Driving Time between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Oregon

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip Time: From Albuquerque, New Mexico to Portland, Oregon

Are you ready for a scenic road trip from the desert to the Pacific Northwest? Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Portland, Oregon, can be a great adventure if you plan it right. Whether it's to visit family, take a road trip or move to a new city, here's all the information you'll need to plan your drive and make the most of it.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Portland, Oregon, is 1,417 miles long and takes approximately 21 hours of non-stop driving. This route mostly follows I-40 West until it intersects with I-5 North near the California-Oregon border.

However, there are shorter and longer alternatives. Taking I-25 North to Denver, then I-80 West to Salt Lake City, and then I-84 West to Portland takes 1,504 miles and approximately 23 hours. The longest route, with 1,825 miles and approximately 27 hours of driving, goes through Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Reno before meeting I-5 in California.

Traffic Patterns

When planning a road trip, it's essential to be aware of peak traffic times and to choose the most convenient route accordingly. The average speed when driving from Albuquerque to Portland is 65 miles per hour. Still, it may vary depending on traffic patterns, weather conditions, construction zones, and your driving style.

Peak traffic times are typically weekdays from 7am to 9 am and weekends from 11 am to 2 pm. The best time to drive without traffic is Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 3 pm. If you leave Albuquerque early in the morning, say around 6 am, you'll avoid rush hour traffic and get to your destination faster.

Different Options and Drive Times

Based on traffic patterns and distances, the shortest route is not always the fastest. For example, if you're driving from Albuquerque to Portland during peak traffic times, the shortest route of I-40 West isn't the ideal option. Instead, taking I-25 North to Denver and driving through Colorado and Wyoming on I-80 West and I-84 West can be faster.

Here are some estimated drive times for the different routes:

  • Albuquerque to Portland via I-40 West and I-5 North: 21 hours without traffic, 24 hours with traffic
  • Albuquerque to Portland via I-25 North, I-80 West, and I-84 West: 23 hours without traffic, 26 hours with traffic
  • Albuquerque to Portland via Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Reno: 27 hours without traffic, 32 hours with traffic

Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Portland, Oregon, can be a great road trip. Remember that the type of vehicle you drive, the number of passengers, and your stops can affect the total time it takes to reach your destination. Whatever route you choose, don't forget to plan for breaks, snacks, gas, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Have a happy and safe road trip!