How far is Lafayette, LA from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance from Lafayette, LA to New Orleans, LA is about 135 miles (217.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 20m 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 10m.
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.
Town in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lafayette and New Orleans.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette and New Orleans.
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1
Start on Rue Vermilion Ouest
102 m · 22 sec · Rue Vermilion Ouest
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2
Turn left onto Rue Jefferson
1654 ft · 51 sec · Rue Jefferson
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3
Continue on Jefferson Boulevard
1447 ft · 47 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
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4
Turn left onto Northeast Evangeline Thruway
1.9 mi · 3 min · Northeast Evangeline Thruway
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5
Take the exit straight toward I 10 East: Baton Rouge
2523 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
126.9 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Pontchartrain Expressway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Pontchartrain Expressway
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8
Keep slight right
2544 ft · 36 sec
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9
Take the exit slight left toward Poydras Street, Superdome
1368 ft · 37 sec
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10
Turn left onto South Claiborne Avenue
1555 ft · 41 sec · South Claiborne Avenue
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11
Turn right onto Tulane Avenue
1639 ft · 42 sec · Tulane Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tulane Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lafayette and New Orleans.
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 East
Merge slight left
127 mi · 02h 25m
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.
Mostly Clear leaving Lafayette and Mostly Clear near New Orleans.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lafayette to New Orleans?
The road trip is about 135 miles (217.2 km) and usually takes 02h 10m 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?
Oak Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.3 miles from Lafayette and 67.7 miles from New Orleans.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.03 one way or $36.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Lafayette and Mostly Clear near New Orleans.
Stop Ideas Near Oak Grove
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall Plaza
Port Vincent Clerks Office
Baton Rouge City Hall
City of Baton Rouge Fire Station 15
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Oak Grove.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Hammond
Schriever
New Iberia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lafayette and New Orleans. Straight-line distance: 117.74 mi (189.49 km).
#1 Lafayette
The third most populous city in Acadiana, Louisiana.
| Population | 126,535 |
| Coordinates | 30.2240900, -92.0198400 |
| Altitude | 11 |
| Country | United States |
#2 New Orleans
The most populous city in Louisiana and the center of the New Orleans metropolitan area.
| Population | 389,476 |
| Coordinates | 29.9546500, -90.0750700 |
| Altitude | 0 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tulane Avenue (-90.07507, 29.954633)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $18.03 | $36.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $20.27 | $40.55 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $22.02 | $44.03 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $25.78 | $51.55 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.