How far is Rio Rancho, NM from Aztec, NM?
The driving distance from Rio Rancho, NM to Aztec, NM is about 166.8 miles (268.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.5 miles (213.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
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 03h 15m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rio Rancho and Aztec.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rio Rancho and Aztec.
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1
Start on 35th Circle Southeast
44 m · 8 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
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2
Turn right onto Sara Road Southeast
2089 ft · 1 min · Sara Road Southeast
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3
Turn left onto Pat D'Arco Highway
8.7 mi · 14 min · Pat D'Arco Highway
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4
Turn left
149.2 mi · 2 hr 47 min
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5
Turn right onto West Broadway Boulevard
1900 ft · 54 sec · West Broadway Boulevard
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6
Turn left onto North 1st Street
8 mi · 13 min · North 1st Street
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7
Turn right onto East Chaco Street
566 ft · 21 sec · East Chaco Street
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8
Turn left
49 m · 12 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rio Rancho and Aztec.
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
149 mi · 02h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Rio Rancho and Sunny near Aztec.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rio Rancho to Aztec?
The road trip is about 166.8 miles (268.4 km) and usually takes 03h 15m 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?
Cuba is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.4 miles from Rio Rancho and 83.4 miles from Aztec.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.5 miles (213.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.3 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 MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:28 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.31 one way or $44.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rio Rancho and Sunny near Aztec.
Stop Ideas Near Cuba
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 Cuba.
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Alvarado Transportation Center
Lamy station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rio Rancho and Aztec. Straight-line distance: 132.51 mi (213.26 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 Aztec
City in New Mexico, USA
| Population | 6,332 |
| Coordinates | 36.8222300, -107.9928500 |
| Altitude | 1721 |
| Country | United States |
End: Aztec (-107.99285, 36.82223)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 268 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $22.31 | $44.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $25.09 | $50.17 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $27.24 | $54.48 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $31.89 | $63.79 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.