How far is Ruidoso Downs, NM from Santa Fe, NM?
The driving distance from Ruidoso Downs, NM to Santa Fe, NM is about 194.5 miles (313 km), with a travel time of about 03h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 164 miles (264 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 06m 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 33m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ruidoso Downs and Santa Fe.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ruidoso Downs and Santa Fe.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right
1.4 mi · 2 min
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3
Turn straight onto Sudderth Drive
1.1 mi · 2 min · Sudderth Drive
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4
Turn slight right onto Paradise Canyon Drive
1.9 mi · 3 min · Paradise Canyon Drive
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5
Turn straight onto Country Club Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Country Club Drive
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6
At the end of the road, turn left onto Cree Meadows Drive
85 m · 9 sec · Cree Meadows Drive
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7
Turn right onto Mechem Drive
8.3 mi · 12 min · Mechem Drive
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8
Turn left
14.2 mi · 21 min
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9
At the end of the road, turn left
8.1 mi · 9 min
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10
Turn right onto Central Avenue
65.7 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Central Avenue
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11
Turn left
14.5 mi · 22 min
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12
Turn left onto Shenrick Street
68.6 mi · 1 hr 21 min · Shenrick Street
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13
Turn left
1168 ft · 29 sec
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14
Merge slight left
5.9 mi · 6 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward NM 466: Old Pecos Trail
981 ft · 24 sec
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16
Keep slight right
152 m · 13 sec
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17
Turn straight onto Old Pecos Trail
1.2 mi · 2 min · Old Pecos Trail
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18
Keep slight right to continue on Old Pecos Trail
1.7 mi · 3 min · Old Pecos Trail
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19
Continue on Old Santa Fe Trail
1.1 km · 2 min · Old Santa Fe Trail
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20
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Water Street
36 m · 9 sec · East Water Street
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21
Turn right onto Old Santa Fe Trail
102 m · 20 sec · Old Santa Fe Trail
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22
Turn right onto East San Francisco Street
29 m · 3 sec · East San Francisco Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East San Francisco Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ruidoso Downs and Santa Fe.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Shenrick Street
Turn left onto Shenrick Street
68.6 mi · 01h 21m
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 then Chance Rain Showers leaving Ruidoso Downs and Mostly Sunny near Santa Fe.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ruidoso Downs to Santa Fe?
The road trip is about 194.5 miles (313 km) and usually takes 03h 33m 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?
Corona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.4 miles from Ruidoso Downs and 97.1 miles from Santa Fe.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 164 miles (264 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.5 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 9:54 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.98 one way or $51.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Ruidoso Downs and Mostly Sunny near Santa Fe.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ruidoso Downs and Santa Fe. Straight-line distance: 164.02 mi (263.97 km).
#1 Ruidoso Downs
City in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States of America
| Population | 2,631 |
| Coordinates | 33.3289700, -105.6044300 |
| Altitude | 1956 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Santa Fe
The capital of New Mexico.
| Population | 84,996 |
| Coordinates | 35.6869800, -105.9378000 |
| Altitude | 2132 |
| Country | United States |
End: East San Francisco Street (-105.937832, 35.686891)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $29.22 | $58.43 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $31.73 | $63.46 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $37.15 | $74.29 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.