How far is Lafayette, LA from Ruston, LA?
The driving distance from Lafayette, LA to Ruston, LA is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 163 miles (262.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 02h 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.
Suburb city of Alexandria, located in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lafayette and Ruston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette and Ruston.
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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
Continue on Veterans Memorial Expressway
8.8 mi · 9 min · Veterans Memorial Expressway
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6
Continue on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
76.1 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
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7
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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8
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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9
Turn right onto East California Avenue
51 m · 4 sec · East California Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East California Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lafayette 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.
Mostly Clear leaving Lafayette and Sunny near Ruston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lafayette to Ruston?
The road trip is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Pineville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.8 miles from Lafayette and 91 miles from Ruston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 163 miles (262.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.8 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.27 one way or $48.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Lafayette and Sunny near Ruston.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lafayette and Ruston. Straight-line distance: 162.99 mi (262.3 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 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: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.27 | $48.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.30 | $54.60 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $29.65 | $59.29 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $34.71 | $69.42 |
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.