Minden, LA to Terrytown, LA is 336.7 miles and takes about 6h 34m via I 49 and I 10, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Louisiana for its entirety. It's a straightforward highway-focused trip, making it a solid option for a single-day journey. If you're looking for a direct path between these two points with minimal fuss, this route will get you there efficiently.
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
168.3 miles from Minden, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 49
142.5 mi
2h 23m
I 10
78.6 mi
1h 29m
US 190
49.5 mi
1h 3m
US 371
41.4 mi
59m
US 84
6.6 mi
9m
Pontchartrain Expressway
5.9 mi
6m
LA 415 Spur
3.6 mi
5m
Sibley Road
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 49
— 142.5 mi, about 2h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minden, LA and Terrytown, LA.
1
Start on US 79; US 80; LA 159
0.3 mi·50 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto LA 159
1.9 mi·2 min·Sibley Road
3
Continue on US 371
39 mi·55 min·US 371
4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 371
0.2 mi·21 sec·HWY 371
5
Turn straight onto US 71; US 371
1.4 mi·2 min·Ringgold Avenue
6
Turn right
131 ft·2 sec
7
Continue on US 371
0.8 mi·1 min·US 371
8
Turn right onto US 84; US 371
0.2 mi·16 sec·HWY 84 EAST
9
Continue on US 84; US 371
6.6 mi·9 min·US 84; US 371
10
Continue on US 371; LA 177
2.0 mi·3 min·US 371; LA 177
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
12
Merge onto I 49
143 mi·2 hr 23 min·I 49
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 190: Baton Rouge, Opelousas
14
Keep slight left at fork
362 ft·9 sec
Toward US 190 East: Baton Rouge
15
Merge onto US 190
49 mi·1 hr 3 min·US 190
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto LA 415 Spur
3.6 mi·5 min·LA 415 Spur
17
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 10 East: Baton Rouge
18
Merge onto I 10
79 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
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.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto US 90 BUS
2.4 mi·2 min·Pontchartrain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on US 90 BUS
0.7 mi·1 min·Crescent City Connection
22
Continue on US 90 BUS
0.9 mi·1 min·Westbank Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 9AToward Terry Parkway, Frontage RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward Terry ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on Terry Parkway
0.2 mi·27 sec·Terry Parkway
26
Keep slight right at fork onto Terry Parkway
0.6 mi·1 min·Terry Parkway
27
Turn right onto Heritage Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·Heritage Avenue
28
Turn left onto Cedarwood Avenue
418 ft·14 sec·Cedarwood Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
Cedarwood Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 34m estimated drive time, starting early from Minden is advisable to make the most of daylight. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you transition onto I 10. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before the 142.5-mile segment on I 49, as services can be spaced out on interstates. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you have flexibility to adjust your pace as needed.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.3 miles from Minden, LA, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.5 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 74 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.3 miles or 3h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Terrytown, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Minden, 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 Minden, LA
This is one driving day of about 336.7 miles and 6h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Minden, 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 49 for about 142.5 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 195.3 and 335 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
195.3 mi into trip|~3h 41m in|US 190
Merge onto US 190
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
327.3 mi into trip|~6h 20m 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
330.9 mi into trip|~6h 24m 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.
8
334.8 mi into trip|~6h 29m in
Take the exit toward Terry Parkway, Frontage Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9A
Toward Terry Parkway, Frontage Road
7
335 mi into trip|~6h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Terry Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Terry Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.75 one way
$103.50 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$57.24
$114.48
premium
$4.65
$61.60
$123.20
diesel
$5.35
$70.92
$141.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101
1
$35.35
$16.16
Efficient EV
84.2
0
$29.46
$13.47
EV Truck/SUV
134.7
1
$47.14
$21.55
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Minden, LA
Afternoon
in Minden on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:42PM CDT until June 3 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Destination
Terrytown, LA
Afternoon
in Terrytown on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:42PM CDT until June 3 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 34m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 337.3
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells the...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 81.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway drive, with 98% of the journey utilizing major interstates. You'll spend most of your time on I 49 and I 10, experiencing a consistent, high-speed travel environment. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 142.5 miles on I 49, so be prepared for extended periods of highway cruising. Expect a focused, functional drive rather than a winding, scenic tour.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.5 mi on I 49.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 49 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 195.3 miles in near US 190.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 336.7 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 195.3 miles (US 190): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 327.3 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 330.9 miles (US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
258 ft-5 ft
Total Climb
72 ft
Total Descent
333 ft
Highest Point
258 ft
~24 mi in
Elevation Range
263 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Minden, LA to Terrytown, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Opelousas along the way.
Minden, the parish seat of Webster Parish and the fifth-largest city in Northern Louisiana, has a healthy dose of both city and country attributes. Driving through the downtown strip on old brick-paved roads and surrounded by the same buildings and structures that existed over 100 years ago, it is easy to get the feeling that you have taken a trip back in time. Only a mile or so away, name-brand food and motel chains can easily bring you back to the present. In addition to history of the days gone by, the town also has access to outdoor recreation at the nearby Kisatchie National Forest.
Top landmarks
•Fuller House — historic house in Louisiana, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 34m. Total distance: 336.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.5 miles on I 49. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Terrytown, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 195.3 miles (US 190): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 327.3 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 330.9 miles (US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Cane River Creole National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Terrytown, LA before the return drive.
