How far is Monroe, LA from Lake Charles, LA?
The driving distance from Monroe, LA to Lake Charles, LA is about 194.4 miles (312.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 171.1 miles (275.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 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 20m.
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.
The capital of Louisiana.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Monroe and Lake Charles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroe and Lake Charles.
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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
91.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Martin Luther King Jr Drive
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12
Continue on Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge
3004 ft · 43 sec · Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge
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13
Continue on Macarthur Drive
4.3 mi · 7 min · Macarthur Drive
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Masonic Circle
763 ft · 15 sec · Masonic Drive
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15
Exit the rotary onto Masonic Drive
78 mi · 1 hr 36 min · Masonic Drive
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16
Take the exit right
2324 ft · 57 sec
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17
Merge slight left
12.9 mi · 14 min
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18
Take the exit slight right
1605 ft · 41 sec
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19
Turn straight onto Enterprise Boulevard
3249 ft · 1 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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20
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Enterprise Boulevard
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monroe and Lake Charles.
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
91.6 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Monroe and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Lake Charles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Monroe to Lake Charles?
The road trip is about 194.4 miles (312.8 km) and usually takes 03h 20m 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?
Alexandria is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.4 miles from Monroe and 97.9 miles from Lake Charles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 171.1 miles (275.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.98 one way or $51.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Monroe and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Lake Charles.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monroe and Lake Charles. Straight-line distance: 171.08 mi (275.33 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 Lake Charles
The second most populous city in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
| Population | 78,433 |
| Coordinates | 30.2130900, -93.2044000 |
| Altitude | 4 |
| Country | United States |
End: Enterprise Boulevad (-93.204402, 30.21309)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 313 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $29.22 | $58.43 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $31.73 | $63.46 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $37.15 | $74.29 |
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.