Origin
Swartz, LA
Late night in Swartz on Tuesday
Local time
4:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Swartz, LA to Baton Rouge, LA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 41m
Distance
184.3 mi
297 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 29m
★
6 AM
3h 41m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 50m
12 PM
3h 48m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 5m
8 PM
3h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Swartz, LA
SHOX ART
Trip Overview
Embarking on this 184.3-mile journey from Swartz to Baton Rouge will take you approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes of driving time. This route, primarily traversing roads within the Southeast region of Louisiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it's an economical option for a road trip. The drive offers a mixed profile, suggesting you'll experience a variety of road types along the way. You can expect one planned stop along the 184.3 miles.
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
92.2 miles from Swartz, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Seargent Prentiss Drive | 79.3 mi | 1h 34m |
| US 425 | 76.2 mi | 1h 28m |
| I 20 | 13.2 mi | 14m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| Highway 594 | 5.2 mi | 9m |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Freeway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Russell Sage Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Government Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Seargent Prentiss Drive
— 79.3 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Swartz, LA and Baton Rouge, LA.
1
Start on Swartz School Road
74 ft
·
9 sec
·
Swartz School Road
2
Turn left onto LA 594
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 594
3
Enter roundabout onto LA 594
114 ft
·
2 sec
·
Highway 594
4
Continue on LA 594
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 594
5
Continue on Russell Sage Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Russell Sage Road
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
7
Merge onto I 20
13 mi
·
14 min
·
I 20
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward US 425: Rayville, Archibald
9
Turn right onto US 425
76 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
US 425
10
Keep slight right at fork
526 ft
·
14 sec
11
Merge onto US 61
79 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
Seargent Prentiss Drive
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 110 South: Baton Rouge
13
Continue on I 110
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 110
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 1A
Toward LA 73: Government Street, River Center, Downtown
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Turn right onto LA 73
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Government Street
17
Arrive at destination
Government Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 41-minute drive, leaving in the morning is a good bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic buildup in Baton Rouge. The route has one recommended stop, but with a total distance of 184.3 miles, you have flexibility to add more short breaks as needed. Pay attention to your fuel gauge, especially before the longest stretch of 79.3 miles on Seargent Prentiss Drive, as services might be more spread out. The estimated fuel cost is around $28, so factor that into your budget.
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 92.2 miles from Swartz, LA, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.3 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 41 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 92.2 miles or 1h 50m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Baton Rouge, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Swartz, 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 Swartz, LA
This is one driving day of about 184.3 miles and 3h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Swartz, 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 Seargent Prentiss Drive for about 79.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 92.2 miles from Swartz, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Seargent Prentiss Drive if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.3 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 183.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
LA 594 / Highway 594
Turn left onto LA 594 / Highway 594
Navigation decision point
4
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
LA 594 / Highway 594
Enter roundabout onto LA 594 / Highway 594
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
4
5.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
5
19.3 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward US 425: Rayville, Archibald
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 425: Rayville, Archibald
8
183.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward LA 73: Government Street, River Center, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 1A
Toward LA 73: Government Street, River Center,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.83 one way
$55.67 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
65 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $30.55 | $61.11 |
| premium | $4.56 | $33.08 | $66.16 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.69 | $81.38 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.3 | 0 | $19.35 | $8.85 |
| Efficient EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.13 | $7.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.7 | 0 | $25.80 | $11.80 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Baton Rouge, LA
Late night in Baton Rouge on Tuesday
Local time
4:15 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
3h 41m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Poverty Point National Monument
National Monument
Now a nearly forgotten culture, Poverty Point at its peak 3,000 years ago was part of an enormous trading network that stretched for hundreds of miles across the continent. It was - and is - also an e...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 19.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive presents a mixed profile, meaning you won't be stuck on one type of road for the entire 184.3 miles. With 56% of the journey on highways, expect some stretches of faster travel. However, the route also includes significant portions on other road types, likely offering a more varied driving experience. Keep in mind the longest uninterrupted stretch is 79.3 miles on Seargent Prentiss Drive, which might be a good point to plan a brief break if needed. The overall feel is a blend of efficient highway travel and more local road navigation.
56% 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: 79.3 mi on Seargent Prentiss Drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near LA 594 / Highway 594.
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 184.3 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (LA 594 / Highway 594): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (LA 594 / Highway 594): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 5.8 miles: Navigation decision point.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Swartz, LA to Baton Rouge, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Archibald along the way.
Archibald
19.3 mi in
|
~25m
About the Cities
Arriving in Baton Rouge, LA
Full guide →Founded 1719
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, USA. Located on the east bank of the mighty Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is Louisiana's second largest city, home of Louisiana State University, major port facilities, and a variety of attractions.
Top landmarks
- • Louisiana State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Louisiana
- • USS Kidd — 1943 Fletcher-class destroyer
- • Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center — hotel in Baton Rouge, United States
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 41m. Total distance: 184.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.3 miles on Seargent Prentiss Drive. 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 Baton Rouge, 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: near the start (LA 594 / Highway 594): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (LA 594 / Highway 594): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 5.8 miles: Navigation decision point.
Yes — Poverty Point National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Baton Rouge, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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