How far is Las Cruces, NM from Ruidoso Downs, NM?
The driving distance from Las Cruces, NM to Ruidoso Downs, NM is about 114.5 miles (184.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.9 miles (157.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 46m 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 23m.
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.
City in Otero County, New Mexico, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Las Cruces and Ruidoso Downs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Las Cruces and Ruidoso Downs.
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1
Start on the route
87 m · 23 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right
20 m · 10 sec
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3
Turn left onto North Church Street
641 ft · 18 sec · North Church Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward North Main Street
15 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
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5
Exit the roundabout onto North Main Street
2.7 mi · 6 min · North Main Street
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6
Continue on Bataan Memorial Highway
20.1 mi · 24 min · Bataan Memorial Highway
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7
Continue on US Highway 70 West
42.3 mi · 46 min · US Highway 70 West
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8
Continue on South White Sands Boulevard
691 ft · 19 sec · South White Sands Boulevard
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 54 North, US 70 East: Relief Route, Tularosa
760 ft · 35 sec
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10
Merge left onto Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
5 mi · 8 min · Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route
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11
Turn left onto US 54,70
8.7 mi · 11 min · US 54,70
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12
Turn right onto South Bookout Road
1325 ft · 27 sec · South Bookout Road
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13
Keep slight left to continue on South Bookout Road
1.3 km · 1 min · South Bookout Road
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14
Turn right onto Old Mescalero Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Old Mescalero Road
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15
Turn right onto Central Avenue
32.8 mi · 43 min · Central Avenue
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16
Turn left
23 m · 3 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Las Cruces and Ruidoso Downs.
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 70 West
Continue on US Highway 70 West
42.3 mi · 00h 46m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Las Cruces and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso Downs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Las Cruces to Ruidoso Downs?
The road trip is about 114.5 miles (184.3 km) and usually takes 02h 23m 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?
Boles Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.3 miles from Las Cruces and 57.2 miles from Ruidoso Downs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.9 miles (157.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:44 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.30 one way or $30.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Las Cruces and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso Downs.
Stop Ideas Near Boles Acres
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 Boles Acres.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Las Cruces and Ruidoso Downs. Straight-line distance: 97.88 mi (157.52 km).
#1 Las Cruces
The second most populous city in New Mexico.
| Population | 105,096 |
| Coordinates | 32.3123200, -106.7783400 |
| Altitude | 1191 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ruidoso Downs
City in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States of America
| Population | 2,631 |
| Coordinates | 33.3289700, -105.6044300 |
| Altitude | 1956 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ruidoso Downs (-105.60443, 33.32897)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $15.30 | $30.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $17.21 | $34.41 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $18.69 | $37.37 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $21.88 | $43.75 |
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.