Traveling from Boutte to Monroe covers 256.5 miles through the heart of Louisiana. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes, making this a manageable day trip if you get an early start. Budget about $39 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast locations. The route utilizes a combination of I-10, E. E. Wallace Boulevard North, and Samuels Road to navigate between the regions. Because the trip is straightforward, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay, leaving you plenty of time once you reach your destination.
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
128.3 miles from Boutte, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Samuels Road
75.7 mi
1h 28m
E. E. Wallace Boulevard North
63.2 mi
1h 12m
I 10
31.5 mi
34m
I 20
20.3 mi
22m
3127
19.6 mi
25m
Natchez-Vidalia Bridge
10.6 mi
12m
West Airline Highway
8.9 mi
10m
LA 3213
6.8 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
Samuels Road
— 75.7 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Boutte, LA and Monroe, LA.
1
Start on LA 52
462 ft·11 sec·Paul Maillard Road
2
Take the ramp
136 ft·4 sec
3
Merge onto US 90
0.3 mi·35 sec·US 90
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward I 310 North, LA 3127 North: Donaldsonville, New Orleans
5
Continue on I 310
1.3 mi·1 min·I 310
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 10Toward LA 3127 North: Donadlsonville
7
Continue on LA 3127
20 mi·25 min·LA 3127
8
Turn right onto LA 3213
6.8 mi·9 min·LA 3213
9
Turn left onto US 61
8.9 mi·10 min·West Airline Highway
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·58 sec
Toward I 10 West: Baton Rouge
11
Merge onto I 10
31 mi·34 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 110
6.2 mi·8 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway
Toward I 110 North: Downtown, Metro AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 110
2.6 mi·3 min·Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 8CToward US 61 North: NatchezUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on US 61
3.8 mi·5 min·Scenic Highway
16
Continue on US 61
76 mi·1 hr 28 min·Samuels Road
17
Turn left
0.1 mi·17 sec
18
Continue on US 84; US 425
2.4 mi·2 min·John R Junkin Drive
19
Continue on US 84; US 425
11 mi·12 min·Natchez-Vidalia Bridge
20
Continue on US 425; LA 15
63 mi·1 hr 12 min·E. E. Wallace Boulevard North
21
Turn left
0.3 mi·35 sec
22
Merge onto I 20
20 mi·22 min·I 20
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward US 165 BUS, LA 15: Civic Center
24
Keep slight right at fork
303 ft·7 sec
25
Turn straight onto US 165 Business; LA 15
0.5 mi·45 sec·Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
26
Continue on US 165 Business; LA 15
0.3 mi·35 sec·North 6th Street
27
Turn left onto US 80; US 165 Business; LA 15
0.1 mi·17 sec·Louisville Avenue
28
Turn left
45 ft·5 sec
29
Turn right
38 ft·2 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and maximize your time in Monroe. You only need to plan for one major stop along the way, which provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep a close eye on your navigation when transitioning between the major highways and the local stretches, as the turn-heavy nature of the route requires steady focus. Because the trip is relatively compact, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace as needed throughout the 256.5-mile journey. Remember to account for the $39 fuel estimate in your travel budget before you head out.
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 128.3 miles from Boutte, LA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.7 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 128.3 miles or 2h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monroe, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Boutte, 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 Boutte, LA
This is one driving day of about 256.5 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Boutte, 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 Samuels Road for about 75.7 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 78.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 90
Merge onto US 90
Merge point - match speed before joining
6
0.4 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the exit toward I 310 North, LA 3127 North: Donaldsonville, New Orleans
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 310 North, LA 3127 North: Donaldsonvil...
5
1.9 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the exit toward LA 3127 North: Donadlsonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 10
Toward LA 3127 North: Donadlsonville
8
69.9 mi into trip|~1h 25m in|I 110 / Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 110 / Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway toward I 110 North: Downtown, Metro Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 110 North: Downtown, Metro Airport
8
78.7 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 61 North: Natchez
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8C
Toward US 61 North: Natchez
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.61 one way
$71.21 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$39.84
$79.68
premium
$4.29
$43.31
$86.62
diesel
$4.80
$48.43
$96.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77
0
$26.93
$12.31
Efficient EV
64.1
0
$22.44
$10.26
EV Truck/SUV
102.6
1
$35.91
$16.42
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Boutte, LA
Late night
in Boutte on Sunday
Local time
5:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:57PM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Monroe, LA
Late night
in Monroe on Sunday
Local time
5:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 0 to 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:57PM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 5m 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.
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...
Now a nearly forgotten culture, Poverty Point at its peak 3,000 years ago was part of an enormous trading network that stretched for hundreds of miles across the continent. It was - and is - also an e...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While about 27% of your travel takes place on major highways, the remainder of the journey shifts to local roads that offer a more hands-on driving experience. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch along a 75.7-mile segment on Samuels Road, which serves as the backbone of your trip. The transition between fast-paced highway sections and the more technical local routes creates a varied pace that keeps the drive engaging. Be prepared for frequent adjustments as you navigate the specific turn-heavy segments that define this Louisiana route.
Only 27% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.7 mi on Samuels Road.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 90.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 256.5 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 0.1 miles (US 90): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 0.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
321 ft5 ft
Total Climb
339 ft
Total Descent
269 ft
Highest Point
321 ft
~128.3 mi in
Elevation Range
316 ft
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 Boutte, LA to Monroe, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Airport along the way.
Monroe is the third-largest city in Northern Louisiana, largest city in Northeast Louisiana, and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. It is also home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe and their sports team, the ULM Warhawks.
Founded as Fort Miro, it took on the name of Monroe after the paddle-wheeler James Monroe that came to town in the early 19th century, and, by extrapolation, the former president James Monroe. An interesting bit of trivia is that Monroe was once the headquarters of Delta Airlines, which got its start as the crop dusting operation Delta Dusters in nearby Tallulah.
Slathered down with highly religious views and the effects of years of racial inequality, Monroe can have a rather gritty appearance imbued with a fragrant aroma from its paper mill, but, well, take heart, Wikivoyage traveler.
Top landmarks
•Neville High School — high school in Louisiana, United States
•Bright-Lamkin-Easterling House — historic house in Monroe, Louisiana, United States
•Bynum House — historic house in Monroe, Louisiana, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 256.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.7 miles on Samuels Road. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Monroe, 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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 90): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 0.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Poverty Point National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Monroe, LA before the return drive.
