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Trip from Franklin, 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

2h 35m

Distance

135.4 mi

218 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

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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Downtown Franklin, LA, LA

Franklin, LA

Abhishek Navlakha

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

Alexandria, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 135.4-mile drive from Franklin to Alexandria, Louisiana, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. You'll primarily travel on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, US 90, and the Veterans Memorial Expressway, with 32% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $20. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, and with only one recommended stop, it's a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Louisiana. This trip is well-suited for a single day of travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

67.7 miles from Franklin, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway 76.3 mi 1h 17m
US 90 32.1 mi 34m
Veterans Memorial Expressway 10.2 mi 11m
Southeast Evangeline Thruway 6 mi 9m
Southwest Evangeline Thruway 2.7 mi 3m
South Morgan Avenue 1.6 mi 2m
Ambassador Caffery Parkway 1.5 mi 2m
Iberia Street 1.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway — 76.3 mi, about 1h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Iberia Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · Iberia Street
2

At end of road, turn right onto Chatsworth Road

0.4 mi · 52 sec · Chatsworth Road
3

Turn left onto LA 3211

0.5 mi · 1 min · Northwest Boulevard
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 48 sec
5

Merge onto US 90

32 mi · 34 min · US 90
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.2 mi · 14 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.4 mi · 28 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
10

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

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Veterans Memorial Expressway
11

Take the exit onto LA 92-1

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Young Street
12

Continue on LA 92-1

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Young Street
13

Turn right onto St Etienne Road

1.0 mi · 3 min · St Etienne Road
14

At end of road, turn right onto East Fairfield Drive

0.1 mi · 22 sec · East Fairfield Drive
15

Turn left onto LA 3073

1.5 mi · 2 min · Ambassador Caffery Parkway
16

Turn right onto South Morgan Avenue

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Morgan Avenue
17

Turn right onto US 90; LA 182

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Southwest Evangeline Thruway
18

Keep slight left at fork

158 ft · 7 sec
19

Turn left onto US 90; LA 182

2.5 mi · 2 min · Southwest Evangeline Thruway
20

Continue on US 90; LA 182

6.0 mi · 9 min · Southeast Evangeline Thruway
21

Continue on I 49; LA 182

8.8 mi · 9 min · Veterans Memorial Expressway
22

Continue on I 49; US 167

76 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward M L King Drive, Downtown Alexandria
24

Continue on 10th Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · 10th Street
25

Turn right onto Murray Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Murray Street
26

Arrive at destination

Murray Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of 2 hours and 35 minutes and a fuel cost of about $20, this route from Franklin to Alexandria is easily accomplished in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to allow for flexibility and to make the most of your daylight. Given the longest stretch of 76.3 miles, plan for a break around that point or shortly after to stretch your legs. The Veterans Memorial Expressway is a key artery, so be aware of potential traffic patterns as you approach Alexandria. This straightforward drive offers ample room for spontaneous detours if time permits.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.7 miles from Franklin, LA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.3 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 30 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.7 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 8m

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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, LA

This is one driving day of about 135.4 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Franklin, 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 76.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lafayette, LA

68 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Opelousas, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.7 miles from Franklin, 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 76.3 miles.

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

Annie Mae's Soul Food Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Franklin, Louisiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13374717016

Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lafayette, Louisiana

1.4 mi

Vestal Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lafayette, Louisiana

1.2 mi

Annie Mae's Soul Food Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Franklin, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13374717016

Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13375340585

Visit website

Vestal Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $100 or ab

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 4–9 pm

+13375340682

Visit website

Vermilionville Historic Village

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13372334077

Visit website

Bon Temps Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13377068850

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

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

T-Coon's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13372330422

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

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Opelousas, Louisiana

+33172676914

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Opelousas, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Opelousas, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

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

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13374826858

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0 mi from route

Opelousas, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

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

Children's Museum of Acadiana

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13372328500

Visit website

Lafayette Science Museum

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13372915544

Visit website

The Lafayette Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13372342208

Visit website

Acadiana Park Nature Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13372918448

Girard Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

Visit website

Moncus Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Lafayette, Louisiana

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+13375001177

Visit website

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 1.3 and 134.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
1.3 mi into trip | ~3m in | Chatsworth Road

At end of road, turn right onto Chatsworth Road

Navigation decision point

4
34.7 mi into trip | ~40m in | US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
35.9 mi into trip | ~42m 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

5
41 mi into trip | ~52m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
134.5 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Take the exit toward M L King Drive, Downtown Alexandria

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward M L King Drive, Downtown Alexandria

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.45 one way

$40.90 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $22.45 $44.90
premium $4.56 $24.30 $48.61
diesel $5.61 $29.89 $59.79

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

$20

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.6 0 $14.22 $6.50
Efficient EV 33.9 0 $11.85 $5.42
EV Truck/SUV 54.2 0 $18.96 $8.67

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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

Franklin, LA

Late night in Franklin on Tuesday

Local time

3:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, LA

Late night in Alexandria on Tuesday

Local time

3:10 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

6 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

2h 35m 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?

Expect a mixed drive on this 135.4-mile route, with a significant portion, 32%, featuring highway travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 76.3 miles along Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway. This means you'll likely experience periods of faster driving interspersed with more localized road conditions. As you progress from Franklin to Alexandria, the character of the road may shift, offering a dynamic driving experience rather than a monotonous one.

32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.3 mi on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near Chatsworth Road.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 135.4 miles you will encounter 17 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 1.3 miles (Chatsworth Road): Navigation decision point; at 34.7 miles (US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 35.9 miles (US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Starting in Franklin, LA

Full guide →

Franklin is a town in Coastal Acadiana that is named after Benjamin Franklin. It was actually settled by a preponderance of British immigrants, who established themselves with elaborate plantations along the Bayou Teche as a new sort of aristocratic society, up until the antebellum era ended, anyway. You can visit some of these restored places for a taste of that lifestyle today.

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 2h 35m. Total distance: 135.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (32%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 76.3 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.

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 Alexandria, 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 1.3 miles (Chatsworth Road): Navigation decision point; at 34.7 miles (US 90 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 35.9 miles (US 90; LA 92-1 / Veterans Memorial Expressway): 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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