How far is La Cienega, NM from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance from La Cienega, NM to Rio Rancho, NM is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m 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 00h 46m.
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.
Census-designated place (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico
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 La Cienega and Rio Rancho.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Cienega and Rio Rancho.
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1
Start on Camino Capilla Vieja
1922 ft · 2 min · Camino Capilla Vieja
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2
Turn right onto Entrada la Cienega
1.6 km · 3 min · Entrada la Cienega
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3
Take the ramp right
1205 ft · 29 sec
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4
Merge slight left
28.9 mi · 29 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward NM 165 East, US 550 North: Placitas, Bernalillo
1379 ft · 34 sec
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6
Keep slight right
73 m · 6 sec
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7
Merge slight left
1.7 mi · 3 min
-
8
Continue straight
2126 ft · 42 sec
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9
Take the exit slight left
1281 ft · 35 sec
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10
Turn left onto Pat D'Arco Highway
8.7 mi · 14 min · Pat D'Arco Highway
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11
Turn right onto Sara Road Southeast
2008 ft · 1 min · Sara Road Southeast
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12
Turn left onto 35th Circle Southeast
44 m · 6 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Cienega and Rio Rancho.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Entrada la Cienega
Merge slight left
28.9 mi · 00h 29m
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 La Cienega and Sunny near Rio Rancho.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Cienega to Rio Rancho?
The road trip is about 42.2 miles (67.9 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
San Felipe Pueblo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from La Cienega and 21.1 miles from Rio Rancho.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 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 4:56 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.64 one way or $11.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around La Cienega and Sunny near Rio Rancho.
Stop Ideas Near San Felipe Pueblo
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 San Felipe Pueblo.
Alvarado Transportation Center
Lamy station
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Las Vegas station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Cienega and Rio Rancho. Straight-line distance: 37.7 mi (60.67 km).
#1 La Cienega
City in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States of America
| Population | 3,819 |
| Coordinates | 35.5628100, -106.1308600 |
| Altitude | 1808 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rio Rancho
The second most populous city in Sandoval County, New Mexico.
| Population | 99,885 |
| Coordinates | 35.2333800, -106.6644700 |
| Altitude | 1610 |
| Country | United States |
End: 35th Circle Southeast (-106.66465, 35.233524)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $5.64 | $11.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $6.35 | $12.69 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $6.89 | $13.78 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $8.07 | $16.14 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.