How far is Monroe, LA from Lafayette, LA?
The driving distance from Monroe, LA to Lafayette, LA is about 184.3 miles (296.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158 miles (254.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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 54m.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Monroe and Lafayette.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroe and Lafayette.
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1
Start on the route
12 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn left
14 m · 5 sec
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3
Turn right onto Louisville Avenue
81 m · 9 sec · Louisville Avenue
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4
Turn right onto North 5th Street
1103 ft · 19 sec · North 5th Street
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5
Continue on North 5th Street
140 m · 8 sec · North 5th Street
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6
Continue on Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
1.1 km · 1 min · Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
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7
Take the ramp left
958 ft · 23 sec
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8
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 165: Bastrop, Columbia
1183 ft · 29 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 165 South: Columbia
1198 ft · 29 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive
88.7 mi · 1 hr 44 min · Martin Luther King Jr Drive
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12
Turn left onto US 165 North: Monroe
1473 ft · 36 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Pineville Expressway
4.2 mi · 6 min · Pineville Expressway
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 49 South, US 167 South: Opelousas
1.2 km · 1 min
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15
Merge slight left onto Martin Luther King, Jr Highway
76 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Martin Luther King, Jr Highway
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16
Continue on Veterans Memorial Expressway
8.8 mi · 9 min · Veterans Memorial Expressway
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17
Continue on Northwest Evangeline Thruway
1.9 mi · 3 min · Northwest Evangeline Thruway
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18
Turn right onto Jefferson Boulevard
1147 ft · 34 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
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19
Continue on Rue Jefferson
1654 ft · 52 sec · Rue Jefferson
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20
Turn right onto Rue Vermilion Ouest
102 m · 17 sec · Rue Vermilion Ouest
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Rue Vermilion Ouest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monroe and Lafayette.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Merge slight left onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive
88.7 mi · 01h 44m
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 leaving Monroe and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lafayette.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Monroe to Lafayette?
The road trip is about 184.3 miles (296.6 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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 92 miles from Monroe and 92.2 miles from Lafayette.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158 miles (254.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.3 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.62 one way or $49.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Monroe and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lafayette.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monroe and Lafayette. Straight-line distance: 158 mi (254.28 km).
#1 Monroe
The most populous city in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
| Population | 46,998 |
| Coordinates | 32.5093100, -92.1193000 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lafayette
The third most populous city in Acadiana, Louisiana.
| Population | 126,535 |
| Coordinates | 30.2240900, -92.0198400 |
| Altitude | 11 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Buchanan Street (-92.019794, 30.224075)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 297 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.62 | $49.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.68 | $55.37 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.06 | $60.13 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $35.20 | $70.40 |
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.