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Trip from Sulphur, LA to Terrytown, 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

4h 11m

Distance

218.9 mi

352 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 59m ★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 18m
3 PM
4h 22m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

suburb city of Lake Charles, located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, United States

Sulphur, LA

Wikimedia Commons

suburban community and census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States

Terrytown, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 218.9-mile drive from Sulphur, LA, to Terrytown, LA, is a manageable 4-hour and 11-minute journey, making it an ideal day trip. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with a projected fuel cost of around $33. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a straightforward travel experience. It's designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. This highway-focused trip is perfect for those who want to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.

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

109.5 miles from Sulphur, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 10 185 mi 3h 27m
US 90 18.6 mi 21m
East Napoleon Street 6 mi 9m
Pontchartrain Expressway 5.9 mi 6m
Westbank Expressway 0.9 mi 1m
Terry Parkway 0.7 mi 1m
Crescent City Connection 0.7 mi 1m
Heritage Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 10 — 185 mi, about 3h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sulphur, LA and Terrytown, LA.

1

Start on US 90

6.0 mi · 9 min · East Napoleon Street
Use the straight lane.
2

Take the ramp onto US 90

19 mi · 21 min · US 90
3

Continue on I 10

185 mi · 3 hr 27 min · I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · Pontchartrain Expressway
Toward New Orleans, Business District Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto US 90 BUS

2.4 mi · 2 min · Pontchartrain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on US 90 BUS

0.7 mi · 1 min · Crescent City Connection
7

Continue on US 90 BUS

0.9 mi · 1 min · Westbank Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 9A Toward Terry Parkway, Frontage Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward Terry Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on Terry Parkway

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Terry Parkway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto Terry Parkway

0.6 mi · 1 min · Terry Parkway
12

Turn right onto Heritage Avenue

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Heritage Avenue
13

Turn left onto Cedarwood Avenue

418 ft · 14 sec · Cedarwood Avenue
14

Arrive at destination

Cedarwood Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, departing Sulphur in the morning allows ample time to reach Terrytown without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in how you pace your journey. The longest stretch on I 10 means you can cover significant ground efficiently. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the extended highway portions, and plan your refueling before embarking on the 185-mile segment to ensure a smooth trip. This route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so you can adjust your departure time as needed.

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 109.5 miles from Sulphur, LA, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185 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 48 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 109.5 miles or 2h 5m 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 24m

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 Sulphur, 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 Sulphur, LA

This is one driving day of about 218.9 miles and 4h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Sulphur, 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 10 for about 185 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lafayette, LA

109 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

Crowley, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lafayette, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.5 miles from Sulphur, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 185 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 209.6 and 218.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
209.6 mi into trip | ~3h 58m 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
213.1 mi into trip | ~4h 2m 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
217.1 mi into trip | ~4h 7m 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
217.3 mi into trip | ~4h 7m 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
5
218.9 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in | Cedarwood Avenue

Turn left onto Cedarwood Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.06 one way

$66.12 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 77 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $36.29 $72.58
premium $4.56 $39.29 $78.58
diesel $5.61 $48.33 $96.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 76.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.7 0 $22.98 $10.51
Efficient EV 54.7 0 $19.15 $8.76
EV Truck/SUV 87.6 1 $30.65 $14.01

Gas CO2

77 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 13, 2026

Origin

Sulphur, LA

Morning in Sulphur on Tuesday

Local time

8:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

83°F

Mostly Sunny

S 10 to 15 mph 5% chance Live forecast

Destination

Terrytown, LA

Morning in Terrytown on Tuesday

Local time

8:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

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 11m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 211.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 185 miles primarily on I 10. While largely an interstate experience, the route incorporates US 90 and East Napoleon Street, offering slight variations as you get closer to your destination. This profile suggests a consistent pace for the majority of your travel, punctuated by transitions onto different road types near the end.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 185 mi on I 10.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and US 90. You will hit about 7 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 209.6 miles in near I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway.

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 218.9 miles you will encounter 7 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 209.6 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 213.1 miles (US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

38 ft -5 ft

Total Climb

47 ft

Total Descent

67 ft

Highest Point

38 ft

~78.2 mi in

Elevation Range

43 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Sulphur, LA

Full guide →

Sulphur is in Southwest 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 4h 11m. Total distance: 218.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 185 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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

The main spots that need attention: at 209.6 miles (I 10 / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 213.1 miles (US 90 BUS / Pontchartrain Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Terrytown, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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