How far is Rio Rancho, NM from Agua Fria, NM?
The driving distance from Rio Rancho, NM to Agua Fria, NM is about 50.6 miles (81.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.4 miles (74.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 07m 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 01h 03m.
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
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 Rio Rancho and Agua Fria.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rio Rancho and Agua Fria.
-
1
Start on 35th Circle Southeast
44 m · 8 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
-
2
Turn right onto Sara Road Southeast
2089 ft · 1 min · Sara Road Southeast
-
3
Turn left onto Pat D'Arco Highway
8.5 mi · 13 min · Pat D'Arco Highway
-
4
Continue on Rio Rancho Boulevard Northeast
107 m · 6 sec · Rio Rancho Boulevard Northeast
-
5
Take the ramp slight right
1353 ft · 37 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
7
Continue straight
574 ft · 13 sec
-
8
Continue straight
1.6 km · 2 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left
1938 ft · 48 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
34.6 mi · 35 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right
646 ft · 16 sec
-
12
Keep slight left
1668 ft · 41 sec
-
13
Turn straight onto Cerrillos Road
2.6 mi · 5 min · Cerrillos Road
-
14
Turn left onto Airport Road
728 ft · 30 sec · Airport Road
-
15
Turn right onto Lopez Lane
1.1 mi · 3 min · Lopez Lane
-
16
Turn right onto Agua Fria Street
38 m · 5 sec · Agua Fria Street
-
17
Turn right
37 m · 9 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rio Rancho and Agua Fria.
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.
Rio Rancho Boulevard Northeast
Merge slight left
34.6 mi · 00h 35m
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 Rio Rancho and Sunny near Agua Fria.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rio Rancho to Agua Fria?
The road trip is about 50.6 miles (81.5 km) and usually takes 01h 03m 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?
Santo Domingo Pueblo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.4 miles from Rio Rancho and 25.4 miles from Agua Fria.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.4 miles (74.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 4:22 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.78 one way or $13.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rio Rancho and Sunny near Agua Fria.
Stop Ideas Near Santo Domingo 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 Santo Domingo Pueblo.
Lamy station
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Alvarado Transportation Center
Las Vegas station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rio Rancho and Agua Fria. Straight-line distance: 46.4 mi (74.68 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Agua Fria
Agua Fria is a place in New Mexico, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 35.6544800, -106.0222400 |
| Altitude | 2000 |
| Country | United States |
End: Agua Fria (-106.02224, 35.65448)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $6.78 | $13.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $7.62 | $15.25 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $8.28 | $16.56 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $9.69 | $19.39 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.