How far is Shreveport, LA from Central, LA?
The driving distance from Shreveport, LA to Central, LA is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 209.9 miles (337.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 47m 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 53m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shreveport and Central.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shreveport and Central.
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1
Start on River Parkway
2701 ft · 1 min · River Parkway
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2
Turn left onto Jack Wells Boulevard
757 ft · 31 sec · Jack Wells Boulevard
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3
Turn left onto Airport Drive
1389 ft · 39 sec · Airport Drive
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4
Turn right onto North Common Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Common Street
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5
Turn right onto Caddo Street
1505 ft · 37 sec · Caddo Street
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6
Continue on Ford Street
646 ft · 23 sec · Ford Street
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7
Turn left onto Allen Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Allen Avenue
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 49 South: Alexandria
1.1 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
186.4 mi · 3 hr 10 min · Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 190: Baton Rouge, Opelousas
2681 ft · 1 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 190 East: Baton Rouge
110 m · 10 sec
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12
Merge slight right
49.5 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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13
Keep slight left
6.4 mi · 9 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward LA 67: Plank Road, Baker, Zachary, Clinton
1700 ft · 41 sec
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15
Keep slight left to continue on LA 67: Plank Road, Baker, Zachary, Clinton
1960 ft · 50 sec
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16
Turn straight onto Plank Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Plank Road
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17
Turn right onto Hooper Road
7 mi · 12 min · Hooper Road
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hooper Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shreveport and Central.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Continue on Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
186 mi · 03h 10m
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.
Sunny leaving Shreveport and Sunny near Central.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shreveport to Central?
The road trip is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km) and usually takes 03h 53m 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 127.8 miles from Shreveport and 128.4 miles from Central.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 209.9 miles (337.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.4 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 9:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.23 one way or $68.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Shreveport and Sunny near Central.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shreveport and Central. Straight-line distance: 209.92 mi (337.83 km).
#1 Shreveport
The second most populous city in Louisiana.
| Population | 184,786 |
| Coordinates | 32.5251500, -93.7501800 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Central
Suburb city of Baton Rouge, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 29,450 |
| Coordinates | 30.5543500, -91.0367700 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
End: Hooper Road (-91.036767, 30.554344)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 412 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $34.23 | $68.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $38.50 | $77.00 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $41.81 | $83.62 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $48.95 | $97.90 |
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 · May 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.