How far is Upper Fruitland, NM from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance from Upper Fruitland, NM to Rio Rancho, NM is about 173.7 miles (279.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.8 miles (221.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 52m.
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.
Town in New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Upper Fruitland and Rio Rancho.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Upper Fruitland and Rio Rancho.
-
1
Start on Navajo Route 36
4 mi · 6 min · Navajo Route 36
-
2
Continue on Upper Fruitland Highway
2977 ft · 55 sec · Upper Fruitland Highway
-
3
Turn left onto Bisti Highway
1.1 mi · 2 min · Bisti Highway
-
4
Continue on West Pinon Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · West Pinon Street
-
5
Turn right onto East Broadway Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · East Broadway Avenue
-
6
Turn left onto Bloomfield Highway
11.3 mi · 16 min · Bloomfield Highway
-
7
Take the exit straight
147 m · 13 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto South Bloomfield Boulevard
149.1 mi · 2 hr 46 min · South Bloomfield Boulevard
-
9
Take the exit slight right
790 ft · 22 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto Pat D'Arco Highway
8.6 mi · 14 min · Pat D'Arco Highway
-
11
Turn right onto Sara Road Southeast
2008 ft · 1 min · Sara Road Southeast
-
12
Turn left onto 35th Circle Southeast
44 m · 6 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 35th Circle Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Upper Fruitland and Rio Rancho.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Bloomfield Boulevard
Merge slight left onto South Bloomfield Boulevard
149 mi · 02h 46m
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 Upper Fruitland and Clear near Rio Rancho.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Upper Fruitland to Rio Rancho?
The road trip is about 173.7 miles (279.6 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Cuba is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.9 miles from Upper Fruitland and 84.9 miles from Rio Rancho.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.8 miles (221.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.9 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 12:46 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.21 one way or $46.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Upper Fruitland and Clear near Rio Rancho.
Stop Ideas Near Cuba
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 Cuba.
Santa Fe (Lamy Shuttle), New Mexico
Alvarado Transportation Center
Lamy station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Upper Fruitland and Rio Rancho. Straight-line distance: 137.84 mi (221.83 km).
#1 Upper Fruitland
Census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,662 |
| Coordinates | 36.7158400, -108.3142400 |
| Altitude | 1593 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rio Rancho
The second most populous city in Sandoval County, New Mexico.
| Population | 99,885 |
| Coordinates | 35.2333800, -106.6644700 |
| Altitude | 1610 |
| Country | United States |
End: 35th Circle Southeast (-106.66465, 35.233524)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $23.21 | $46.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $26.11 | $52.22 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $28.35 | $56.70 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $33.19 | $66.39 |
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 · Jun 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.