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Trip from DeRidder, LA to Alexandria, LA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 31m

Distance

72.9 mi

117 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 25m ★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 37m
12 PM
1h 35m
3 PM
1h 38m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 28m

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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small city and the parish seat of Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, United States

DeRidder, LA

Wikimedia Commons

largest city and parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States

Alexandria, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

DeRidder, LA to Alexandria, LA is 72.9 miles and takes about 1h 31m via Alexandria Highway, Lake Charles Highway, and Johnny B Hall Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region and the state of Louisiana, making it a convenient local drive. Expect a route that involves frequent turns rather than long, straight stretches. Given its short duration, this drive is ideal for a same-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

36.4 miles from DeRidder, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Alexandria Highway 48 mi 55m
Lake Charles Highway 12.9 mi 17m
Johnny B Hall Memorial Highway 3.7 mi 4m
South 5th Street 2.8 mi 4m
South Pine Street 2.5 mi 3m
Monroe Street 1.7 mi 3m
Kurthwood Road 0.4 mi <1m
4th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Alexandria Highway — 48 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between DeRidder, LA and Alexandria, LA.

1

Start on LA 27

2.5 mi · 3 min · South Pine Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
2

Continue on US 171

3.7 mi · 4 min · Johnny B Hall Memorial Highway
3

Continue on US 171

13 mi · 17 min · Lake Charles Highway
4

Continue on US 171

2.8 mi · 4 min · South 5th Street
5

Turn right onto LA 1213

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Kurthwood Road
6

Merge onto LA 8; LA 28

48 mi · 55 min · Alexandria Highway
7

Keep slight left at fork onto LA 28

0.1 mi · 17 sec · LA 28
8

Merge onto US 71; US 165; LA 28

274 ft · 5 sec · Macarthur Drive
9

Turn right onto LA 28 Bus

1.7 mi · 3 min · Monroe Street
10

Turn straight onto Rapides Avenue

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Rapides Avenue
11

Continue on Medical Center Drive

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Medical Center Drive
12

Continue on 4th Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 4th Street
13

Turn left onto Murray Street

159 ft · 6 sec · Murray Street
14

Arrive at destination

Murray Street

Trip Plan

Since this drive is less than two hours and covers only 72.9 miles, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Alexandria well before evening. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart to avoid unnecessary stops, though given the short distance, finding fuel along the way should not be a major concern. Pay close attention to the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route and keep your navigation handy to smoothly transition between Alexandria Highway, Lake Charles Highway, and Johnny B Hall Memorial Highway.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.4 miles from DeRidder, LA, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48 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 16 miles or 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 36.4 miles or 47m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 16m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alexandria, LA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving DeRidder, LA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from DeRidder, LA

This is one driving day of about 72.9 miles and 1h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from DeRidder, LA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Alexandria Highway for about 48 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

small city and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Leesville, LA

36 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.

Popular next leg

Leesville, LA to Alexandria, LA

52 mi · 1h 3m

Pacing Suggestions

New Llano, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Leesville, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 36.4 miles from DeRidder, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alexandria, Louisiana

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 7min to go 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

The Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alexandria, Louisiana

2.8 mi

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

The Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13184484220

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

DeRidder, LA

+33172676914

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Pineville, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13184499000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Pineville, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Alexandria Museum of Art

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13184433458

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 21.9 and 72.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
21.9 mi into trip | ~29m in | LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road

Turn right onto LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road

Navigation decision point

4
22.2 mi into trip | ~30m in | LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway

Merge onto LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining

4
70.2 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | LA 28

Keep slight left at fork onto LA 28

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
70.4 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | US 71; US 165; LA 28 / Macarthur Drive

Merge onto US 71; US 165; LA 28 / Macarthur Drive

Merge point - match speed before joining

5
72.9 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in | Murray Street

Turn left onto Murray Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.01 one way

$22.02 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $12.09 $24.17
premium $4.56 $13.08 $26.17
diesel $5.61 $16.10 $32.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$11

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$36–$61

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 21.9 0 $7.65 $3.50
Efficient EV 18.2 0 $6.38 $2.92
EV Truck/SUV 29.2 0 $10.21 $4.67

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 20, 2026

Origin

DeRidder, LA

Morning in DeRidder on Tuesday

Local time

7:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, LA

Morning in Alexandria on Tuesday

Local time

7:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

1 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

1h 31m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll encounter numerous intersections and changes in direction throughout the 72.9 miles. While there's no interstate highway involved (0% highway share), you will experience a longest stretch of 48 miles on Alexandria Highway, offering a period of more consistent travel. As you navigate, you'll likely transition between different local roads, including Lake Charles Highway and Johnny B Hall Memorial Highway, each potentially offering a slightly different feel. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires attention to navigation.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 48 mi on Alexandria Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 31m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road): Navigation decision point; at 22.2 miles (LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 70.2 miles (LA 28): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Starting in DeRidder, LA

Full guide →

De Ridder is a small city in Louisiana. It can boast of being the hometown of Chris Cagle.

Arriving in Alexandria, LA

Full guide →

Founded 1818

Alexandria is a historic city, rich in Louisiana history. Civil War historic sites along with easy access to numerous historic locations and Kisatchie National Forest sites make it a city ideal for history enthusiasts and sportsmen.

Top landmarks

  • • Arna Wendell Bontemps House — historic house in Louisiana, United States
  • • Bolton High School — high school in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana

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 1h 31m. Total distance: 72.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 48 miles on Alexandria Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 21.9 miles (LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road): Navigation decision point; at 22.2 miles (LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 70.2 miles (LA 28): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Alexandria, LA before heading back.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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