Trip from Vinton, LA to Alexandria, LA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 28m

Distance

119.1 mi

192 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

2h 19m ★

6 AM

2h 29m

8 AM

2h 49m

10 AM

2h 36m

12 PM

2h 34m

3 PM

2h 37m

5 PM

2h 48m

8 PM

2h 23m

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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town in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, United States

Vinton, LA

Wikimedia Commons

largest city and parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States

Alexandria, LA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 121.1-mile drive from Vinton, LA to Alexandria, LA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. You'll be navigating a route that relies on local roads like Center Street and Gum Cove Road, with a brief stint on State Route 108, and no highway driving involved. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $19, making it an economical option for exploring the Southeast region of Louisiana. Given its relatively short duration and turn-heavy nature, this drive offers a more intimate look at the local landscape rather than a high-speed transit, perfect for a relaxed day trip.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

59.6 miles from Vinton, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 165	78.3 mi	1h 36m
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road	35 mi	39m
Masonic Drive	1.8 mi	3m
Casson Street	0.7 mi	1m
Overton Street	0.7 mi	1m
Center Street	0.6 mi	1m
Gum Cove Road	0.4 mi	<1m
2nd Street	0.4 mi	1m

Longest stretch: US 165 — 78.3 mi, about 1h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Vinton, LA and Alexandria, LA.

Start on Horridge Street

40 ft · 3 sec · Horridge Street

Turn right onto Center Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Center Street

Continue on Gum Cove Road

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Gum Cove Road

Continue on LA 108

0.3 mi · 26 sec · State Route 108

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Merge onto I 10

35 mi · 39 min · Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Toward US 165: Kinder, Alexandria

Keep slight left at fork

444 ft · 11 sec

Continue on US 165

78 mi · 1 hr 36 min · US 165

Enter roundabout onto LA 1208-5

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Masonic Drive

Continue on LA 1208-5

1.4 mi · 3 min · Masonic Drive

Continue on Fenner Street

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Fenner Street

Turn left onto US 167 Bus

0.7 mi · 1 min · Overton Street

Continue on US 167 Bus; LA 1; LA 28 Bus

0.7 mi · 1 min · Casson Street

At end of road, turn left onto LA 1

0.4 mi · 1 min · 2nd Street

Turn left onto Murray Street

366 ft · 15 sec · Murray Street

Arrive at destination

Murray Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over 2 hours, this 121.1-mile trip from Vinton to Alexandria is best tackled in one go, offering flexibility in your departure time. Since there are no designated stops in the data and the drive is primarily on local roads, plan for fuel stops before you leave Vinton or in Alexandria, as you'll be spending your estimated $19 on gas. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means you'll want to stay alert and possibly pre-program your GPS to manage the frequent changes in direction. Enjoy the direct connection to the local scenery this route provides.

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.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 59.6 miles from Vinton, LA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.3 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 26 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.6 miles or 1h 11m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alexandria, LA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Vinton, 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 Vinton, LA

This is one driving day of about 119.1 miles and 2h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Vinton, LA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on US 165 for about 78.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kinder, LA

60 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

Lake Charles, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kinder, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 59.6 miles from Vinton, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 165 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.3 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Pujo St Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 25.5

Hours: 7 am–9:30 pm

+13374392054

Visit website

The Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alexandria, Louisiana

2.8 mi

Pujo St Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 25.5

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–9:30 pm

+13374392054

Visit website

The Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.1

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13184484220

Visit website

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.1

Alexandria, Louisiana

Hours: 6–9:30 am

+13184437520

Visit website

The Creek Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102.1

Woodworth, Louisiana

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13184490674

Southern Spice Restaurant & Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Inexpensiv mile 25.5

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+13374746065

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 25.5

Lake Charles, Louisiana

+18006360986

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 17

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 59.6

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 8.5

Sulphur, Louisiana

+13375272505

Visit website

Sulphur Parks & Recreation

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 8.5

Sulphur, Louisiana

+13375272520

Visit website

Frasch Park - Sulphur Parks & Recreation

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 8.5

Sulphur, Louisiana

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13375272500

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 115.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Center Street

Turn right onto Center Street

Navigation decision point

1.3 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

36.6 mi into trip | ~42m in

Take the exit toward US 165: Kinder, Alexandria

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

Toward US 165: Kinder, Alexandria

37 mi into trip | ~43m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

115.4 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in | LA 1208-5 / Masonic Drive

Enter roundabout onto LA 1208-5 / Masonic Drive

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.99 one way

$35.97 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$19.75	$39.49
premium	$4.56	$21.38	$42.75
diesel	$5.61	$26.30	$52.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35.7	$12.51	$5.72
Efficient EV	29.8	$10.42	$4.76
EV Truck/SUV	47.6	$16.67	$7.62

Gas CO2

42 kg

EV CO2

14 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 15, 2026

Origin

Vinton, LA

Afternoon in Vinton on Sunday

Local time

2:00 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, LA

Afternoon in Alexandria on Sunday

Local time

2:00 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°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

24 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

2h 28m 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?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 121.1-mile journey, with 0% highway share. This means you'll be constantly engaging with the road, making frequent turns as you transition between Center Street, Gum Cove Road, and State Route 108. There isn't a 'longest stretch' of uninterrupted driving to note, as the route is characterized by its continuous need for navigation and attention to local road conditions. The drive will feel like a continuous exploration of Louisiana's backroads, offering a consistent pace without any long, monotonous stretches.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 78.3 mi on US 165.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 165 and Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Center Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 28m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 36.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Alexandria, LA

Full guide →

Alexandria is a historic city, rich in Louisiana history. Civil War historic sites along with easy access to numerous historic locations and Kisatchie National Forest sites make it a city ideal for history enthusiasts and sportsmen.

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 28m. Total distance: 119.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (66%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 78.3 miles on US 165. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Alexandria, 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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Trip from Vinton, LA to Alexandria, LA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Pujo St Cafe

Pujo St Cafe

The Cottage Restaurant

Brocatos Breakfast & Lunch

The Creek Restaurant

Southern Spice Restaurant & Grill

Tesla Supercharger

EVgo Charging Station

TurnOnGreen Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

ChargeLab Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargeLab Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Lake Charles Visitor Center

Alexandria Museum of Art

Escape Room Louisiana

Millennium Park

Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center

The Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana

SPAR Waterpark - Sulphur Parks and Recreation

Sulphur Parks & Recreation

Frasch Park - Sulphur Parks & Recreation

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Vinton, LA

Alexandria, LA

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 28m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Alexandria, LA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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