Major city · United States
Moriarty
Skip as a destination: use only as a quick I-40 stop for fuel, a motel bed or the glider airfield. About 30 miles east of Albuquerque, nothing that needs a dedicated trip.
Moriarty is a small town on I-40 about 50 km east of Albuquerque, best known for its glider airport and a couple of Route 66-era motels. The town has no major attraction that justifies a detour; travellers use it as a budget overnight stop or a quick break on the drive between Albuquerque and Tucumcari.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, some motels close)
- Airport
- ABQ
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Moriarty911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Moriarty, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyWinter ice on I-40 is the main hazard.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About 50 km (31 mi) west via I-40; 30–40 min drive).ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About 31 mi (50 km) west via I-40; 30–40 min drive).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a gas station or diner2026 estimate, check$2–4
- Budget bedBasic motel double room, a night, per roomUS$65
- Mid-range bedBasic motel double room, a night, per roomUS$85
- High-end bedBasic motel double room, a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$100 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About 50 km (31 mi) west via I-40; 30–40 min drive)ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About 31 mi (50 km) west via I-40; 30–40 min drive)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jul (7 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Moriarty: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
3 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
3 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
4 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
3 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
4 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
3 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is small enough to walk across, but the motels and the museum are spread along Route 66.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30 min (check)
I-40 west, about 30 min (check)
Old Town, Sandia Peak tramway, museums.
Door to door: 10 min (check)
I-40 west, about 10 min (check)
Smaller stop with a few cafés and antique shops.
Door to door: 15 min (check)
I-40 west, about 15 min (check)
Tijeras Canyon hiking and the Sandia Crest scenic drive.
Door to door: 30 min (check)
US-60 east, about 30 min (check)
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Along Route 66 / I-40 corridor
All motels and hotels are on or just off the old highway; easy access from the interstate.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–140 excl. bed
- High
- $140+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Basic motel double room1 × 1 night × US$85 | US$85 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Glider introductory flight2 × US$150 · 2026 estimate, check | US$300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$59 |
| Trip total≈ US$322 per person per day, bed included | US$644 |
2026 estimate, check
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a gas station or diner2026 estimate, check | $2–4 |
| Burger and fries2026 estimate, check | $10–15 |
| Motel room, one night2026 estimate, check | $65–120 |
| Gas (per gallon)2026 estimate, check | $3–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport between Moriarty and Albuquerque.
- Glider rides are weather-dependent; call the airfield before you go.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MoriartyMoriarty
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Albuquerque Sunport → Moriarty: about $50–70 by taxi or rideshare, 30–40 min (2026 estimate, check)
Say or show
- Where is the glider airfield? — Where is the glider airfield?
- Do you have a room for tonight? — Do you have a room for tonight?
- How much for one night? — How much for one night?
English is universal; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Moriarty. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, some motels close) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Moriarty
Loading…
Was this useful?