Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Phoenix to Albuquerque: the drive
The drive from Phoenix to Albuquerque covers 419 miles (674 km) and takes about 6 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on I-40, AZ-87 and AZ-260.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 8 hr 30 min door to door.
We found 5 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) and Petroglyph National Monument.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-40 | 230 |
| AZ-87 | 73 |
| AZ-260 | 53 |
| AZ-377 | 34 |
Best time to go: April to June and September to October (the Balloon Fiesta is in early October).
Best stops between Phoenix and Albuquerque
- 1
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Possibly the world's largest natural travertine bridge, near Payson. Short but steep trails lead underneath it.
Photo: ksblack99 · Public domain - 2
Petrified Forest National Park
A 28-mile park road links I-40 and US-180, past rainbow-colored petrified logs and the Painted Desert.
Photo: Jeffhollett · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3
Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)
A mesa-top pueblo inhabited for roughly 800 years, visited on guided tours from the Haak'u Museum. Check opening days.
Photo: Scott Catron · CC BY-SA 2.0
Near Albuquerque
- 4
Petroglyph National Monument
More than 20,000 images pecked into volcanic boulders on Albuquerque's West Mesa. Boca Negra Canyon has the easiest trails.
Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0 - 5
Sandia Peak Tramway
A 2.7-mile aerial tram to the 10,378-foot crest above Albuquerque, with views of 11,000 square miles.
Photo: AnnaCummingsPhotography · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay in Albuquerque
New Mexico's largest city, on old Route 66, with the Sandia Peak Tramway and Petroglyph National Monument.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Albuquerque →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at ABQ. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at PHX
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Albuquerque? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Phoenix to Albuquerque:
Phoenix to Albuquerque road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Phoenix to Albuquerque?
About 6 hr 45 min without stops for 419 miles via I-40, AZ-87 and AZ-260. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 8 hr 30 min.
What is the halfway point between Phoenix and Albuquerque?
Holbrook, AZ is about halfway, roughly 210 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Phoenix to Albuquerque in one day?
Yes. At 6 hr 45 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Phoenix and Albuquerque?
Top stops include Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) and Petroglyph National Monument. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Phoenix to Albuquerque?
About $54 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to June and September to October (the Balloon Fiesta is in early October).
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
