How far is Jackson, LA from Lake Charles, LA?
The driving distance from Jackson, LA to Lake Charles, LA is about 159.9 miles (257.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.9 miles (202.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 15m 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 37m.
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.
City in Saint Martin Parish, 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 Jackson and Lake Charles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson and Lake Charles.
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1
Start on Charter Street
2 mi · 3 min · Charter Street
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2
Turn left onto LA 965
7.3 mi · 10 min · LA 965
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto US 61
20.1 mi · 24 min · US 61
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4
Take the exit straight toward I 110 South: Baton Rouge
2467 ft · 48 sec
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5
Continue on Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Freeway
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6
Continue on Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway
5.7 mi · 7 min · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 10 West: Lafayette
2244 ft · 49 sec
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8
Merge slight left
123.7 mi · 2 hr 17 min
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9
Take the exit slight right
1605 ft · 41 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Enterprise Boulevard
3249 ft · 1 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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11
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Jackson 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.
I 10 West
Merge slight left
124 mi · 02h 17m
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 Jackson and Mostly Sunny near Lake Charles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Jackson to Lake Charles?
The road trip is about 159.9 miles (257.4 km) and usually takes 02h 37m 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?
Breaux Bridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82 miles from Jackson and 78 miles from Lake Charles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.9 miles (202.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 34 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 1:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.36 one way or $42.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Jackson and Mostly Sunny near Lake Charles.
Stop Ideas Near Breaux Bridge
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Parks City Hall
Lafayette Consolidated Government
Housing Authority of Lafayette
City of St. Martinville Tourist Information Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Breaux Bridge.
Lafayette
New Iberia
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Jackson and Lake Charles. Straight-line distance: 125.86 mi (202.56 km).
#1 Jackson
Town in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
| Population | 3,707 |
| Coordinates | 30.8374000, -91.2176100 |
| Altitude | 46 |
| 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: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.36 | $42.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.02 | $48.04 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.08 | $52.17 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.54 | $61.08 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.