Route from Wichita to Albuquerque

54 and I-40 only way to go.

On 54 and 56 keep to the speed limit through the small towns. Most are speed traps with unmarked patrol cars.

BB_TX wrote:
Have not driven it but you can use google maps street view and look at it every few miles to check it out. Or you can get google directions from Wichita to Tucumcari, click on the little box labeled 3D, and get a fly over to see the entire route. Not much out there, but should be enough towns for services you may need.
For what it is worth, google says it is about 75 miles shorter than thru OKC, but only about 8 minutes quicker. Not much difference in time. So mostly a matter of the shorter lower speed limit scenic route, or the longer higher speed limit interstate route.

mapquest shows 594 miles 9:40 (avg 61mph) on 54 versus 705 miles 10:20(avg 68mph) giving 111 miles shorter and 40 minutes less on 54 versus going I35/I40 via OKC. YMMV and pit stops not included.

allen8106 wrote:
Nooooooo......Don't go that way. We took that route May 2012 and in the south bound lane you had to drive with your right wheels on the shoulder because the left side of the lane was sooooooo rough.

Which route are you referring to - Hwy 54 or Hwy 56?

yes, take 54

Yes, take US54. It's a good road, not TOO much traffic, several good places to stop along the way if you wish.

Nooooooo......Don't go that way. We took that route May 2012 and in the south bound lane you had to drive with your right wheels on the shoulder because the left side of the lane was sooooooo rough.

Highway 54 is a good road but lots of truck traffic. I prefer route 56. Not much traffic on it and the road is just as good, distance is about the same.

Have not driven it but you can use google maps street view and look at it every few miles to check it out. Or you can get google directions from Wichita to Tucumcari, click on the little box labeled 3D, and get a fly over to see the entire route. Not much out there, but should be enough towns for services you may need.
For what it is worth, google says it is about 75 miles shorter than thru OKC, but only about 8 minutes quicker. Not much difference in time. So mostly a matter of the shorter lower speed limit scenic route, or the longer higher speed limit interstate route.

US 54 is a very good rd. In fact itsa major truck route. Havent been on it for about eight years, but used to run it regularly. Dont know about current construction projects.