How far is Rio Rancho, NM from La Cienega, NM?
The driving distance from Rio Rancho, NM to La Cienega, NM is about 42.3 miles (68.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 48m 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 00h 54m.
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 (CDP) in Sandoval County, New Mexico
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 La Cienega.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rio Rancho and La Cienega.
-
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
8.5 mi · 13 min · Pat D'Arco Highway
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4
Continue on Rio Rancho Boulevard Northeast
107 m · 6 sec · Rio Rancho Boulevard Northeast
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5
Take the ramp slight right
1353 ft · 37 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
574 ft · 13 sec
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8
Continue straight
1.6 km · 2 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left
1938 ft · 48 sec
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10
Merge slight left
28.9 mi · 29 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward CR 50F: La Clenega
1194 ft · 35 sec
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12
Turn left onto Entrada la Cienega
1.1 mi · 3 min · Entrada la Cienega
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13
Turn left onto Camino Capilla Vieja
1922 ft · 1 min · Camino Capilla Vieja
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Camino Capilla Vieja
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rio Rancho and La Cienega.
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
28.9 mi · 00h 29m
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 La Cienega.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rio Rancho to La Cienega?
The road trip is about 42.3 miles (68.1 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
San Felipe Pueblo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from Rio Rancho and 21.2 miles from La Cienega.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.7 miles (60.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 4:42 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.64 one way or $11.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rio Rancho and Sunny near La Cienega.
Stop Ideas Near San Felipe 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 San Felipe Pueblo.
Alvarado Transportation Center
Lamy station
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Las Vegas station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rio Rancho and La Cienega. Straight-line distance: 37.7 mi (60.67 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 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 |
End: La Cienega (-106.13086, 35.56281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $5.64 | $11.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $6.35 | $12.69 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $6.89 | $13.78 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $8.07 | $16.14 |
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.