Trip from Bayou Gauche, LA to Shreveport, LA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 9m

Distance

336.5 mi

541 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

5h 57m ★

6 AM

6h 10m

8 AM

6h 35m

10 AM

6h 19m

12 PM

6h 16m

3 PM

6h 20m

5 PM

6h 34m

8 PM

6h 2m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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human settlement in Louisiana, United States of America

Bayou Gauche, LA

Wikimedia Commons

parish seat of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States

Shreveport, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 336.5-mile journey from Bayou Gauche, Louisiana, to Shreveport, Louisiana, a drive that will take approximately 6 hours and 9 minutes. This trip primarily utilizes Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, US 90, and Veterans Memorial Expressway, with 35% of the route being on highways. Given the duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $51, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Southeast region. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience as you traverse the state.

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

168.2 miles from Bayou Gauche, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway	197.8 mi	3h 22m
US 90	106.8 mi	1h 57m
Veterans Memorial Expressway	10.2 mi	11m
Southeast Evangeline Thruway	6 mi	9m
WPA Road	2.9 mi	5m
Southwest Evangeline Thruway	2.7 mi	3m
Bayou Gauche Road	2.5 mi	4m
South Morgan Avenue	1.6 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway — 197.8 mi, about 3h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bayou Gauche, LA and Shreveport, LA.

Start on LA 306

2.5 mi · 4 min · Bayou Gauche Road

Turn left onto LA 632

2.0 mi · 3 min · WPA Road

Continue on LA 632

0.9 mi · 1 min · WPA Road

Turn left onto US 90

107 mi · 1 hr 57 min · US 90

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.2 mi · 14 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.4 mi · 28 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90; LA 92-1

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Take the exit onto LA 92-1

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Young Street

Continue on LA 92-1

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Young Street

Turn right onto St Etienne Road

1.0 mi · 3 min · St Etienne Road

At end of road, turn right onto East Fairfield Drive

0.1 mi · 22 sec · East Fairfield Drive

Turn left onto LA 3073

1.5 mi · 2 min · Ambassador Caffery Parkway

Turn right onto South Morgan Avenue

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Morgan Avenue

Turn right onto US 90; LA 182

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Southwest Evangeline Thruway

Keep slight left at fork

158 ft · 7 sec

Turn left onto US 90; LA 182

2.5 mi · 2 min · Southwest Evangeline Thruway

Continue on US 90; LA 182

6.0 mi · 9 min · Southeast Evangeline Thruway

Continue on I 49; LA 182

8.8 mi · 9 min · Veterans Memorial Expressway

Continue on I 49; US 167

198 mi · 3 hr 22 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street

Continue on Pete Harris Drive

0.8 mi · 1 min · Pete Harris Drive

Turn right onto LA 173

0.9 mi · 2 min · Caddo Street

At end of road, turn left onto Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway

Turn slight right onto River Parkway

68 ft · 1 sec · River Parkway

Arrive at destination

River Parkway

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 9-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Bayou Gauche to maximize daylight hours. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of nearly 200 miles, plan your break strategically. The estimated fuel cost of $51 is quite manageable, but it’s always wise to top off your tank before heading out, especially given the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spaced out on US 90 and Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 168.2 miles from Bayou Gauche, LA, or about 3h 14m 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 74 miles or 1h 25m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 168.2 miles or 3h 14m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 5m

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 Bayou Gauche, 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 Bayou Gauche, LA

This is one driving day of about 336.5 miles and 6h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Bayou Gauche, 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.

suburb city of Lafayette, located in Lafayette and St. Martin parishes, Louisiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Broussard, LA

168 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

New Iberia, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Broussard, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 168.2 miles from Bayou Gauche, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 197.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Bon Asian Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shreveport, Louisiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 336.5

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13182207373

Visit website

T-Coon's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lafayette, Louisiana

2.6 mi

Whataburger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shreveport, Louisiana

2.9 mi

Bon Asian Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 336.5

Shreveport, Louisiana

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13182207373

Visit website

T-Coon's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.2

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13372330422

Visit website

Whataburger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 336.5

Shreveport, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13182218259

Visit website

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 216.3

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

Bon Temps Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 120.2

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13377068850

Visit website

Vermilionville Historic Village

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 120.2

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13372334077

Visit website

Whataburger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 336.5

Shreveport, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13188655254

Visit website

Sabores | Dominican Bar & Grill Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 336.5

Shreveport, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13183512761

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 144.2

Opelousas, Louisiana

+33172676914

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 216.3

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 336.5

Bossier City, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Cajun Man's Swamp Tours and Adventures LLC

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 48.1

Morgan City, Louisiana

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19858684625

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 120.2

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13372915544

Visit website

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 2.5 and 333.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

2.5 mi into trip | ~4m in | LA 632 / WPA Road

Turn left onto LA 632 / WPA Road

Navigation decision point

5.4 mi into trip | ~9m in | US 90

Turn left onto US 90

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

113.4 mi into trip | ~2h 8m 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

118.5 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

333.5 mi into trip | ~6h 3m 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

$50.82 one way

$101.64 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 118 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$55.79	$111.57
premium	$4.56	$60.40	$120.80
diesel	$5.61	$74.29	$148.59

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

$51

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 117.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	101	1	$35.33	$16.15
Efficient EV	84.1	0	$29.44	$13.46
EV Truck/SUV	134.6	1	$47.11	$21.54

Gas CO2

118 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Bayou Gauche, LA

Evening in Bayou Gauche on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Shreveport, LA

Evening in Shreveport on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 10 mph 11% chance Live forecast

81°F

Broussard, LA

168 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

24 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 9m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 ~10 min detour Free near mile 255.2

View on nps.gov

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Discover the roots of jazz at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, our park offers live performances, exhibits, and programs that celebrate the le...

24 mi from route ~60 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a mixed driving experience, balancing highway speeds with other road types. You'll encounter 35% highway driving, so expect some faster stretches, but also periods on other roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 197.8 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, providing a substantial segment of consistent travel. The profile indicates a drive that isn't solely an interstate grind, likely offering some changes in scenery and road conditions as you progress from the Southeast's southern reaches towards Shreveport.

35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

27 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

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.5 miles in near LA 632 / WPA Road.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 336.5 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: at 2.5 miles (LA 632 / WPA Road): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (US 90): Lane positioning matters here; at 113.4 miles (US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Arriving in Shreveport, LA

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 9m. Total distance: 336.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 9m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface 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.

It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Shreveport, LA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — Cane River Creole National Historical Park and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Shreveport, LA before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Bayou Gauche, LA or browse trips ending in Shreveport, LA.

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Trip from Bayou Gauche, LA to Shreveport, LA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Bon Asian Cafe

Bon Asian Cafe

T-Coon's Restaurant

Whataburger

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

Bon Temps Grill

Vermilionville Historic Village

Whataburger

Sabores | Dominican Bar & Grill Restaurant

Nissan Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Cajun Man's Swamp Tours and Adventures LLC

Girard Park

Alexandria Museum of Art

Moncus Park

Children's Museum of Acadiana

Da Swamp

The Lafayette Museum

Lafayette Science Museum

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bayou Gauche, LA

Shreveport, LA

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 9m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Shreveport, LA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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