How far is Lubbock, TX from Ruidoso, NM?
The driving distance from Lubbock, TX to Ruidoso, NM is about 259 miles (416.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 220.7 miles (355.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 27m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
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 13m.
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.
Town in New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lubbock and Ruidoso.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lubbock and Ruidoso.
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1
Start on 19th Street
10 m · 6 sec · 19th Street
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2
Turn right onto Avenue Q
1.2 mi · 2 min · Avenue Q
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3
Turn left onto Clovis Road
6 mi · 7 min · Clovis Road
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4
Continue on Highway 84
11.4 mi · 11 min · Highway 84
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5
Continue on US Highway 84
19.4 mi · 19 min · US Highway 84
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6
Take the exit slight right toward FM 54: Littlefield
1852 ft · 32 sec
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7
Turn left
19.1 mi · 24 min
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8
Keep slight left
23.8 mi · 25 min
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9
Continue straight
4.6 mi · 6 min
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10
Turn right
34.6 mi · 48 min
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11
Turn left
68.6 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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12
Turn right onto West 2nd Street
67.2 mi · 1 hr 24 min · West 2nd Street
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13
Turn straight onto Sudderth Drive
2.9 mi · 4 min · Sudderth Drive
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Sudderth Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lubbock 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.
Longest stretch
Turn left
68.6 mi · 01h 21m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Lubbock and Sunny near Ruidoso.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lubbock to Ruidoso?
The road trip is about 259 miles (416.8 km) and usually takes 05h 13m 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?
Elida is a useful midpoint, sitting about 129.3 miles from Lubbock and 129.7 miles from Ruidoso.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 220.7 miles (355.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.3 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:32 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.09 one way or $70.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 81.2 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Lubbock and Ruidoso, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Lubbock and Sunny near Ruidoso.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lubbock and Ruidoso. Straight-line distance: 220.73 mi (355.23 km).
#1 Lubbock
The second most populous city in Texas and the center of the Lubbock metropolitan area.
| Population | 262,611 |
| Coordinates | 33.5778600, -101.8551700 |
| Altitude | 976 |
| 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: 417 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.84 | $35.09 | $70.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.35 | $39.73 | $79.46 |
| Premium | $4.72 | $43.17 | $86.34 |
| Diesel | $5.78 | $52.79 | $105.59 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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