How far is Tucumcari, NM from Carlsbad, NM?
The driving distance from Tucumcari, NM to Carlsbad, NM is about 237.1 miles (381.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 192.3 miles (309.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 03m 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 01m.
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Isolated Rain Showers then Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tucumcari and Carlsbad.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tucumcari and Carlsbad.
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1
Start on West Tucumcari Boulevard
563 ft · 18 sec · West Tucumcari Boulevard
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2
Turn right onto South 1st Street
30.9 mi · 39 min · South 1st Street
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3
Turn right
27.5 mi · 39 min
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4
Turn left onto Denby Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · Denby Avenue
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5
Turn right onto 10th Street
14.1 mi · 19 min · 10th Street
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6
Keep slight right
2.9 mi · 4 min
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7
Keep slight right
17.4 mi · 24 min
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8
Turn right
61.2 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 285 South: Roswell
6.9 mi · 15 min
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10
Turn slight left onto Southeast Main Street
29.9 mi · 36 min · Southeast Main Street
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11
Continue on Roswell Highway
7.1 mi · 8 min · Roswell Highway
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12
Continue on North 1st Street
2 mi · 2 min · North 1st Street
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13
Continue on South 1st Street
3 mi · 3 min · South 1st Street
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14
Continue on Seven Rivers Highway
26.3 mi · 30 min · Seven Rivers Highway
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15
Continue on Artesia Highway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Artesia Highway
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16
Continue on Pierce Street
3.4 mi · 5 min · Pierce Street
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17
Continue on North Canal Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · North Canal Street
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18
Continue on North Canal Street
47 m · 10 sec · North Canal Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Canal Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tucumcari and Carlsbad.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
61.2 mi · 01h 11m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Tucumcari and Isolated Rain Showers then Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms near Carlsbad.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tucumcari to Carlsbad?
The road trip is about 237.1 miles (381.6 km) and usually takes 05h 01m 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 118.7 miles from Tucumcari and 118.4 miles from Carlsbad.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 192.3 miles (309.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.8 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 6:56 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.70 one way or $63.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Tucumcari and Isolated Rain Showers then Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms near Carlsbad.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tucumcari and Carlsbad. Straight-line distance: 192.26 mi (309.42 km).
#1 Tucumcari
City in New Mexico, United States
| Population | 4,827 |
| Coordinates | 35.1719100, -103.7268600 |
| Altitude | 1247 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carlsbad
Town in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA
| Population | 29,664 |
| Coordinates | 32.4206700, -104.2288400 |
| Altitude | 945 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carlsbad (-104.22884, 32.42067)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 382 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $31.70 | $63.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $35.65 | $71.30 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $38.71 | $77.42 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $45.32 | $90.65 |
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 20, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.