The Drive from Alexandria to Lake Charles: The Best and Worst Routes

If you're planning a road trip from Alexandria to Lake Charles, congratulations! You're in for a treat. Louisiana's countryside is filled with stunning views and charming towns. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to know the best and worst routes, how long it takes, and how traffic can affect your trip.

The Fastest Route: I-49 S and I-10 W

The fastest route from Alexandria to Lake Charles is via I-49 S and I-10 W. It is a 116-mile journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, barring any traffic delays. It's a straightforward and scenic drive that takes you through small towns, bayous, and forests.

If you're in a hurry and need to reach Lake Charles as soon as possible, we suggest taking this route. Just make sure to avoid rush hour, which can add significant delays to your trip. During peak traffic, the drive can take up to two and a half hours.

The Scenic Route: LA-1 S and US-171 S

If you have extra time to spare and want to explore Louisiana's countryside, we recommend taking the scenic route from Alexandria to Lake Charles. This route takes you through small towns, rolling hills, and farmlands, providing you with plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos and capture memories.

The route is via LA-1 S and US-171 S, a 144-mile journey that takes around three hours, barring any traffic delays. During peak traffic times, the drive can take up to four hours.

The Slowest Route: US-165 S and LA-10 W

We don't recommend taking this route unless you enjoy driving on two-lane highways and don't mind repeatedly stopping at small towns. The route is via US-165 S and LA-10 W, covering a distance of 154 miles, taking approximately four hours without any traffic. During peak traffic times, the journey can take up to five hours.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking for the fastest route from Alexandria to Lake Charles, take I-49 S and I-10 W. For a more scenic drive, take the LA-1 S and US-171 S route. However, if you're in no hurry and enjoy driving on two-lane highways, then take US-165 S and LA-10 W. Keep in mind that traffic can add significant delays to any of these routes. Therefore, we recommend checking the traffic conditions before you hit the road.

Happy driving!