How far is Carencro, LA from Ruston, LA?
The driving distance from Carencro, LA to Ruston, LA is about 174.9 miles (281.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.3 miles (251.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 45m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Suburb town of Alexandria, located in Rapides Parish just north of Pineville, Louisiana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carencro and Ruston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carencro and Ruston.
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1
Start on North University Avenue
3.4 mi · 5 min · North University Avenue
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2
Take the ramp slight left
2440 ft · 60 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto Veterans Memorial Expressway
2686 ft · 33 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
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4
Continue on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
76.1 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pineville Expressway, Casson Street
1212 ft · 30 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
93.7 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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7
Turn right onto East California Avenue
51 m · 4 sec · East California Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East California Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carencro and Ruston.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 167 North
Keep slight left to continue on US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
93.7 mi · 01h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Carencro and Mostly Sunny near Ruston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carencro to Ruston?
The road trip is about 174.9 miles (281.5 km) and usually takes 02h 45m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ball is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.4 miles from Carencro and 87.6 miles from Ruston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.3 miles (251.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.37 one way or $46.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carencro and Mostly Sunny near Ruston.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carencro and Ruston. Straight-line distance: 156.33 mi (251.59 km).
#1 Carencro
Suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 9,945 |
| Coordinates | 30.3171400, -92.0490100 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ruston
Small city and parish seat of Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 21,891 |
| Coordinates | 32.5232100, -92.6379300 |
| Altitude | 102 |
| Country | United States |
End: East California Avenue (-92.637902, 32.52365)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $23.37 | $46.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $26.28 | $52.56 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $28.54 | $57.07 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $33.41 | $66.82 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Louisiana · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.