How far is La Cienega, NM from Santa Fe, NM?
Fastest route
The route from La Cienega, New Mexico 87507 to Santa Fe, New Mexico takes approximately 26 minutes and covers a distance of 16.7 miles via I-25 N and US-84 W/S St Francis Dr/US Hwy 285 N. There may be some usual traffic along the way.
Directions
- Head northeast on Cam Capilla Vieja toward Entrada La Cienega.
- Turn right onto Entrada La Cienega.
- Turn left onto the ramp to Santa Fe.
- Follow I-25 N and take exit 282 for US-84 N/St Francis Dr toward US-285 N/Santa Fe Plaza.
- Continue on US-285 N/US-84 W/S St Francis Dr/US Hwy 285 N. Pass by Dunkin' (on the right in 2.5 mi).
- Turn right onto Cerrillos Rd.
- Continue onto Galisteo St and turn right onto W San Francisco St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your trip during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.
- ⚠️ Pay attention to road signs and follow the directions to Santa Fe.
- 🛣️ Use a navigation app or GPS to ensure you stay on the correct route.
- 🚦 Be prepared for some usual traffic along the way.
- ⛽ Consider checking the fuel level of your vehicle before starting the journey.
- 📱 Keep your mobile phone charged for emergencies or for accessing navigation assistance.
- 📍 Enjoy the scenic drive from La Cienega to Santa Fe.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 24m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Cienega and Santa Fe.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Cienega and Santa Fe.
-
1
Start on Camino Capilla Vieja
1922 ft · 1 min · Camino Capilla Vieja
-
2
Turn right onto Entrada la Cienega
1.1 mi · 3 min · Entrada la Cienega
-
3
Take the ramp left
1350 ft · 33 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
10.1 mi · 10 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward US 84, US 285 North
1295 ft · 32 sec
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on US 84, US 285 North: Los Alamos, Espanola, Taos
3.4 mi · 6 min
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7
Take the exit straight
154 m · 14 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Cerrillos Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Cerrillos Road
-
9
Continue on Galisteo Street
1342 ft · 51 sec · Galisteo Street
-
10
At the end of the road, turn right onto West San Francisco Street
847 ft · 25 sec · West San Francisco Street
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East San Francisco Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Cienega and Santa Fe.
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
10.1 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving La Cienega and Sunny near Santa Fe.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from La Cienega to Santa Fe?
The road trip is about 16.7 miles (26.9 km) and usually takes 00h 24m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Eldorado at Santa Fe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.4 miles from La Cienega and 8.4 miles from Santa Fe.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.9 miles (22.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:42 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.23 one way or $4.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around La Cienega and Sunny near Santa Fe.
Stop Ideas Near Eldorado at Santa Fe
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Torreon Park
City of Santa Fe
Santa Fe Housing Authority
City Hall Park
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Eldorado at Santa Fe.
Lamy station
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Las Vegas station
Alvarado Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Cienega and Santa Fe. Straight-line distance: 13.83 mi (22.25 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 Santa Fe
The capital of New Mexico.
| Population | 84,996 |
| Coordinates | 35.6869800, -105.9378000 |
| Altitude | 2132 |
| Country | United States |
End: East San Francisco Street (-105.937832, 35.686891)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 27 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $2.23 | $4.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $2.51 | $5.03 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $2.73 | $5.46 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $3.19 | $6.39 |
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.