DeRidder to Marrero is 255.5 miles and takes about 4h 52m via I 10 and Highway 171, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Louisiana, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With 96% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct and efficient journey. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you can plan to depart when it suits you best and arrive with time to spare.
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
127.8 miles from DeRidder, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
197.2 mi
3h 40m
Highway 171
37.5 mi
43m
Pontchartrain Expressway
5.9 mi
6m
Westbank Expressway
5.6 mi
7m
Martin Luther King Highway
4.8 mi
7m
West 1st Street
2.5 mi
2m
Crescent City Connection
0.7 mi
1m
Barataria Boulevard
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 197.2 mi, about 3h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between DeRidder, LA and Marrero, LA.
1
Start on LA 27
155 ft·6 sec·South Pine Street
2
Turn right onto US 171; US 190
2.5 mi·2 min·West 1st Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on US 171; US 190
38 mi·43 min·Highway 171
4
Continue on US 171
4.8 mi·7 min·Martin Luther King Highway
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
7
Merge onto I 10
197 mi·3 hr 40 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 90 BUS
2.4 mi·2 min·Pontchartrain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 90 BUS
0.7 mi·1 min·Crescent City Connection
11
Continue on US 90 BUS
5.4 mi·6 min·Westbank Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 4BToward LA 45: Barataria BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto Westbank Expressway
0.3 mi·36 sec·Westbank Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Turn right onto LA 45
0.3 mi·39 sec·Barataria Boulevard
15
Arrive at destination
LA 18
Trip Plan
Given this is a 4h 52m drive with a fuel cost around $38, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid heavy traffic, especially as you approach the New Orleans metropolitan area near Marrero. While there's only one recommended stop, you might consider breaking up the 197.2-mile stretch on I 10 for a quick refresh. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as extended highway stretches can sometimes mean fewer immediate service areas.
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 127.8 miles from DeRidder, LA, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 197.2 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 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.8 miles or 2h 27m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marrero, 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.
+
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 DeRidder, LA
This is one driving day of about 255.5 miles and 4h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from DeRidder, 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 I 10 for about 197.2 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 254.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 171; US 190 / West 1st Street
Turn right onto US 171; US 190 / West 1st Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
45.6 mi into trip|~55m in|I 10
Merge onto I 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
242.7 mi into trip|~4h 35m 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
246.3 mi into trip|~4h 40m in|US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
254.7 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward LA 45: Barataria Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 4B
Toward LA 45: Barataria Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.59 one way
$77.17 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$42.36
$84.72
premium
$4.56
$45.86
$91.72
diesel
$5.61
$56.41
$112.82
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.6
0
$26.83
$12.26
Efficient EV
63.9
0
$22.36
$10.22
EV Truck/SUV
102.2
1
$35.77
$16.35
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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
DeRidder, LA
Late night
in DeRidder on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Marrero, LA
Late night
in Marrero on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
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 52m 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 246.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 96% of the 255.5 miles on major roads like I 10 and Pontchartrain Expressway. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 197.2 miles on I 10, indicating long periods of steady driving. While Highway 171 will offer a change of pace initially, the bulk of your time will be spent on the interstate, making for a straightforward, albeit potentially monotonous, journey. The profile suggests a functional route rather than one focused on scenic detours.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 197.2 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Highway 171. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 171; US 190 / West 1st Street.
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 9 significant decision points across 255.5 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: near the start (US 171; US 190 / West 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 45.6 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 242.7 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.
Between DeRidder, LA and Marrero, LA, road signs point toward New Orleans and Business District.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 52m. Total distance: 255.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 197.2 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Marrero, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 171; US 190 / West 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 45.6 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 242.7 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. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Marrero, LA, but most travelers stay overnight.
