How far is Opelousas, LA from Lake Charles, LA?
The driving distance from Opelousas, LA to Lake Charles, LA is about 80 miles (128.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 55m 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 27m.
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 in Louisiana, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Opelousas and Lake Charles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Opelousas and Lake Charles.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
72 m · 8 sec · South Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto East Landry Street
5.8 mi · 7 min · East Landry Street
-
3
Continue on Lawler Highway
21.5 mi · 24 min · Lawler Highway
-
4
Continue on Basile Eunice Highway
6.4 mi · 7 min · Basile Eunice Highway
-
5
Continue on Main Street
13 mi · 15 min · Main Street
-
6
Turn left
18.1 mi · 22 min
-
7
Take the exit right
2324 ft · 57 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
12.9 mi · 14 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right
1605 ft · 41 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto Enterprise Boulevard
3249 ft · 1 min · Enterprise Boulevard
-
11
Continue on Enterprise Boulevard
1.6 km · 2 min · Enterprise Boulevard
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Enterprise Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Opelousas and Lake Charles.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Lawler Highway
Continue on Lawler Highway
21.5 mi · 00h 24m
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 Sunny leaving Opelousas and Mostly Sunny near Lake Charles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Opelousas to Lake Charles?
The road trip is about 80 miles (128.7 km) and usually takes 01h 27m 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?
Elton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40 miles from Opelousas and 40 miles from Lake Charles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 3:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.68 one way or $21.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Opelousas and Mostly Sunny near Lake Charles.
Stop Ideas Near Elton
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 Elton.
Lake Charles
Lafayette
New Iberia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Opelousas and Lake Charles. Straight-line distance: 70.5 mi (113.46 km).
#1 Opelousas
Parish seat of St.
| Population | 15,562 |
| Coordinates | 30.5335300, -92.0815100 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| 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: 129 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $10.68 | $21.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $12.01 | $24.02 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $13.04 | $26.08 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $15.27 | $30.54 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.