Driving Time between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California

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Road Trip Adventure: Driving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles

Are you planning a road trip from Albuquerque to Los Angeles? The trip can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to plan ahead to ensure you make the most of your journey without getting lost or stuck in traffic. In this post, we'll cover the fastest and slowest routes you can take, the distances, and the estimated driving times during peak and low traffic hours.

Route 1: Albuquerque to Los Angeles via I-40 W and I-15 S – 924 miles

This route is considered the shortest and most direct route to take from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. From Albuquerque, take I-40 W towards Flagstaff and Las Vegas. Then, take I-15 S towards Los Angeles.

Estimated driving time

  • During peak traffic hours: 15 hours
  • During low traffic hours: 12 hours

Route 2: Albuquerque to Los Angeles via US-285 and I-40 W – 1,022 miles

This route is longer than the first option, but it provides scenic views and a more relaxed driving experience. From Albuquerque, take US-285 S towards Roswell, then connect to I-40 W towards Flagstaff and Las Vegas. Finally, take I-15 S towards Los Angeles.

Estimated driving time

  • During peak traffic hours: 17 hours
  • During low traffic hours: 14 hours

Route 3: Albuquerque to Los Angeles via US-60 W and I-10 W – 1,081 miles

This route is the longest among the three options, but it offers exciting stops and adventures throughout the drive. From Albuquerque, take US-60 W towards Pie Town and Safford before connecting to I-10 W towards Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Estimated driving time

  • During peak traffic hours: 18 hours
  • During low traffic hours: 15 hours

Conclusion

Driving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles has multiple route options that can be tailored to your preferences and schedule. While Route 1 is the shortest option, it is likely to have heavy traffic, so plan accordingly. Route 2 offers a more relaxed driving experience and stunning scenery, while Route 3 takes you on a memorable journey with exciting stops.

No matter which route you choose, remember to take breaks, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure!