How far is DeRidder, LA from Lake Charles, LA?
The driving distance from DeRidder, LA to Lake Charles, LA is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.1 miles (70.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 00h 52m.
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.
Village in Allen Parish
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between DeRidder and Lake Charles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between DeRidder and Lake Charles.
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1
Start on South Pine Street
47 m · 7 sec · South Pine Street
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2
Turn right onto West 1st Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · West 1st Street
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3
Continue on Highway 171
37.5 mi · 43 min · Highway 171
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4
Continue on Martin Luther King Highway
4.5 mi · 8 min · Martin Luther King Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right
2158 ft · 53 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
1605 ft · 41 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Enterprise Boulevard
3249 ft · 1 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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9
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between DeRidder and Lake Charles.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 171
Continue on Highway 171
37.5 mi · 00h 43m
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 DeRidder and Sunny near Lake Charles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from DeRidder to Lake Charles?
The road trip is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Reeves is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.1 miles from DeRidder and 24.2 miles from Lake Charles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.1 miles (70.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.44 one way or $12.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around DeRidder and Sunny near Lake Charles.
Stop Ideas Near Reeves
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Reeves.
Lake Charles
Lafayette
Beaumont
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between DeRidder and Lake Charles. Straight-line distance: 44.04 mi (70.88 km).
#1 DeRidder
Small city in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 10,521 |
| Coordinates | 30.8463100, -93.2890500 |
| Altitude | 62 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Charles
The second most populous city in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
| Population | 78,433 |
| Coordinates | 30.2130900, -93.2044000 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
End: Enterprise Boulevad (-93.204402, 30.21309)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $6.44 | $12.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $7.86 | $15.73 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $9.21 | $18.41 |
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 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.