How far is Ruidoso, NM from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance from Ruidoso, NM to Amarillo, TX is about 286.3 miles (460.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 255.3 miles (410.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 20m 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 40m.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ruidoso and Amarillo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ruidoso and Amarillo.
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1
Start on Sudderth Drive
2.8 mi · 4 min · Sudderth Drive
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2
Merge slight right
67.2 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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3
Turn left onto Relief Route
6.2 mi · 9 min · Relief Route
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4
Continue on Highway Relief Route
1.3 mi · 2 min · Highway Relief Route
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5
Continue on Clovis Highway
85.9 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Clovis Highway
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6
Turn slight left
17.9 mi · 23 min
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7
Turn right onto East 1st Street
1196 ft · 16 sec · East 1st Street
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8
Continue on Mabry Drive
8.5 mi · 10 min · Mabry Drive
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9
Turn left
26.9 mi · 30 min
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10
Continue straight
8 mi · 8 min
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11
Continue straight
59.8 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on US 87 North
1.5 km · 2 min
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13
Keep slight right to continue on South Fillmore Street
1.1 km · 2 min · South Fillmore Street
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14
Turn right onto East Amarillo Boulevard
32 m · 1 sec · East Amarillo Boulevard
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Amarillo Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ruidoso and Amarillo.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Clovis Highway
Continue on Clovis Highway
85.9 mi · 01h 40m
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.
Sunny leaving Ruidoso and Areas Of Fog near Amarillo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ruidoso to Amarillo?
The road trip is about 286.3 miles (460.7 km) and usually takes 05h 40m 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?
Elida is a useful midpoint, sitting about 143 miles from Ruidoso and 143.3 miles from Amarillo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 255.3 miles (410.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 31 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 5:40 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.52 one way or $89.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Ruidoso and Amarillo, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ruidoso and Areas Of Fog near Amarillo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ruidoso and Amarillo. Straight-line distance: 255.25 mi (410.78 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 Amarillo
The second most populous city in Texas Panhandle.
| Population | 199,654 |
| Coordinates | 35.2220000, -101.8313000 |
| Altitude | 1118 |
| Country | United States |
End: Amarillo (-101.8313, 35.222)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 461 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.41 | $44.52 | $89.04 |
| Mid-grade | $4.83 | $48.82 | $97.65 |
| Premium | $5.16 | $52.13 | $104.25 |
| Diesel | $6.05 | $61.06 | $122.13 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026