How far is Carlsbad, NM from Capitan, NM?
The driving distance from Carlsbad, NM to Capitan, NM is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110 miles (177 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 59m 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 59m.
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.
A city in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carlsbad and Capitan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carlsbad and Capitan.
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1
Start on North Canal Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · North Canal Street
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2
Continue on West Pierce Street
3.4 mi · 5 min · West Pierce Street
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3
Continue on Artesia Highway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Artesia Highway
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4
Continue on Seven Rivers Highway
25.3 mi · 29 min · Seven Rivers Highway
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5
Continue on South 1st Street
3164 ft · 41 sec · South 1st Street
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6
Continue on Seven Rivers Highway
1286 ft · 17 sec · Seven Rivers Highway
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7
Continue on South 1st Street
5.2 mi · 6 min · South 1st Street
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8
Continue on Roswell Highway
7.2 mi · 8 min · Roswell Highway
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9
Continue on Southeast Main Street
26.4 mi · 30 min · Southeast Main Street
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10
Turn left onto Relief Route
7.9 mi · 11 min · Relief Route
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11
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
43.6 mi · 53 min · West 2nd Street
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12
Turn right
22.3 mi · 33 min
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13
Turn left
23 m · 5 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carlsbad and Capitan.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West 2nd Street
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
43.6 mi · 00h 53m
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 Carlsbad and Clear near Capitan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carlsbad to Capitan?
The road trip is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km) and usually takes 02h 59m 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?
Roswell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.7 miles from Carlsbad and 72.6 miles from Capitan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110 miles (177 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.3 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 12:30 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.43 one way or $38.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carlsbad and Clear near Capitan.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carlsbad and Capitan. Straight-line distance: 110 mi (177.03 km).
#1 Carlsbad
Town in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA
| Population | 29,664 |
| Coordinates | 32.4206700, -104.2288400 |
| Altitude | 945 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Capitan
Village in New Mexico, USA
| Population | 1,457 |
| Coordinates | 33.5453600, -105.5722000 |
| Altitude | 1935 |
| Country | United States |
End: Capitan (-105.5722, 33.54536)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 234 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 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 | $19.43 | $38.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $21.85 | $43.70 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $23.73 | $47.45 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $27.78 | $55.56 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.