Trip from Santa Clara, NM to Clovis, NM

Drive Time

4h 43m

Distance

239.2 mi

385 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 30m ★

6 AM

4h 44m

8 AM

5h 11m

10 AM

4h 53m

12 PM

4h 50m

3 PM

4h 54m

5 PM

5h 9m

8 PM

4h 36m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Santa Clara, NM

Gaby Lopez

Clovis, NM

Pho Tomass

Trip Overview

Spanning 239.2 miles across the Desert Southwest, this journey from Santa Clara to Clovis typically takes 4 hours and 43 minutes. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting approximately $37 for fuel will cover your transit across the New Mexico landscape. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-40, US Highway 60, and US 285. It is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads, making it a functional choice for travelers looking to bridge the gap between these two regions.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

119.6 miles from Santa Clara, NM

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip dominated by high-speed transit, as 89% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major corridors, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 58.2 miles on I-40. The transition between these roads creates a consistent, fast-paced rhythm that keeps you moving toward your destination without many technical detours. While the profile is distinctly highway-focused, the character of the road remains steady and predictable throughout the state. You will find that the lack of complex intersections allows for a focused, efficient drive across the desert terrain.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 58.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US Highway 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near NM 30.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 239.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (NM 30): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (US 84; US 285 / Santa Clara Bridge Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.9 miles (US 285): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | NM 30

At end of road, turn right onto NM 30

Navigation decision point

1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 84; US 285 / Santa Clara Bridge Road

Merge onto US 84; US 285 / Santa Clara Bridge Road

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

36.9 mi into trip | ~53m in | US 285

Keep slight right at fork onto US 285

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

78.3 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

236.8 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in | West 7th Street

Turn left onto West 7th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Santa Clara, NM to Clovis, NM, road signs begin pointing toward Clines Corners along the way.

Clines Corners

30.2 mi in | ~45m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	58.2 mi	58m
US Highway 60	56.8 mi	1h 7m
US 285	41.5 mi	50m
South US Highway 84	41.1 mi	46m
Santa Fe Highway	8.7 mi	13m
US 84/285	7.5 mi	8m
I 25	6.2 mi	6m
Taos Highway	4.7 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 58.2 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Santa Clara, NM and Clovis, NM.

Start on this road

249 ft · 19 sec · this road

Turn right onto Kee Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Kee Street

At end of road, turn right onto NM 30

0.9 mi · 1 min · NM 30

Take the ramp

475 ft · 12 sec

Merge onto US 84; US 285

0.8 mi · 1 min · Santa Clara Bridge Road

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto US 84; US 285

0.5 mi · 1 min · Riverside Drive

Continue on US 84; US 285

8.7 mi · 13 min · Santa Fe Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 84; US 285

4.7 mi · 5 min · Taos Highway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on US 84; US 285

7.5 mi · 8 min · US 84/285

Continue on US 84; US 285

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Saint Francis Drive

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward Guadalupe Street

Continue on North Guadalupe Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Guadalupe Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto West Alameda Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Alameda Street

Turn right onto Old Santa Fe Trail

0.6 mi · 1 min · Old Santa Fe Trail

Continue on Old Pecos Trail

3.0 mi · 5 min · Old Pecos Trail

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec

Toward I 25 North: Las Vegas, Clines Corners

Merge onto I 25

6.2 mi · 6 min · I 25

Take the exit onto US 285

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 285

Keep slight right at fork onto US 285

41 mi · 49 min · US 285

Use the none lane.

Turn left

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 40

58 mi · 58 min · I 40

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Toward US 84 South: Fort Summer

Turn right onto US 84

264 ft · 3 sec · Historic Route 66

Continue on US 84

41 mi · 46 min · South US Highway 84

Continue on US 84

0.6 mi · 45 sec · North 4th Street

Continue on US 60; US 84

1.3 mi · 1 min · East Sumner Avenue

Continue on US 60; US 84

57 mi · 1 hr 7 min · US Highway 60

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto West 7th Street

2.4 mi · 4 min · West 7th Street

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto North Main Street

41 ft · 1 sec · North Main Street

Arrive at destination

North Main Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a one-day trip, planning your departure early helps you avoid potential congestion and ensures you reach Clovis before dark. You should anticipate making at least one stop during the 4 hour and 43 minute trek to stretch your legs and refresh your fuel levels. Given that the majority of your time is spent on high-speed highways, keep a close eye on your speedometer and maintain awareness during the 58.2-mile stretch on I-40. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so feel free to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions on US Highway 60 or US 285. Prioritize checking your tire pressure before heading out, as the sustained highway speeds can be taxing on your vehicle over the 239.2-mile distance.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 119.6 miles from Santa Clara, NM, or about 2h 25m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.2 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 119.6 miles or 2h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clovis, NM than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Santa Clara, NM so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Santa Clara, NM

This is one driving day of about 239.2 miles and 4h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Santa Clara, NM.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 58.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 119.6 mi from Santa Clara, NM · 2h 25m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Eldorado at Santa Fe, NM

120 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Edgewood, NM

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Farwell, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.6 miles from Santa Clara, NM, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Clovis, NM

The final approach into Clovis, NM usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Clovis, NM.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.57 one way

$73.13 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.26	$40.11	$80.22
premium	$4.61	$43.41	$86.83
diesel	$5.64	$53.14	$106.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	71.8	0	$25.12	$11.48
Efficient EV	59.8	0	$20.93	$9.57
EV Truck/SUV	95.7	1	$33.49	$15.31

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Santa Clara, NM

Evening in Santa Clara on Sunday

Local time

5:55 PM

MDT

Current temp

33°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clovis, NM

Evening in Clovis on Sunday

Local time

5:55 PM

MDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

42 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 43m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Santa Clara, NM to Clovis, NM covers 239.2 miles and takes about 4h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, US Highway 60, US 285. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 119.6 miles from Santa Clara, NM. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.57 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Santa Clara, NM to Clovis, NM, road signs begin pointing toward Clines Corners along the way.

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Return Trip

Clovis, NM to Santa Clara, NM

Plan the drive back the other way.

238.8 mi 4h 43m

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Trip from Santa Clara, NM to Clovis, NM

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Clovis, NM

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Santa Clara, NM

Clovis, NM

Same local time

42 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 43m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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