Lubbock TX to Albuquerque drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Lubbock TX to Albuquerque drive are Clovis NM, Santa Rosa NM and Tijeras NM. The distance from Lubbock TX to Albuquerque by car is 322 miles, with a 5h7m driving time.

Planning a Lubbock TX to Albuquerque road trip itinerary

The Lubbock TX to Albuquerque drive takes you from the east of New Mexico to the state’s capital city.

Lubbock is home to the Texas Tech University, which plays host to the National Ranching Heritage Center. This explains the history and culture of ranching across Texas and further afield.

There’s also the Museum of Texas Tech University, which has dinosaurs and a planetarium. Perhaps the most interesting attraction, though, is the Buddy Holly Center, which celebrates the local boy music star who died tragically early.

For something a little cuter, you can visit the prairie dogs at Prairie Dog Town Park.

Good Lubbock accommodation options include the good value La Quinta and the personality-packed Cotton Court Hotel.

Fabulous Albuquerque experiences include a sunrise hot air balloon flight, old town ghost walks, nature tours by bike and guided hops between craft breweries . You can also pay a visit to the castle-like Turquoise Museum and old town food tours focusing on New Mexican flavours.

Great Albuquerque accommodation choices include the historic, adobe-style Casas de Suenos and the old town’s art-filled Hotel Chaco.

Lubbock TX to Albuquerque distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Lubbock TX to Albuquerque is 322 miles. That makes for a driving time of around five hours and seven minutes. The best road trip stops to add to the Lubbock TX to Albuquerque drive are Clovis NM, Santa Rosa NM and Tijeras NM.

Best stops between Lubbock TX and Albuquerque: Clovis NM

Clovis NM is on the Llano Estacado, and doesn’t exactly have the dramatic scenery you’ll find elsewhere in the state. Nevertheless, you can still pass a couple of hours at the Hillcrest Park Zoo.

Perhaps more interesting, however, is the Norman Petty Recording Studios, where the likes of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison recorded. The Norman and Vi Petty Rock N Roll Museum goes into to more detail about Clovis’ musical legacy.

If you need a bed for the night, compare prices on Clovis hotel deals.

Lubbock TX to Albuquerque road trip attractions: Santa Rosa NM

Santa Rosa NM bills itself as the Scuba diving capital of the Southwest, largely thanks to the Blue Hole. This 81ft deep pool, fed by an artesian spring, is naturally heated to 62 degrees year-round. Divers need a permit, swimmers don’t.

Another alternative for swimming is Park Lake, which is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and has an inflatable obstacle course that’s very popular with children.

Car-lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the Route 66 Auto Museum.

If stopping for the night, accommodation in Santa Rosa is all motel chains.

• For more suggestions, check out the guide to the Santa Rosa to Albuquerque drive.

Lubbock TX to Albuquerque drive: Tijeras NM

Tijeras NM is sandwiched between the Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains. There are several hiking trailheads around the village. For a relatively easy leg-stretch, the one mile return walk to Travertine Falls is best tackled in spring when the water is flowing. The trail to Carlito Springs is another option that won’t eat much of the day.

For cultural attractions, take a walk through the ruins of the Tijeras Pueblo Architectural Site or the Museum of the American Military Family.

More Lubbock road trips

Abilene to Lubbock | Lubbock to Amarillo | Lubbock to Austin | Dallas to Lubbock | Houston to Lubbock.

More Albuquerque road trips

Amarillo to Albuquerque | Austin to Albuquerque | Colorado Springs to Albuquerque | Clovis NM to Albuquerque | Dallas to Albuquerque | Denver to Albuquerque | El Paso to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Flagstaff | Fort Worth to Albuquerque | Gallup to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Grand Canyon (South Rim) | Holbrook AZ to Albuquerque | Houston to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Kingman AZ | Las Cruces to Albuquerque | Mesa AZ to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Phoenix | Albuquerque to San Antonio | Albuquerque to Santa Fe | Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Scottsdale | Albuquerque to Sedona | Albuquerque to Taos | Tucumcari to Albuquerque | Albuquerque to Tucson | Tulsa to Albuquerque | Winslow to Albuquerque.