How far is Watson, LA from Shreveport, LA?
The driving distance from Watson, LA to Shreveport, LA is about 261.7 miles (421.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 212.8 miles (342.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 11m 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 04h 05m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Watson and Shreveport.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watson and Shreveport.
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1
Start on the route
29 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn sharp right
71 m · 18 sec
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3
Turn right
25 m · 12 sec
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4
Turn left
845 ft · 17 sec
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5
Turn left
2.1 mi · 3 min
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6
Turn right onto Amite Church Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Amite Church Road
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7
At the end of the road, turn left
2783 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn right
2.3 mi · 4 min
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9
Continue on Wax Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Wax Road
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10
Turn right onto Sullivan Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Sullivan Road
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11
Turn left onto Hooper Road
7 mi · 12 min · Hooper Road
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12
Turn left onto Plank Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Plank Road
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13
Take the ramp slight right
3017 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Airline Highway
5.3 mi · 8 min · Airline Highway
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15
Continue straight
50.2 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North, US 167 North: Alexandria
1494 ft · 36 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
186.3 mi · 3 hr 10 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
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18
Keep slight left to continue on Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
1.3 km · 1 min
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19
Continue on Pete Harris Drive
1.3 km · 2 min · Pete Harris Drive
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20
Turn right onto Caddo Street
1.4 km · 3 min · Caddo Street
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21
At the end of the road, turn left onto Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
2522 ft · 56 sec · Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
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22
Turn slight right onto River Parkway
21 m · 2 sec · River Parkway
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · River Parkway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Watson and Shreveport.
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
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 Watson and Sunny near Shreveport.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Watson to Shreveport?
The road trip is about 261.7 miles (421.2 km) and usually takes 04h 05m 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 130.9 miles from Watson and 130.9 miles from Shreveport.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 212.8 miles (342.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.15 one way or $72.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Watson and Sunny near Shreveport.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Watson and Shreveport. Straight-line distance: 212.74 mi (342.37 km).
#1 Watson
Watson is a place in Louisiana, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 30.5757400, -90.9531600 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Shreveport
The second most populous city in Louisiana.
| Population | 184,786 |
| Coordinates | 32.5251500, -93.7501800 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
End: River Parkway (-93.750913, 32.525036)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 421 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.91 | $36.15 | $72.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.38 | $40.43 | $80.87 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $44.18 | $88.35 |
| Diesel | $5.82 | $53.80 | $107.61 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026