How far is Ruidoso, NM from Albuquerque, NM?
The driving distance from Ruidoso, NM to Albuquerque, NM is about 183.9 miles (296 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 02h 58m.
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.
City in 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 Ruidoso and Albuquerque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ruidoso and Albuquerque.
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1
Start on Sudderth Drive
2760 ft · 50 sec · Sudderth Drive
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2
Turn right onto Mechem Drive
9.5 mi · 14 min · Mechem Drive
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3
Turn left
14.2 mi · 21 min
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4
At the end of the road, turn left
73.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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5
Keep slight right
1780 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
84.6 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Coal Avenue, Lead Avenue, Central Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr Avenue
804 ft · 20 sec
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8
Continue on Oak Street Southeast
159 m · 20 sec · Oak Street Southeast
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9
Turn left onto Lead Avenue Southeast
1.2 km · 2 min · Lead Avenue Southeast
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10
Turn right onto 2nd Street Southwest
1091 ft · 31 sec · 2nd Street Southwest
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11
Turn left onto Central Avenue Northwest
575 ft · 22 sec · Central Avenue Northwest
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ruidoso and Albuquerque.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Mechem Drive
Merge slight left
84.6 mi · 01h 25m
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 Ruidoso and Sunny near Albuquerque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ruidoso to Albuquerque?
The road trip is about 183.9 miles (296 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Socorro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.8 miles from Ruidoso and 92.1 miles from Albuquerque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.3 miles (214.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.6 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 12:32 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.58 one way or $49.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ruidoso and Sunny near Albuquerque.
Stop Ideas Near Socorro
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 Socorro.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Alvarado Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ruidoso and Albuquerque. Straight-line distance: 133.38 mi (214.65 km).
#1 Ruidoso
Village in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 8,061 |
| Coordinates | 33.3317500, -105.6730400 |
| Altitude | 2051 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Albuquerque
The third most populous city in New Mexico and the center of the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
| Population | 562,540 |
| Coordinates | 35.0844900, -106.6511400 |
| Altitude | 1511 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue Northwest (-106.651139, 35.084494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 296 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.58 | $49.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.64 | $55.28 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.02 | $60.03 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $35.14 | $70.29 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.