How far is Roswell, NM from White Sands, NM?
The driving distance from Roswell, NM to White Sands, NM is about 166 miles (267.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 59m 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 29m.
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.
Unincorporated community in Otero County, New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roswell and White Sands.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roswell and White Sands.
-
1
Start on West 2nd Street
103.1 mi · 2 hr 13 min · West 2nd Street
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2
Turn left onto North Bookout Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Bookout Road
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3
Turn left
8.7 mi · 11 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right
4.9 mi · 7 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
43.4 mi · 48 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Missile Range Headquarters/HTA
842 ft · 23 sec
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7
Turn slight right onto Owen Road
3.9 mi · 7 min · Owen Road
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8
Continue on Headquarters Avenue
1911 ft · 47 sec · Headquarters Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Headquarters Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roswell and White Sands.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West 2nd Street
Start on West 2nd Street
103 mi · 02h 13m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Roswell and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near White Sands.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roswell to White Sands?
The road trip is about 166 miles (267.1 km) and usually takes 03h 29m 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?
Mescalero is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83 miles from Roswell and 83 miles from White Sands.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.7 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 10:00 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.19 one way or $44.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Roswell and Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near White Sands.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roswell and White Sands. Straight-line distance: 133.27 mi (214.48 km).
#1 Roswell
A city in Chaves County, New Mexico.
| Population | 47,596 |
| Coordinates | 33.3943700, -104.5249100 |
| Altitude | 1090 |
| Country | United States |
#2 White Sands
Census-designated place in New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,651 |
| Coordinates | 32.3809300, -106.4794400 |
| Altitude | 1292 |
| Country | United States |
End: White Sands (-106.47944, 32.38093)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 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 | $22.19 | $44.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.96 | $49.92 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $27.10 | $54.21 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $31.73 | $63.46 |
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.