How far is Ponchatoula, LA from Alexandria, LA?
The driving distance from Ponchatoula, LA to Alexandria, LA is about 169.7 miles (273.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 26m 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 43m.
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, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ponchatoula and Alexandria.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ponchatoula and Alexandria.
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1
Start on Northwest Railroad Avenue
4 m · 5 sec · Northwest Railroad Avenue
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2
Turn right onto West Pine Street
1.6 km · 1 min · West Pine Street
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3
Take the ramp straight
2005 ft · 49 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Congressman Jimmy Morrison Highway
3.1 mi · 3 min · Congressman Jimmy Morrison Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 12 West: Baton Rouge
1052 ft · 26 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto West Florida Republic Parkway
38.4 mi · 42 min · West Florida Republic Parkway
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7
Merge slight right
3.6 mi · 4 min
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8
Keep slight left
3.9 mi · 5 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward LA 415: Lobdell
1842 ft · 45 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on LA 415: Lobdell
97 m · 8 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto North Lobdell Highway
3.6 mi · 5 min · North Lobdell Highway
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12
Merge slight left onto State Route 1
49 mi · 1 hr 3 min · State Route 1
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North, US 167 North: Alexandria
1494 ft · 36 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
64.9 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward M L King Drive, Downtown Alexandria
1717 ft · 44 sec
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16
Continue on 10th Street
805 ft · 22 sec · 10th Street
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17
Turn right onto Murray Street
1757 ft · 1 min · Murray Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Murray Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ponchatoula and Alexandria.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
Merge slight left onto Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
64.9 mi · 01h 06m
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny leaving Ponchatoula and Mostly Sunny near Alexandria.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ponchatoula to Alexandria?
The road trip is about 169.7 miles (273.1 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Krotz Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.8 miles from Ponchatoula and 84.9 miles from Alexandria.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.5 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 1:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.68 one way or $45.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Sunny around Ponchatoula and Mostly Sunny near Alexandria.
Stop Ideas Near Krotz Springs
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Port Barre Park
Leonville Town Hall
Port Barre Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Krotz Springs.
Lafayette
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Iberia
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ponchatoula and Alexandria. Straight-line distance: 133.23 mi (214.42 km).
#1 Ponchatoula
City in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 7,545 |
| Coordinates | 30.4388000, -90.4414800 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alexandria
The capital of Louisiana.
| Population | 45,573 |
| Coordinates | 31.3112900, -92.4451400 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
End: Murray Street (-92.444972, 31.311153)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $22.68 | $45.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $25.51 | $51.02 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $27.70 | $55.41 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $32.44 | $64.87 |
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 · Jun 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.