Road Trip Ready: The Drive From Albuquerque to Corpus Christi

If you're looking for an exciting road trip that takes you through stunning countryside, you might want to consider driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Corpus Christi, Texas. These two cities are located in the southwestern part of the United States, and the distance between them is approximately 900 miles. In this article, we’ll talk about the different routes you can take and the time you can expect to take depending on your choice of route.

Routes to Take

There are a few different routes you can take to get from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi, but we'll focus on two: the fastest and the most scenic.

Fastest Route

The fastest route you can take is via US-285 S and I-20 E, which covers a distance of about 830 miles and takes approximately 12.5 hours to drive under normal traffic conditions. However, it’s important to note that the travel time can vary depending on the time of day and days of the week you hit the road.

Most Scenic Route

Another option is to take the most scenic route. If you are not in a hurry, you can opt to take Interstate 25 South to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. From here, you can take US-62 East towards Guadalupe Mountains National Park. From there, take US 180 East and join I-10 East towards San Antonio, which leads to Corpus Christi. This journey covers a distance of approximately 930 miles and takes around 16 hours to drive without any stoppages. Although the route is longer, it will take you through some of the most scenic parts of New Mexico and Texas.

Travel Time

There are a few factors to keep in mind when calculating the time it takes to drive from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi. Traffic is one of the biggest factors determining how long the journey will take you. Heavy traffic, especially in large metropolitan areas like San Antonio, can add time to your trip. Generally, on weekends and holidays, traffic is lower, so you can expect a smoother trip.

Peak Traffic Times

If you're driving during peak traffic times, the journey can take you slightly longer. For example, if you hit the road around 4 PM on a weekday, you can expect to drive for approximately 14 hours - that's an additional 1.5 hours than the fastest option

Low Traffic Times

On the other hand, if you're driving during low traffic times, like early morning or late evening, the journey can take you less time. For example, if you hit the road at around 3 AM, the same trip will take roughly 11 hours, which is faster than the fastest estimated time.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi can be an adventure if you have the time to take the scenic route. Whichever route you choose, consider traffic patterns and start your journey early or take a Friday off from work if you want to avoid peak traffic. Whether you're a seasoned road trip enthusiast or new to the experience, this drive is one to add to your bucket list. We hope this guide has given you some useful insights into how to make the most of your journey. Safe travels!