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Trip from Leesville, LA to Monroe, 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 55m

Distance

147.1 mi

237 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 44m ★
6 AM
2h 55m
8 AM
3h 18m
10 AM
3h 3m
12 PM
3h 1m
3 PM
3h 4m
5 PM
3h 17m
8 PM
2h 49m

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 Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States

Leesville, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Monroe, LA, LA

Monroe, LA

Perry Z

Trip Overview

Embark on a 147.4-mile journey from Leesville, LA, to Monroe, LA, a drive that will take approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes. This route, primarily utilizing North 5th Street and Alexandria Highway, is well-suited for a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this drive offers an economical way to travel between these two communities in the Southeast region. Expect a turn-heavy local drive experience that makes the most of your time on the road, keeping you engaged throughout the trip.

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

73.6 miles from Leesville, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Monroe Highway 62.5 mi 1h 13m
Alexandria Highway 48 mi 55m
US 165 29.2 mi 33m
Macarthur Drive 2.4 mi 3m
I 20 1 mi 1m
North 5th Street 0.8 mi 1m
Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge 0.6 mi <1m
Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Monroe Highway — 62.5 mi, about 1h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Leesville, LA and Monroe, LA.

1

Start on East Texas Street

0.2 mi · 42 sec · East Texas Street
2

Turn right onto US 171; LA 8

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 5th Street
3

Turn right onto LA 1213

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Kurthwood Road
4

Merge onto LA 8; LA 28

48 mi · 55 min · Alexandria Highway
5

Keep slight left at fork onto LA 28

0.1 mi · 17 sec · LA 28
6

Merge onto US 71; US 165; LA 28

2.4 mi · 3 min · Macarthur Drive
7

Continue on US 71; US 165

0.6 mi · 43 sec · Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge
8

Continue on US 71; US 165

62 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Monroe Highway
9

Continue on US 165; LA 4

23 mi · 26 min · US 165; LA 4
10

Turn straight onto US 165

6.1 mi · 7 min · US 165
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
13

Merge onto I 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 20
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward US 165 BUS, LA 15: Civic Center
15

Keep slight right at fork

303 ft · 7 sec
16

Turn straight onto US 165 Business; LA 15

0.5 mi · 45 sec · Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
17

Continue on US 165 Business; LA 15

0.3 mi · 35 sec · North 6th Street
18

Turn left onto US 80; US 165 Business; LA 15

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Louisville Avenue
19

Turn left

45 ft · 5 sec
20

Turn right

38 ft · 2 sec
21

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 147.4-mile trip, consider an early morning departure from Leesville to maximize your daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. Since the drive is only 2 hours and 29 minutes, you have the flexibility to make spontaneous stops if something catches your eye, though no specific stops are indicated. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as this route is estimated to cost $23 in fuel. A practical tip for this turn-heavy drive is to familiarize yourself with the sequence of main roads, particularly Kurthwood Road and Alexandria Highway, before you set out to ensure a smooth navigation experience.

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 73.6 miles from Leesville, LA, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.5 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 32 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.6 miles or 1h 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 2h 23m

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 Leesville, 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 Leesville, LA

This is one driving day of about 147.1 miles and 2h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Leesville, 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 Monroe Highway for about 62.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

suburb town of Alexandria, located in Rapides Parish just north of Pineville, Louisiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ball, LA

74 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

Alexandria, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ball, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.6 miles from Leesville, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Monroe Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.5 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 · home stretch

Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Monroe, Louisiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13183221340

Visit website

Restaurant Cotton

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Monroe, Louisiana

0.6 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

West Monroe, Louisiana

2.5 mi

Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13183221340

Visit website

Restaurant Cotton

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13183250818

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

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

West Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13183255505

Visit website

The Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13184484220

Visit website

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.1 mi from route

Pineville, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

West Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

West Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Pineville, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Alexandria Museum of Art

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13184433458

Visit website

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13183292400

Visit website

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 0.2 and 146.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 171; LA 8 / North 5th Street

Turn right onto US 171; LA 8 / North 5th Street

Navigation decision point

4
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road

Turn right onto LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road

Navigation decision point

4
1.4 mi into trip | ~2m in | LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway

Merge onto LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining

5
146 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in

Take the exit toward US 165 BUS, LA 15: Civic Center

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

Toward US 165 BUS, LA 15: Civic Center
5
146.1 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.22 one way

$44.43 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $24.39 $48.77
premium $4.56 $26.40 $52.81
diesel $5.61 $32.48 $64.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.1 0 $15.45 $7.06
Efficient EV 36.8 0 $12.87 $5.88
EV Truck/SUV 58.8 0 $20.59 $9.41

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (67% 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

Leesville, LA

Late night in Leesville on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Monroe, LA

Late night in Monroe on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 55m 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 is a turn-heavy local drive, with a 0% highway share, meaning you won't encounter any interstate cruising. The route will keep you actively navigating through local roads like North 5th Street and Alexandria Highway. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the nature of a local drive suggests frequent intersections and changes in speed. You'll likely experience a more intimate connection with the landscape as you pass through towns and smaller communities, rather than a monotonous highway grind.

Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.5 mi on Monroe Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 0.2 miles in near US 171; LA 8 / North 5th Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 147.1 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 0.2 miles (US 171; LA 8 / North 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.

About the Cities

Starting in Leesville, LA

Full guide →

Central is a region in Louisiana. This area is also known as Cenla or the Crossroads.

Arriving in Monroe, LA

Full guide →

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.

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 55m. Total distance: 147.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62.5 miles on Monroe Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 171; LA 8 / North 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (LA 1213 / Kurthwood Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (LA 8; LA 28 / Alexandria Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Monroe, 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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