How far is Lake Charles, LA from Baton Rouge, LA?
The driving distance from Lake Charles, LA to Baton Rouge, LA is about 126.1 miles (203 km), with a travel time of about 01h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.4 miles (195.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 56m 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 01h 58m.
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 of the United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge.
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1
Start on Enterprise Boulevard
146 m · 15 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
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2
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 mi · 3 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto Belden Street
28 m · 2 sec · Belden Street
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1211 ft · 30 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
123.4 mi · 2 hr 16 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward LA 30
1984 ft · 48 sec
-
7
Keep slight right
122 m · 10 sec
-
8
Turn straight onto Oklahoma Street
151 m · 19 sec · Oklahoma Street
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9
Turn right onto Nicholson Drive
1685 ft · 34 sec · Nicholson Drive
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10
Continue on Saint Louis Street
1378 ft · 45 sec · Saint Louis Street
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11
Turn right onto Government Street
4 m · 1 sec · Government Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Government Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Belden Street
Merge slight left
123 mi · 02h 16m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Lake Charles and Mostly Cloudy near Baton Rouge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge?
The road trip is about 126.1 miles (203 km) and usually takes 01h 58m 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?
Duson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.1 miles from Lake Charles and 63 miles from Baton Rouge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.4 miles (195.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.7 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.85 one way or $33.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Lake Charles and Mostly Cloudy near Baton Rouge.
Stop Ideas Near Duson
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 Duson.
Lafayette
New Iberia
Lake Charles
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. Straight-line distance: 121.33 mi (195.26 km).
#1 Lake Charles
The second most populous city in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
| Population | 78,433 |
| Coordinates | 30.2130900, -93.2044000 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Baton Rouge
The capital of Louisiana.
| Population | 219,052 |
| Coordinates | 30.4433200, -91.1874700 |
| Altitude | 14 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saint Louis Street (-91.18751, 30.443332)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 203 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $16.85 | $33.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $18.95 | $37.91 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $20.58 | $41.16 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $24.10 | $48.19 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.