miles (301 km) and usually takes 03h 39m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Socorro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.6 miles from Albuquerque and 93.5 miles from Ruidoso Downs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.2 miles (217.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:40 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.99 one way or $49.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Albuquerque and Sunny near Ruidoso Downs.
Stop Ideas Near Socorro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Socorro.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Alvarado Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Albuquerque and Ruidoso Downs. Straight-line distance: 135.24 mi (217.64 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 Ruidoso Downs
City in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States of America
| Population | 2,631 |
| Coordinates | 33.3289700, -105.6044300 |
| Altitude | 1956 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ruidoso Downs (-105.60443, 33.32897)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 301 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.99 | $49.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $28.11 | $56.22 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.53 | $61.05 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $35.74 | $71.48 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.