How far is Capitan, NM from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance from Capitan, NM to Las Cruces, NM is about 145 miles (233.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110.2 miles (177.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 58m 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 02h 29m.
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.
City in Otero County, New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Capitan and Las Cruces.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Capitan and Las Cruces.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left
50 m · 8 sec
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3
Turn left onto Lincoln Avenue
17.5 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Cree Meadows Drive
85 m · 9 sec · Cree Meadows Drive
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5
Turn right onto Country Club Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Country Club Drive
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6
Turn slight left onto Paradise Canyon Drive
1.9 mi · 3 min · Paradise Canyon Drive
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7
Turn slight left onto Sudderth Drive
2982 ft · 50 sec · Sudderth Drive
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8
Turn slight right onto Mescalero Trail
2175 ft · 44 sec · Mescalero Trail
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9
Turn right
32 mi · 41 min
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10
Turn left onto North Bookout Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Bookout Road
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11
Turn left
8.7 mi · 11 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
4.9 mi · 7 min
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13
Take the exit slight right
62.8 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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14
Continue on North Main Street
2.6 mi · 6 min · North Main Street
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Church Street
57 m · 5 sec · North Church Street
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16
Exit the roundabout onto North Church Street
615 ft · 19 sec · North Church Street
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17
Turn right
20 m · 10 sec
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18
Turn left
87 m · 21 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Capitan and Las Cruces.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Bookout Road
Take the exit slight right
62.8 mi · 01h 11m
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 Capitan and Sunny near Las Cruces.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Capitan to Las Cruces?
The road trip is about 145 miles (233.3 km) and usually takes 02h 29m 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?
Alamogordo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.9 miles from Capitan and 78 miles from Las Cruces.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110.2 miles (177.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:32 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.35 one way or $38.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Capitan and Sunny near Las Cruces.
Stop Ideas Near Alamogordo
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 Alamogordo.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Capitan and Las Cruces. Straight-line distance: 110.23 mi (177.4 km).
#1 Capitan
Village in New Mexico, USA
| Population | 1,457 |
| Coordinates | 33.5453600, -105.5722000 |
| Altitude | 1935 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Las Cruces
The second most populous city in New Mexico.
| Population | 105,096 |
| Coordinates | 32.3123200, -106.7783400 |
| Altitude | 1191 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-106.778417, 32.312306)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 233 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $19.35 | $38.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $21.76 | $43.53 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $23.63 | $47.27 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $27.67 | $55.34 |
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.