How far is Roswell, NM from Thoreau, NM?
The driving distance from Roswell, NM to Thoreau, NM is about 305.1 miles (491 km), with a travel time of about 05h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 252.4 miles (406.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 08m 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 05h 34m.
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.
City in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roswell and Thoreau.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roswell and Thoreau.
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1
Start on West 2nd Street
657 ft · 28 sec · West 2nd Street
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2
Turn left onto North Main Street
97.8 mi · 1 hr 53 min · North Main Street
-
3
Continue straight
42 mi · 49 min
-
4
Turn left
1155 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight left
164 mi · 2 hr 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NM 612, NM 371: Thoreau
2460 ft · 43 sec
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7
Turn right onto State Highway 371
2347 ft · 53 sec · State Highway 371
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8
Turn left onto Hawk Drive
50 m · 10 sec · Hawk Drive
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9
Turn left onto Lenore Avenue
64 m · 9 sec · Lenore Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lenore Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roswell and Thoreau.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North Main Street
Merge slight left
164 mi · 02h 49m
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 Roswell and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Thoreau.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roswell to Thoreau?
The road trip is about 305.1 miles (491 km) and usually takes 05h 34m 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?
Moriarty is a useful midpoint, sitting about 152.5 miles from Roswell and 152.5 miles from Thoreau.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 252.4 miles (406.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.7 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 5:52 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $40.79 one way or $81.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 95.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Roswell and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Thoreau.
Stop Ideas Near Moriarty
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 Moriarty.
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 Roswell and Thoreau. Straight-line distance: 252.38 mi (406.17 km).
#1 Roswell
A city in Chaves County, New Mexico.
| Population | 47,596 |
| Coordinates | 33.3943700, -104.5249100 |
| Altitude | 1090 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thoreau
Census-designated place in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,865 |
| Coordinates | 35.4025300, -108.2234000 |
| Altitude | 2177 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thoreau (-108.2234, 35.40253)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 491 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $40.79 | $81.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $45.87 | $91.74 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $49.81 | $99.62 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $58.32 | $116.64 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.