Tucumcari sits on Interstate 40, which has replaced historic Route 66 as the main east-west route across northern New Mexico. Amarillo is 175 km east; Albuquerque is 280 km west; Santa Fe is 240 km northwest. Driving is the standard way to arrive — there are good fast-food stops and gas at every exit.
Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops once a day in each direction at Tucumcari Union Station, with through services from Chicago to Los Angeles. There is no commercial air service; the nearest airports are Amarillo (AMA) and Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ).