How far is Carlsbad, NM from Ruidoso, NM?
The driving distance from Carlsbad, NM to Ruidoso, NM is about 149.4 miles (240.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.8 miles (168.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 05m 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 02m.
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.
A city in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carlsbad and Ruidoso.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carlsbad and Ruidoso.
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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
67.2 mi · 1 hr 25 min · West 2nd Street
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12
Turn straight onto Sudderth Drive
2.9 mi · 4 min · Sudderth Drive
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Sudderth Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carlsbad and Ruidoso.
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
67.2 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 Carlsbad and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carlsbad to Ruidoso?
The road trip is about 149.4 miles (240.4 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Roswell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.7 miles from Carlsbad and 74.7 miles from Ruidoso.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.8 miles (168.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.6 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 10:54 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.96 one way or $39.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carlsbad and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carlsbad and Ruidoso. Straight-line distance: 104.81 mi (168.68 km).
#1 Carlsbad
Town in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA
| Population | 29,664 |
| Coordinates | 32.4206700, -104.2288400 |
| Altitude | 945 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ruidoso
Village in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 8,061 |
| Coordinates | 33.3317500, -105.6730400 |
| Altitude | 2051 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ruidoso (-105.67304, 33.33175)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 240 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $19.96 | $39.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $22.44 | $44.89 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $24.37 | $48.75 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $28.54 | $57.07 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.