How far is Ruidoso, NM from Las Vegas, NM?
The driving distance from Ruidoso, NM to Las Vegas, NM is about 196.9 miles (316.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.4 miles (254.9 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.
Human settlement in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ruidoso and Las Vegas.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ruidoso and Las Vegas.
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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
8.1 mi · 9 min
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5
Turn right onto Central Avenue
77.4 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Central Avenue
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6
Turn right
3.9 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
19.9 mi · 30 min
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8
Turn left onto State Road 219
15.2 mi · 23 min · State Road 219
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9
Continue on North US Highway 84
41.5 mi · 47 min · North US Highway 84
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10
Take the exit right
1113 ft · 27 sec
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11
Merge slight left
5.5 mi · 5 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
2149 ft · 52 sec
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13
Keep slight left
37 m · 3 sec
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14
Turn left onto East University
1842 ft · 40 sec · East University
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15
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
557 ft · 16 sec · Grand Avenue
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16
Turn left onto National Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · National Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Bridge Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ruidoso and Las Vegas.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Central Avenue
Turn right onto Central Avenue
77.4 mi · 01h 51m
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 and Sunny near Las Vegas.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ruidoso to Las Vegas?
The road trip is about 196.9 miles (316.9 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?
Encino is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.8 miles from Ruidoso and 98.1 miles from Las Vegas.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.5 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 10:00 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.32 one way or $52.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Ruidoso and Sunny near Las Vegas.
Stop Ideas Near Encino
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 Encino.
Lamy station
Las Vegas station
Alvarado Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ruidoso and Las Vegas. Straight-line distance: 158.38 mi (254.89 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 Las Vegas
Town in New Mexico, USA
| Population | 12,826 |
| Coordinates | 35.5939300, -105.2239000 |
| Altitude | 1958 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bridge Street (-105.223835, 35.593813)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 317 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $26.32 | $52.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $29.60 | $59.20 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $32.14 | $64.29 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $37.63 | $75.27 |
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.