Baldwin, LA to Shreveport, LA is 254.8 miles and takes about 4h 37m via Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Louisiana, connecting the Southeast region's southern part to its northern section. Expect a route that primarily uses surface roads, making it a more leisurely pace than a pure interstate trip. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, offering a straightforward path between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
127.4 miles from Baldwin, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
197.8 mi
3h 22m
US 90
28.6 mi
30m
Veterans Memorial Expressway
10.2 mi
11m
Southeast Evangeline Thruway
6 mi
9m
Southwest Evangeline Thruway
2.7 mi
3m
South Morgan Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
Ambassador Caffery Parkway
1.5 mi
2m
State Route 83
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
— 197.8 mi, about 3h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Baldwin, LA and Shreveport, LA.
1
Start on Live Oak Street
130 ft·7 sec·Live Oak Street
2
Turn right onto LA 182
0.3 mi·29 sec·Main Street
3
Turn left onto LA 83
1.0 mi·1 min·State Route 83
4
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
5
Merge onto US 90
29 mi·30 min·US 90
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90
0.2 mi·14 sec·Veterans Memorial Expressway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90
0.4 mi·24 sec·Veterans Memorial Expressway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90
0.4 mi·28 sec·Veterans Memorial Expressway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90
0.2 mi·15 sec·Veterans Memorial Expressway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90; LA 92-1
0.2 mi·13 sec·Veterans Memorial Expressway
11
Take the exit onto LA 92-1
0.1 mi·21 sec·Young Street
12
Continue on LA 92-1
0.3 mi·38 sec·Young Street
13
Turn right onto St Etienne Road
1.0 mi·3 min·St Etienne Road
14
At end of road, turn right onto East Fairfield Drive
0.1 mi·22 sec·East Fairfield Drive
15
Turn left onto LA 3073
1.5 mi·2 min·Ambassador Caffery Parkway
16
Turn right onto South Morgan Avenue
1.6 mi·2 min·South Morgan Avenue
17
Turn right onto US 90; LA 182
0.2 mi·13 sec·Southwest Evangeline Thruway
18
Keep slight left at fork
158 ft·7 sec
19
Turn left onto US 90; LA 182
2.5 mi·2 min·Southwest Evangeline Thruway
20
Continue on US 90; LA 182
6.0 mi·9 min·Southeast Evangeline Thruway
21
Continue on I 49; LA 182
8.8 mi·9 min·Veterans Memorial Expressway
22
Continue on I 49; US 167
198 mi·3 hr 22 min·Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
24
Continue on Pete Harris Drive
0.8 mi·1 min·Pete Harris Drive
25
Turn right onto LA 173
0.9 mi·2 min·Caddo Street
26
At end of road, turn left onto Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
0.5 mi·56 sec·Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
27
Turn slight right onto River Parkway
68 ft·1 sec·River Parkway
28
Arrive at destination
River Parkway
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 37m estimated duration, starting your drive from Baldwin in the morning will allow you to reach Shreveport with plenty of daylight to spare. Plan for your single recommended stop strategically; the longest stretch of 197.8 miles on the Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway might be a good point to consider a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $38, and gas stations may be more spaced out on the surface road portions. This route's relatively short length means you have flexibility, but it's still wise to confirm your fuel level before departing Baldwin.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 127.4 miles from Baldwin, LA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 197.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 56 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.4 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Shreveport, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Baldwin, LA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Baldwin, LA
This is one driving day of about 254.8 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Baldwin, LA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway for about 197.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 251.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|LA 182 / Main Street
Turn right onto LA 182 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
30.5 mi into trip|~34m in|US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
31.7 mi into trip|~35m in|US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
36.8 mi into trip|~46m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
251.8 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.00 one way
$78.00 round trip
$3.89/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.31
$43.20
$86.39
premium
$4.65
$46.64
$93.27
diesel
$6.28
$62.96
$125.92
Estimated Tolls: $0.59
Southeast Evangeline Thruway
(6 mi)$0.42
Southwest Evangeline Thruway
(2.5 mi)$0.17
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.4
0
$26.75
$12.23
Efficient EV
63.7
0
$22.30
$10.19
EV Truck/SUV
101.9
1
$35.67
$16.31
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Baldwin, LA
Morning
in Baldwin on Saturday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Shreveport, LA
Morning
in Shreveport on Saturday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Sunny
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
83°F
Alexandria, LA
127 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 37m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells the...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 175.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a highway share of 16%, meaning most of your 254.8-mile drive will be on surface roads. The longest stretch on a single main road is 197.8 miles, primarily along the Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway before transitioning to other surface roads. You'll likely notice a consistent pattern of exits and intersections as you navigate through towns and rural areas for the majority of the trip.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 197.8 mi on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near LA 182 / Main Street.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 254.8 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (LA 182 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 30.5 miles (US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 31.7 miles (US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Shreveport is the largest city in Northern Louisiana, part of the twin city metro of Shreveport-Bossier City, and is considered the principal city in the three-state region known as the "Ark-La-Tex." It has about 188,000 residents (2019), and is in the area of the state designated as the Sportsman's Paradise. Many lakes and rivers are in the area and offer recreational activities. The surrounding area is also a contrast from points in southern Louisiana, in that the landscape is marked by rolling hills and pine forests, being an extension of the Texas region known as the Piney Woods.
Top landmarks
•Petroleum Tower — 16-story high-rise office building located at 425 Edwards Street at the corner o...
•Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium — theater and meeting hall in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
•Strand Theatre — theater in Shreveport, Louisiana
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 37m. Total distance: 254.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (16%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 197.8 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.59 in tolls one way, starting with Southeast Evangeline Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (LA 182 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 30.5 miles (US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 31.7 miles (US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Cane River Creole National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Shreveport, LA, but most travelers stay overnight.
