How far is Hobbs, NM from White Sands, NM?
The driving distance from Hobbs, NM to White Sands, NM is about 237 miles (381.4 km), with a travel time of about 05h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 196 miles (315.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 47m 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 05h 23m.
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.
Village in New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Hobbs and White Sands.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hobbs and White Sands.
-
1
Start on North Turner Street
2186 ft · 48 sec · North Turner Street
-
2
Turn right onto West Marland Boulevard
2.5 mi · 3 min · West Marland Boulevard
-
3
Continue on West Carlsbad Highway
12 mi · 14 min · West Carlsbad Highway
-
4
Turn right onto NM Highway 529
31.2 mi · 46 min · NM Highway 529
-
5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Lovington Highway
29.1 mi · 43 min · Lovington Highway
-
6
Continue on East Main Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
-
7
Continue on West Main Street
4.9 mi · 8 min · West Main Street
-
8
Continue on Hope Highway
15.4 mi · 23 min · Hope Highway
-
9
Continue on Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
-
10
Continue on Hope Highway
6.2 mi · 9 min · Hope Highway
-
11
Continue on US Highway 82
62.8 mi · 1 hr 23 min · US Highway 82
-
12
Continue on James Canyon Highway
16.8 mi · 27 min · James Canyon Highway
-
13
Continue on Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
4.9 mi · 7 min · Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
-
14
Take the exit slight right
43.4 mi · 48 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward Missile Range Headquarters/HTA
842 ft · 23 sec
-
16
Turn slight right onto Owen Road
3.9 mi · 7 min · Owen Road
-
17
Continue on Headquarters Avenue
1911 ft · 47 sec · Headquarters Avenue
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Headquarters Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Hobbs and White Sands.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 82
Continue on US Highway 82
62.8 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Hobbs and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near White Sands.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Hobbs to White Sands?
The road trip is about 237 miles (381.4 km) and usually takes 05h 23m 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?
Hope is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.4 miles from Hobbs and 118.6 miles from White Sands.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 196 miles (315.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 41 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 6:12 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.66 one way or $63.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Hobbs and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near White Sands.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Hobbs and White Sands. Straight-line distance: 195.99 mi (315.42 km).
#1 Hobbs
City in Lea County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 39,339 |
| Coordinates | 32.7026100, -103.1360400 |
| Altitude | 1104 |
| Country | United States |
#2 White Sands
Census-designated place in New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,651 |
| Coordinates | 32.3809300, -106.4794400 |
| Altitude | 1292 |
| Country | United States |
End: White Sands (-106.47944, 32.38093)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 381 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $31.66 | $63.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $35.61 | $71.21 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $38.67 | $77.33 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $45.27 | $90.54 |
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.