Denver, CO to Albuquerque, NM
449-mile freight corridor via I-25 S through Colorado Springs, over Raton Pass into New Mexico, through Santa Fe to Albuquerque. 1 day (6-7 hours) transit. Challenging difficulty.
Distance
449 mi
Transit Time
1 day (6-7 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.30 | $1,032.7 |
| Reefer | $2.75 | $1,234.75 |
| Flatbed | $2.95 | $1,324.55 |
Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.
Route Details
Recommended Route
I-25 S through Colorado Springs, over Raton Pass into New Mexico, through Santa Fe to Albuquerque
Fuel Stops
2 recommended
Tolls
$0
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Limited Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $1.65/mi
Common return cargo: Chile peppers, electronics from Intel/Samsung fabs, mining materials
Key Stops Along the Route
Denver, CO
Origin
Colorado Springs, CO
Pueblo, CO
Trinidad, CO
Raton, NM
Las Vegas, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Albuquerque, NM
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Chile harvest season August-October drives reefer demand from Hatch, NM area. Winter on Raton Pass (7,834 ft) is treacherous with chain requirements. Denver-area construction booms April-October increase flatbed demand northbound.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Raton Pass (7,834 ft) is the highest point on I-25. Chain requirements are common November-April. The grade is sustained at 7% for several miles.
The stretch from Trinidad to Raton is remote with limited cell service and no services for 40+ miles.
Albuquerque backhaul market is weak. Plan reloads toward El Paso or Lubbock for better options.
Colorado Springs to Pueblo is a speed trap zone. CSPD and Pueblo County enforce aggressively.
Fuel is cheaper in New Mexico than Colorado. Wait to fill up after crossing Raton Pass if your tank allows.