How far is Gretna, LA from Metairie, LA?
The driving distance from Gretna, LA to Metairie, LA is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 7.6 miles (12.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 22m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Louisiana and the center of the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
A saved road route is not available yet, so the map falls back to a straight-line overview.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gretna and Metairie.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gretna and Mostly Sunny near Metairie.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gretna to Metairie?
The road trip is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km) and usually takes 00h 22m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
New Orleans is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.8 miles from Gretna and 9.1 miles from Metairie.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 7.6 miles (12.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.70 one way or $3.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gretna and Mostly Sunny near Metairie.
Stop Ideas Near New Orleans
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 New Orleans.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Slidell
Hammond
Picayune
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gretna and Metairie. Straight-line distance: 7.62 mi (12.26 km).
#1 Gretna
Suburb city of New Orleans
| Population | 17,615 |
| Coordinates | 29.9146500, -90.0539600 |
| Altitude | 0 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Metairie
The most populous suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana.
| Population | 138,481 |
| Coordinates | 29.9840900, -90.1528500 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Avenue (-90.152849, 29.984102)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $1.70 | $3.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $1.92 | $3.83 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $2.08 | $4.16 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $2.44 | $4.87 |
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 · Apr 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.