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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USANew MexicoEl Camino Real
New Mexico

El Camino Real Road Trip

Santa Fe - Albuquerque - Truth or Consequences - Las Cruces - El Paso

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
El Camino Real Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km545 h/stage1.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a El Camino Real Road Trip in New Mexico?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 682EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 862EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,005EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,221EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 360EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,506EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,866EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 900EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 658EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,558EUR
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El Camino Real Road Trip Itinerary

The El Camino Real Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through the western United States. Starting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the route travels through Albuquerque, Truth or Consequences, and Las Cruces until it reaches its destination of El Paso, Texas. This 545 kilometer trip can be completed in four days, and is best taken during the summer months for the most enjoyable experience. Drivers will be treated to breathtaking views of the desert landscape as they make their way down this historic route. The road conditions are excellent, making the drive comfortable and easy. With a moderate budget, travelers will be able to experience all that this road trip has to offer. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that will create lasting memories. Whether you are a first-time driver or a seasoned traveler, the El Camino Real Road Trip is an adventure not to be missed.
number of days 4 number of days
route length 545 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Santa Fe

Distance 545 km Driving time 5.2 h Pace: fast 163.4 kWh Airports ABQ
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Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is a vibrant and culturally-rich destination for those looking to embark on the El Camino Real Road Trip. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe is known for its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and European cultures. Visitors to the city can explore the many historic sites, such as the Palace of the Governors and the San Miguel Mission Church, as well as enjoy a variety of entertainment from art galleries to live music. Santa Fe is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The nearest international airport to Santa Fe is the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is located about an hour away. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city and its surroundings. In Santa Fe, the must-see attractions include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Santa Fe Opera House, and the Canyon Road Arts District. Other popular activities include taking a tour of the historic Plaza area, shopping at the local markets, and enjoying the many restaurants and bars. Santa Fe is the perfect starting point for the El Camino Real Road Trip, and is sure to be a memorable experience for all. With its unique culture, historic attractions, and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

1 Santa Fe - Albuquerque

Distance 100 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 30.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road EV charging station junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Santa Fe to Albuquerque road trip! This scenic drive covers a distance of 62 miles and takes less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll take in stunning views of the desert landscape and get the chance to explore some of the area's historical sites. You'll be able to visit the home of the Pueblo Indians, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., and the ancient ruins of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. You'll also see the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Sandia Mountains. Be sure to stop at the Coronado Historic Site and the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. As you make your way to Albuquerque, you'll pass through the towns of Bernalillo, Placitas, and San Felipe Pueblo. So, buckle up and get ready to explore! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

2 Albuquerque - Truth or Consequences

Distance 241 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 72.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Ready for a fun road trip? Get ready to explore the beautiful route from Albuquerque to Truth or Consequences. This 150-mile drive, which takes less than three hours, is filled with stunning views and exciting attractions. Start your journey in Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico. Here, you can explore the historic Old Town, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, or take a ride to the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway. Continue your journey to Truth or Consequences, a small city located on the Rio Grande. Here, you can take a dip in one of the city’s hot springs, explore the Elephant Butte Lake State Park, or take a stroll along the Riverwalk. As you drive along this route, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the desert landscape. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, this road trip has something for everyone. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Now, all that’s left to do is plan your road trip!

3 Truth or Consequences - Las Cruces

Distance 122 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 36.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Truth or Consequences to Las Cruces, a journey of 76 miles and fewer than two hours of driving. Along the way, you'll be treated to scenic views of the desert and mountains, and you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. Start your journey in Truth or Consequences, a small town with a rich history and a unique culture. Visit the Hot Springs Historic District to explore the city's many natural hot springs and spas. Then, head to Elephant Butte Lake State Park to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Continue your journey to Las Cruces, a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Explore the city's many attractions, including the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Visit the Old Mesilla Plaza to experience the city's unique culture and heritage. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you'll find something special in both Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.

4 Las Cruces - El Paso

Distance 82 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 24.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Start your journey in Las Cruces, United States and drive to El Paso, a distance of 51mi that can be covered in less than 1 hour. Along the way, make sure to stop at the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, a stunning landscape that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping. Also, don't miss the chance to visit the White Sands National Monument, a unique desert made of gypsum sand. If you're looking for a fun way to spend the evening, you can't go wrong with the El Paso Zoo, a great place to learn about the wildlife of the area. Finally, don't forget to check out the Amigo Airsho, a yearly air show that takes place at the El Paso International Airport. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

  El Paso

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El Paso is the perfect ending point for the "El Camino Real Road Trip". Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of culture, art, and entertainment. Take a stroll through the historic downtown district and explore the many shops, galleries, and restaurants that make this area so unique. Stop at the El Paso Museum of Art and take in the stunning artwork from both local and international artists. Take a tour of the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, a beautifully preserved 19th-century adobe house. For those looking for some outdoor adventure, El Paso has plenty to offer. Enjoy a hike or bike ride through the Franklin Mountains State Park, or take a jeep tour through the Chihuahuan Desert. For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll through the El Paso Zoo or take a relaxing cruise along the Rio Grande River. No matter how you choose to spend your time in El Paso, you'll find plenty of fun activities to enjoy. For those arriving by air, El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the closest international airport to the city. From there, it's just a short drive to El Paso and the end of the "El Camino Real Road Trip".

El Camino Real Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, the presented journey idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a number of elements to bear in mind to make your adventure smooth and safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or camper rental.
In New Mexico, there are a number of traffic rules to be mindful of while on a road trip. In New Mexico, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any expense. Travellers ought to remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is rather low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum car speed when driving around the urban areas. Outside the cities, holidayers can travel at the maximum speed of 72km/h. Avoid exceeding the allowed speed of 129km/h when travelling on highways. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase the safety.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that you choose, the total expenses during the whole road trip may vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 5 stages across New Mexico may cost around 75 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost tourists approximately 319 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option can cost up to around 288 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 180 EUR if they go for the budget car rental offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to approximately 682 EUR without vehicle rental and 862 EUR with car hire.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 100 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Those who are considering standard accommodation should be ready to pay approximately 473 EUR. When choosing this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost approximately 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of around 216 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 1,221 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend around 1,005 EUR.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding travellers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 1,866 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend about 1,506 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 360 EUR. In the premium configuration of the itinerary, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around New Mexico is more or less 138 EUR. Drivers who are considering top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay around 576 EUR for food and restaurants and roughly 792 EUR for accommodation.
El Camino Real Road Trip will also cater to the needs of all camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this means of transport, the expenses may amount to around 900 EUR. Camper fans will spend more or less 150 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidaymakers who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay more or less 220 EUR for accommodation and about 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above expenses in detail.
The part of New Mexico showed in our itinerary idea is perfect to be visited between April and October. There are countless intriguing scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. Even the most demanding of travellers will surely be surprised by the wide spectrum of options that we offer.

Facts for safer driving in New Mexico

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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