Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque drive are Santa Rosa NM, Moriarty NM and Tijeras NM. The distance from Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque by car is 176 miles, with a 2h40m driving time.

Planning a Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque road trip itinerary

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

Tucumcari NM makes a big play of its location on Route 66, and the Route 66 Monument here makes for a classic photo.

For more information and stories about the Mother Road, you can visit the New Mexico Route 66 Museum. The other Tucumcari attraction worth considering is the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, which showcases the wealth of dino fossils discovered nearby.

Tucumcari accommodation is mainly motel-style, with the Roadrunner Lodge Motel generally getting the best reviews.

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

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.

Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque is 176 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 40 minutes. The best road trip stops to add to the Tucumcari NM to Albuquerque drive are Santa Rosa NM, Moriarty NM and Tijeras NM.

Tucumcari NM 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.

Best stops between Tucumcari NM and Albuquerque: Moriarty NM

Moriarty NM is home to the US Southwest Soaring Museum, which is dedicated to the art of gliding. Visitors can see various aircraft, learn the history of gliding and discover the part soaring plays in the western US.

After a long day’s driving, you may be more interested in the Sierra Blanca Brewing Company. There’s a big craft beer menu to taste, and a handy beer garden.

Tucumcari NM 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.