Traveling from Blanchard to New Orleans covers 338.7 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 13 minutes behind the wheel. Because this route is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate sprint, you should plan for a full day of travel. Budgeting approximately $52 for fuel is a smart way to manage your costs for this trip. While it is technically possible to complete the journey in a single day, the winding nature of the roads makes it a substantial commitment. You will be traversing the Southeast region of Louisiana, transitioning from the outskirts of the Shreveport area down toward the coast. It is a practical route for those who prefer navigating local roads over the monotony of major highway systems.
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
167.4 miles from Blanchard, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
186.4 mi
3h 10m
I 10
79.1 mi
1h 30m
US 190
49.5 mi
1h 3m
Hilry Huckaby III Avenue
5 mi
7m
LA 415 Spur
3.6 mi
5m
Pontchartrain Expressway
3.5 mi
4m
Shreveport Blanchard Highway
2.6 mi
3m
Ford Street
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
— 186.4 mi, about 3h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blanchard, LA and New Orleans, LA.
1
Start on West Daugherty Avenue
233 ft·7 sec·West Daugherty Avenue
2
Turn right onto LA 173
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Continue on LA 173
2.6 mi·3 min·Shreveport Blanchard Highway
4
Continue on LA 173
5.0 mi·7 min·Hilry Huckaby III Avenue
5
Continue on LA 173
1.2 mi·2 min·Ford Street
6
Turn right onto Allen Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Allen Avenue
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 49 South: Alexandria
8
Continue on I 49
186 mi·3 hr 10 min·Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 190: Baton Rouge, Opelousas
10
Keep slight left at fork
362 ft·9 sec
Toward US 190 East: Baton Rouge
11
Merge onto US 190
49 mi·1 hr 3 min·US 190
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto LA 415 Spur
3.6 mi·5 min·LA 415 Spur
13
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 10 East: Baton Rouge
14
Merge onto I 10
79 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
3.5 mi·4 min·Pontchartrain Expressway
Toward New Orleans, Business DistrictUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 234BToward Poydras Street, SuperdomeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn left onto South Claiborne Avenue
0.3 mi·40 sec·South Claiborne Avenue
19
Turn right onto Tulane Avenue
0.3 mi·41 sec·Tulane Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Tulane Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this route relies entirely on local roads, departure timing is key to avoiding heavy traffic that could extend your 5-hour and 13-minute travel time. Plan to make at least one stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the technical nature of the turns can lead to quicker fatigue than highway driving. Keep your $52 fuel budget in mind when planning your refueling stops, ensuring you don't run low while navigating the secondary road network. Because you are avoiding major highways, be prepared for varying speed limits and local traffic patterns throughout the day. A great tip for this specific drive is to double-check your navigation before departing, as the turn-heavy path requires consistent attention to signage along the local highways and city streets.
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 167.4 miles from Blanchard, LA, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.4 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 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.4 miles or 2h 57m 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 New Orleans, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Blanchard, 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 Blanchard, LA
This is one driving day of about 334.8 miles and 6h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Blanchard, 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 Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for about 186.4 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.3 and 333.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
10.3 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 49 South: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 49 South: Alexandria
6
197.9 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|US 190
Merge onto US 190
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
329.9 mi into trip|~6h 8m in|I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway toward New Orleans, Business District
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward New Orleans, Business District
6
333.5 mi into trip|~6h 12m in|I 10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
333.9 mi into trip|~6h 13m in
Take the exit toward Poydras Street, Superdome
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 234B
Toward Poydras Street, Superdome
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.56 one way
$101.13 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg117 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$55.51
$111.01
premium
$4.56
$60.09
$120.19
diesel
$5.61
$73.92
$147.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.1 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
100.4
1
$35.15
$16.07
Efficient EV
83.7
0
$29.29
$13.39
EV Truck/SUV
133.9
1
$46.87
$21.43
Gas CO2
117 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 15, 2026
Origin
Blanchard, LA
Evening
in Blanchard on Saturday
Local time
8:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New Orleans, LA
Evening
in New Orleans on Saturday
Local time
8:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
85°F
Alexandria, LA
167 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
8 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 15m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 334.8
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 92.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a unique driving experience that prioritizes local roads over high-speed interstate travel, as this route features a 0% highway share. Your journey will take you along Main Street, the Shreveport Blanchard Highway, and Hilry Huckaby III Avenue. Because the route is described as turn-heavy, you will need to remain attentive and engaged with the road rather than settling into a cruise-control rhythm. Without any high-speed stretches, the pace of the drive remains steady but requires more frequent adjustments than a standard freeway commute. Prepare for a more hands-on experience behind the wheel as you navigate the specific local infrastructure connecting these two Louisiana points.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 186.4 mi on Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.3 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 334.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 197.9 miles (US 190): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 329.9 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Blanchard, LA to New Orleans, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Opelousas along the way.
Way down yonder in New Orleans (French: La Nouvelle-Orléans), you'll find the roots of jazz and a blossoming culture that is unlike anything else on Earth. Here, the laid-back atmosphere of the riverfront South has mixed with French sophistication, Spanish style, and African-American energy to create something greater than the sum of its parts. "NOLA" is the largest city in Louisiana and one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler" is what they say here in the Big Easy, and you too can "let the good times roll" with a cool stroll down Bourbon Street, a hot Dixieland band, and even hotter Creole cuisine. Mardi Gras may be the city's calling card, but that's just one day out of the hot and muggy year in New Orleans.
Go ahead, take a riverboat down the Mississippi, munch on some beignets, and watch the Saints go marchin' in.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 15m. Total distance: 334.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 15m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 186.4 miles on Louisiana Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at New Orleans, 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 197.9 miles (US 190): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 329.9 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Cane River Creole National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New Orleans, LA before the return drive.
