New Iberia to Ouachita Parish is 204.6 miles and takes about 4 hours via Monroe Highway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Louisiana, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a route with frequent turns and a focus on local roads, rather than long stretches of interstate. It's a manageable distance for a single day's travel, allowing for a relaxed pace. Consider this trip if you prefer a more varied driving experience over a straightforward highway journey.
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
102.3 miles from New Iberia, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Monroe Highway
82.5 mi
1h 36m
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
76.1 mi
1h 17m
Veterans Memorial Expressway
8.8 mi
9m
US 165 Business
6.1 mi
9m
Southeast Evangeline Thruway
6 mi
9m
Old Spanish Trail Highway South
4.9 mi
7m
US 167
4.8 mi
7m
Old Spanish Trail
4.1 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Monroe Highway
— 82.5 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Iberia, LA and Ouachita Parish, LA.
1
Start on Julia Street
0.1 mi·37 sec·Julia Street
2
Turn left onto LA 86; LA 182
1.6 mi·2 min·East Main Street
3
Continue on LA 182
4.1 mi·6 min·Old Spanish Trail
4
Turn straight onto LA 182
4.9 mi·7 min·Old Spanish Trail Highway South
5
Continue on LA 182
0.9 mi·1 min·East Main Street
6
Continue on LA 182
0.5 mi·40 sec·Southwest Frontage Road
7
Take the ramp onto LA 182
1.3 mi·1 min·LA 182
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90; LA 182
2.5 mi·2 min·Southwest Evangeline Thruway
9
Continue on US 90; LA 182
6.0 mi·9 min·Southeast Evangeline Thruway
10
Continue on I 49; LA 182
8.8 mi·9 min·Veterans Memorial Expressway
11
Continue on I 49; US 167
76 mi·1 hr 17 min·Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
12
Take the exit onto US 167
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 167
Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pineville Expressway, Casson Street
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 167
4.6 mi·6 min·US 167
Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward US 165: Alexandria, MonroeUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
337 ft·8 sec
Toward US 165 North: Monroe
16
Merge onto US 165
83 mi·1 hr 36 min·Monroe Highway
17
Turn straight onto US 165 Business
6.1 mi·9 min·US 165 Business
18
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
19
Merge onto I 20
1.0 mi·1 min·I 20
20
Take the exit
373 ft·9 sec
Toward LA 34
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward LA 34 South
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward LA 34 South
23
Turn straight onto LA 34
0.4 mi·36 sec·Stella Street
24
Continue on LA 34
1.1 mi·1 min·Jonesboro Road
25
Continue on LA 34
0.6 mi·56 sec·Jonesboro Road
26
Arrive at destination
LA 34
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour estimated duration and 204.6-mile length, a single-day trip is entirely feasible, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the drive and handle the frequent turns comfortably. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $31, you can plan your stops strategically, perhaps for a quick meal or to stretch your legs. Pay attention to road signs, especially as you transition onto local roads, to ensure you stay on track through the more turn-heavy segments. A good tip is to familiarize yourself with the route's turning patterns before you depart to minimize any surprises.
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 102.3 miles from New Iberia, LA, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.5 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 45 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.3 miles or 1h 55m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ouachita Parish, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Iberia, 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 New Iberia, LA
This is one driving day of about 204.6 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from New Iberia, 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 82.5 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 107.1 and 202.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
107.1 mi into trip|~2h in|US 167
Keep slight left at fork onto US 167 toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expr...
7
111.7 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward US 165: Alexandria, Monroe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 165: Alexandria, Monroe
6
111.9 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 165 North: Monroe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 165 North: Monroe
6
202 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward LA 34 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward LA 34 South
6
202.3 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Keep slight right at fork toward LA 34 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward LA 34 South
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.40 one way
$56.80 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$31.78
$63.55
premium
$4.29
$34.55
$69.10
diesel
$4.80
$38.63
$77.26
Estimated Tolls: $0.60
Southeast Evangeline Thruway
(6 mi)$0.42
Southwest Evangeline Thruway
(2.5 mi)$0.18
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
$28
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.4
0
$21.48
$9.82
Efficient EV
51.2
0
$17.90
$8.18
EV Truck/SUV
81.8
1
$28.64
$13.09
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
New Iberia, LA
Morning
in New Iberia on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:15PM CDT until July 19 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 10:12AM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Ouachita Parish, LA
Morning
in Ouachita Parish on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Clear
SW 0 to 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:15PM CDT until July 19 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 10:12AM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
95°F
Alexandria, LA
102 mi in
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
1 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
4h 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll encounter a good number of directional changes. With only an 11% highway share, most of your journey will be on local roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 82.5 miles on Monroe Highway, providing a period of more consistent travel before the turns pick up again. The Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway and Veterans Memorial Expressway also feature in this drive. You'll likely experience a dynamic road personality, shifting between quicker sections and more intricate local navigation.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.5 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 107.1 miles in near US 167.
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 11 significant decision points across 204.6 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 107.1 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
194 ft16 ft
Total Climb
273 ft
Total Descent
211 ft
Highest Point
194 ft
~116.9 mi in
Elevation Range
178 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 New Iberia, LA to Ouachita Parish, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Monroe along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h. Total distance: 204.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.5 miles on Monroe Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.60 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.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Ouachita Parish, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 107.1 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Ouachita Parish, LA, but most travelers stay overnight.
