The drive from Barataria, LA to Shreveport, LA covers 344.8 miles and takes about 6h 38m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, I 10, State Route 1 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is mixed drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 186.3 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $52.07 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
172.4 miles from Barataria, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 38m. Total distance: 344.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 38m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
The drive from Barataria, LA to Shreveport, LA covers 344.8 miles and takes about 6h 38m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 186.3 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
201 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
266 ft
Total Descent
87 ft
Highest Point
201 ft
~320.1 mi in
Elevation Range
203 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near LA 45 / Jean Lafitte Boulevard.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 344.8 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 1 miles (LA 45 / Jean Lafitte Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 98.2 miles (I 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1 mi into trip|~3m in|LA 45 / Jean Lafitte Boulevard
At end of road, turn left onto LA 45 / Jean Lafitte Boulevard
Navigation decision point
6
98.2 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|I 10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
102.1 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward LA 415: Lobdell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 151
Toward LA 415: Lobdell
7
102.5 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward LA 415: Lobdell
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward LA 415: Lobdell
6
341.8 mi into trip|~6h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
186.3 mi
3h 10m
I 10
74.7 mi
1h 24m
State Route 1
49 mi
1h 2m
Leo Kerner/Lafitte Parkway
7.7 mi
11m
Westbank Expressway
4.2 mi
5m
LA 3152
3.8 mi
7m
North Lobdell Highway
3.6 mi
4m
Jean Lafitte Boulevard
3.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
— 186.3 mi, about 3h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Barataria, LA and Shreveport, LA.
1
Start on Autin Street
175 ft·8 sec·Autin Street
2
Turn right onto LA 3257
0.7 mi·2 min·Privateer Boulevard
3
Turn right onto LA 302
0.3 mi·55 sec·Fisherman Boulevard
4
At end of road, turn left onto LA 45
3.6 mi·6 min·Jean Lafitte Boulevard
5
Turn right onto LA 3134
7.7 mi·11 min·Leo Kerner/Lafitte Parkway
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn right onto LA 45
2.9 mi·5 min·Barataria Boulevard
7
Turn left onto Westbank Expressway
185 ft·5 sec·Westbank Expressway
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 90 Business West
9
Merge onto US 90 BUS
4.2 mi·5 min·Westbank Expressway
10
Turn right onto Nine Mile Point Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Nine Mile Point Road
11
Continue on West Nine Mile Point Road
0.2 mi·26 sec·West Nine Mile Point Road
12
Turn right onto US 90; LA 18
2.6 mi·3 min·US 90; LA 18
13
Continue on LA 3152
3.8 mi·7 min·LA 3152
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 10 West: Baton Rouge
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
16
Merge onto I 10
71 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
3.9 mi·4 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 151Toward LA 415: LobdellUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
317 ft·7 sec
Toward LA 415: LobdellUse the right lane.
20
Merge onto LA 415
3.6 mi·4 min·North Lobdell Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Merge onto US 190; LA 1
49 mi·1 hr 2 min·State Route 1
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 49 North, US 167 North: Alexandria
23
Merge onto I 49; US 167
186 mi·3 hr 10 min·Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward Pete Harris Drive, Murphy Street
25
Continue on Pete Harris Drive
0.8 mi·1 min·Pete Harris Drive
26
Turn right onto LA 173
0.9 mi·2 min·Caddo Street
27
At end of road, turn left onto Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
0.5 mi·56 sec·Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway
28
Turn slight right onto River Parkway
68 ft·1 sec·River Parkway
29
Arrive at destination
River Parkway
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.4 miles from Barataria, LA, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.3 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 76 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.4 miles or 3h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Shreveport, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Barataria, 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 Barataria, LA
This is one driving day of about 344.8 miles and 6h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Barataria, 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 Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway for about 186.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 172.4 mi from Barataria, LA
· 3h 38m into the drive
The midpoint is around 172.4 miles from Barataria, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 186.3 miles.
Arriving in Shreveport, LA
The final approach into Shreveport, LA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Shreveport, LA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells the...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 261.6
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 23.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.07 one way
$104.15 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$57.16
$114.33
premium
$4.56
$61.89
$123.78
diesel
$5.61
$76.13
$152.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.4
1
$36.20
$16.55
Efficient EV
86.2
0
$30.17
$13.79
EV Truck/SUV
137.9
1
$48.27
$22.07
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Barataria, LA
Afternoon
in Barataria on Friday
Local time
3:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Shreveport, LA
Afternoon
in Shreveport on Friday
Local time
3:19 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 mph2% chanceLive 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
4 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
6h 38m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Barataria, LA to Shreveport, LA covers 344.8 miles and takes about 6h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, I 10, State Route 1. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 172.4 miles from Barataria, LA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.07 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 344.8 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (LA 45 / Jean Lafitte Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 98.2 miles (I 10): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Barataria, LA to Shreveport, LA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from -2 ft to 201 ft elevation with about 266 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Cane River Creole National Historical Park and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
