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Trip from Hammond, 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

3h 13m

Distance

168.6 mi

271 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 2m ★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 22m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 7m

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 Hammond, LA, LA

Hammond, LA

Wikimedia Commons

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

Alexandria, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 168.6-mile drive from Hammond to Alexandria, Louisiana, is a manageable 3-hour and 13-minute journey, making it an ideal one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, State Route 1, and West Florida Republic Parkway. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, this route offers a straightforward travel experience across the Southeast region. While you'll encounter one recommended stop, the drive is designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. It’s a practical option for a quick transition within the state.

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

84.3 miles from Hammond, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway 64.9 mi 1h 5m
State Route 1 49 mi 1h 2m
West Florida Republic Parkway 40 mi 43m
I 10 7.5 mi 9m
North Lobdell Highway 3.6 mi 4m
US 51 Business 1.3 mi 2m
North Oak Street 0.5 mi <1m
Murray Street 0.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway — 64.9 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Charles Street

94 ft · 8 sec · West Charles Street
2

Turn right onto North Oak Street

0.5 mi · 48 sec · North Oak Street
3

Continue on US 51 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · US 51 Business
4

Turn right

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 12 West: Baton Rouge
5

Merge onto I 12

40 mi · 43 min · West Florida Republic Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 10

3.6 mi · 4 min · I 10
Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10

3.9 mi · 4 min · I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Exit 151 Toward LA 415: Lobdell Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

317 ft · 7 sec
Toward LA 415: Lobdell Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto LA 415

3.6 mi · 4 min · North Lobdell Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 190; LA 1

49 mi · 1 hr 2 min · State Route 1
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 49 North, US 167 North: Alexandria
13

Merge onto I 49; US 167

65 mi · 1 hr 5 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward M L King Drive, Downtown Alexandria
15

Continue on 10th Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · 10th Street
16

Turn right onto Murray Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Murray Street
17

Arrive at destination

Murray Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 13-minute duration, starting your trip in the morning from Hammond allows ample time to reach Alexandria comfortably. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, it’s wise to ensure your vehicle is fueled before departure, as the longest stretch without a break is nearly 65 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway. Plan for your single recommended stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point. This is a short enough drive that you have flexibility, but being mindful of the longer highway segments will help you pace yourself effectively.

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 84.3 miles from Hammond, LA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.9 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 37 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.3 miles or 1h 41m 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 41m

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 Hammond, 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 Hammond, LA

This is one driving day of about 168.6 miles and 3h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Hammond, 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 64.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Addis, LA, LA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Addis, LA

84 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

Addis, LA to Alexandria, LA

127.9 mi · 2h 31m

Pacing Suggestions

Baton Rouge, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Broussard, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.3 miles from Hammond, 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 64.9 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

Tope La Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hammond, Louisiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19855427600

Visit website

Our Mom's Restaurant and Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hammond, Louisiana

0.2 mi

Court Street Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Port Allen, Louisiana

0.9 mi

Tope La Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30

Hammond, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19855427600

Visit website

Our Mom's Restaurant and Bar

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hammond, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19856625038

Visit website

Court Street Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Port Allen, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12253304669

Visit website

Maison Lacour French Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $50 to $10

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 5:30–7 pm

Visit website

Tiger Phở Vietnamese Kitchen

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12259305448

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

The Creek Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Woodworth, Louisiana

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13184490674

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

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

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Hammond, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hammond, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Green Park Park & Charge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

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 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Love's Travel Stop

0 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

I-49 Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Big Boss Travel Plaza

0.3 mi from route

415 South Truck Stop

0.3 mi from route

La1 Truck Stop

1.2 mi from route

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

13th Gate Escape, Louisiana's Ultimate Escape Games

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 9 am–10:15 pm

+12253891313

Visit website

USS KIDD Veterans Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 9:30 am–3:30 pm

+12253421942

Visit website

Riverfront Plaza & City Dock

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

West Baton Rouge Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Port Allen, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+12253362422

Visit website

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12253445272

Visit website

Capitol Park Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12253425428

Visit website

North Boulevard Town Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12253895520

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 50 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.1 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 12 / West Florida Republic Parkway

Merge onto I 12 / West Florida Republic Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
42.1 mi into trip | ~47m in | I 10

Merge onto I 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
6
45.7 mi into trip | ~51m in | I 10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 10

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
49.6 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward LA 415: Lobdell

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 151 Toward LA 415: Lobdell
7
50 mi into trip | ~57m in

Keep slight right at fork toward LA 415: Lobdell

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward LA 415: Lobdell

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.46 one way

$50.93 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $27.95 $55.90
premium $4.56 $30.26 $60.52
diesel $5.61 $37.22 $74.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.6 0 $17.70 $8.09
Efficient EV 42.2 0 $14.75 $6.74
EV Truck/SUV 67.4 0 $23.60 $10.79

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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 18, 2026

Origin

Hammond, LA

Morning in Hammond on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, LA

Morning in Alexandria on Tuesday

Local time

6:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

NW 10 mph 54% chance 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

3 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

3h 13m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a mixed drive experience, with 58% of it being on highways. You'll encounter stretches like the 64.9-mile segment on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, which provides a good amount of uninterrupted driving. The road's personality shifts between faster highway sections and potentially more local road segments as you progress toward Alexandria. Expect a varied pace, moving from quicker travel to more community-focused driving as you get closer to your destination.

58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.9 mi on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 2.1 miles in near I 12 / West Florida Republic Parkway.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 168.6 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 2.1 miles (I 12 / West Florida Republic Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.1 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles (I 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

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 3h 13m. Total distance: 168.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.9 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 11 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 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. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (I 12 / West Florida Republic Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.1 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles (I 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Alexandria, LA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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