How far is Santa Fe, NM from Ruidoso Downs, NM?
The driving distance from Santa Fe, NM to Ruidoso Downs, NM is about 195.1 miles (314 km), with a travel time of about 04h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 164 miles (264 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 46m 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 04h 23m.
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
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Santa Fe and Ruidoso Downs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Santa Fe and Ruidoso Downs.
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1
Start on East San Francisco Street
90 m · 11 sec · East San Francisco Street
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2
Turn right onto Cathedral Place
866 ft · 26 sec · Cathedral Place
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Alameda Street
593 ft · 25 sec · East Alameda Street
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4
Turn left onto Old Santa Fe Trail
3036 ft · 1 min · Old Santa Fe Trail
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5
Continue on Old Pecos Trail
3 mi · 5 min · Old Pecos Trail
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 25 North: Las Vegas, Clines Corners
2133 ft · 52 sec
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7
Merge slight left
6.2 mi · 6 min
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8
Take the exit slight right
1028 ft · 25 sec
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9
Keep slight right
68.5 mi · 1 hr 21 min
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10
Turn right
14.5 mi · 22 min
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11
Turn right
65.7 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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12
Turn left
8.1 mi · 9 min
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13
Turn right
14.2 mi · 21 min
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14
Turn right
8.3 mi · 12 min
-
15
Turn left onto Cree Meadows Drive
85 m · 9 sec · Cree Meadows Drive
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16
Turn right onto Country Club Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Country Club Drive
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17
Turn slight left onto Paradise Canyon Drive
1.9 mi · 3 min · Paradise Canyon Drive
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18
Turn slight left onto Sudderth Drive
1.1 mi · 2 min · Sudderth Drive
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19
Merge slight right
1.4 mi · 2 min
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20
Turn left
23 m · 3 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Santa Fe and Ruidoso Downs.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 25 North
Keep slight right
68.5 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 leaving Santa Fe and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso Downs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Santa Fe to Ruidoso Downs?
The road trip is about 195.1 miles (314 km) and usually takes 04h 23m 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 97.7 miles from Santa Fe and 97.4 miles from Ruidoso Downs.
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 31.1 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 8:14 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.05 one way or $52.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Santa Fe and Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers near Ruidoso Downs.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Santa Fe and Ruidoso Downs. Straight-line distance: 164.02 mi (263.97 km).
#1 Santa Fe
The capital of New Mexico.
| Population | 84,996 |
| Coordinates | 35.6869800, -105.9378000 |
| Altitude | 2132 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Ruidoso Downs (-105.60443, 33.32897)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 314 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $26.05 | $52.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $29.30 | $58.60 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $31.82 | $63.64 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $37.26 | $74.51 |
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.