What's the fastest route from Austin, TX to Albuquerque, NM?

Question

Thanksgiving duties are calling. Need to drive with 2 dogs for a yummy dinner and a weekend stay with the family. What's the fastest route? Any good stopping points?

Answer 1

I know the route well, it is an easy drive and takes 10-12 hours:

- 183 north
- 84 West, through Lubbock all the way to the Texas/NM border (84 is only signed as 60 between the Texas border and Fort Sumner)
- 84 north out of Fort Sumner
- West on 40 into Albuquerque

Alternately, you can stay on 60 all the way until it ends at 41, there is a great diner (Penny's Diner) at the intersection of 60/41. Then take 41 north to 40 and then into Albuquerque from there (it does not add much to the journey.

One final note, make sure you stop for gas when you can, there are long stretches of this trip where there are no stations.

Edit - I recommend doing the whole thing in one go, there really isn't anywhere on the route worth an evening's stay.

Answer 2

reverse Merge onto I-25 S. Merge onto I-10 E via the exit on the LEFT toward TUCSON / EL PASO (Crossing into TEXAS). Merge onto US-290 E via EXIT 477 toward FREDRICKSBURG. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto US-281 S / US-290 E. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto US-290 E. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto TX-71 E / US-290 E. Continue to follow US-290 E. Merge onto US-290 E / TX-71 E. Take the TX-I-LOOP N exit. Merge onto TX-1 LOOP N / S MO-PAC EXPY. Take the 5TH ST / LAKE AUSTIN BLVD / 1ST ST exit. Take the W 5TH ST / LAKE AUSTIN BLVD ramp. Take the 5TH ST ramp. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto W 5TH ST. End at Austin, TX US