How far is Opelousas, LA from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance from Opelousas, LA to New Orleans, LA is about 138.2 miles (222.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.3 miles (203.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 40m 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 20m.
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.
Census-designated place in Louisiana, United States
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 New Orleans.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Opelousas and New Orleans.
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1
Start on South Main Street
622 ft · 20 sec · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto East Vine Street
50.4 mi · 1 hr 5 min · East Vine Street
-
3
Keep slight right
3.6 mi · 5 min
-
4
Turn left onto I 10 East: Baton Rouge
1512 ft · 37 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
78.6 mi · 1 hr 30 min
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on Pontchartrain Expressway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Pontchartrain Expressway
-
7
Keep slight right
2544 ft · 36 sec
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8
Take the exit slight left toward Poydras Street, Superdome
1368 ft · 37 sec
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9
Turn left onto South Claiborne Avenue
1555 ft · 41 sec · South Claiborne Avenue
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10
Turn right onto Tulane Avenue
1639 ft · 42 sec · Tulane Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tulane Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Opelousas and New Orleans.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 10 East
Merge slight left
78.6 mi · 01h 30m
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 New Orleans.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Opelousas to New Orleans?
The road trip is about 138.2 miles (222.4 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Village Saint George is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.8 miles from Opelousas and 69.3 miles from New Orleans.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.3 miles (203.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.9 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.48 one way or $36.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Opelousas and Mostly Sunny near New Orleans.
Stop Ideas Near Village Saint George
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall Plaza
Port Vincent Clerks Office
Baton Rouge City Hall
City of Baton Rouge Fire Station 15
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Village Saint George.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Hammond
Schriever
New Iberia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Opelousas and New Orleans. Straight-line distance: 126.26 mi (203.2 km).
#1 Opelousas
Parish seat of St.
| Population | 15,562 |
| Coordinates | 30.5335300, -92.0815100 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
#2 New Orleans
The most populous city in Louisiana and the center of the New Orleans metropolitan area.
| Population | 389,476 |
| Coordinates | 29.9546500, -90.0750700 |
| Altitude | 0 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tulane Avenue (-90.07507, 29.954633)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 222 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $18.48 | $36.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $20.78 | $41.57 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $22.57 | $45.14 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $26.43 | $52.85 |
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.