How far is Lake Charles, LA from Jefferson, LA?
The driving distance from Lake Charles, LA to Jefferson, LA is about 202 miles (325.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 183.2 miles (294.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 41m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 50m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Louisiana, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Charles and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Charles and Jefferson.
-
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
-
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
196.9 mi · 3 hr 40 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward Causeway Boulevard, Mandeville, Bonnabel Boulevard
588 ft · 14 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on Causeway Boulevard South
1641 ft · 56 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto North Causeway Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Causeway Boulevard
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9
Turn left onto Jefferson Highway
1542 ft · 37 sec · Jefferson Highway
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10
Turn left onto Labarre Road
1071 ft · 42 sec · Labarre Road
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11
Turn left onto Madelon Street
84 m · 12 sec · Madelon Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Madelon Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Charles and Jefferson.
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
197 mi · 03h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Lake Charles and Sunny near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Charles to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 202 miles (325.1 km) and usually takes 03h 50m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Maringouin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 100.8 miles from Lake Charles and 101.2 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 183.2 miles (294.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.89 one way or $55.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lake Charles and Sunny near Jefferson.
Stop Ideas Near Maringouin
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 Maringouin.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lafayette
New Iberia
Hammond
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Charles and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 183.21 mi (294.84 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 Jefferson
Jefferson is a place in Louisiana, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 29.9660400, -90.1531300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-90.15313, 29.96604)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 325 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.91 | $27.89 | $55.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.38 | $31.20 | $62.40 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $34.09 | $68.18 |
| Diesel | $5.82 | $41.52 | $83.04 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026