Origin
Central, LA
Afternoon in Central on Sunday
Local time
2:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA
Drive Time
3h 26m
Distance
160.7 mi
259 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 14m
★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Central, LA
Jesus Alfonso
DeRidder, LA
Miguel Cuenca
Trip Overview
Traveling from Central to DeRidder covers 160.7 miles across the Southeast region of Louisiana. You should plan for a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. Budget about $22 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because this journey relies on local roads like Plank Road, Airline Highway, and 8th Street rather than major interstates, you will stay within the same regional landscape for the duration. It is a straightforward route that doesn't require an overnight stay, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.
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
80.3 miles from Central, LA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features a 0% highway share, meaning you will navigate surface streets and local corridors for the entire 160.7 miles. There is no long-distance high-speed cruising, as the longest stretch is 0 miles on Plank Road. This profile creates a more technical driving experience where you will constantly transition between various segments of Plank Road, Airline Highway, and 8th Street. Be prepared for a steady, hands-on pace that reflects the character of local Louisiana travel.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Plank Road is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA is easy. At 3h 26m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plank Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Airline Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 8th Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 6th Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 190 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 171 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| East 1st Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Mahlon Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
Plank Road
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Central, LA and DeRidder, LA.
1
Start on Hooper Road
7.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Hooper Road
2
Turn left onto Plank Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Plank Road
3
Take the ramp slight right
0.6 mi
·
1 min
4
Merge slight left onto Airline Highway
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Airline Highway
5
Continue straight
98 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
6
Turn right onto 8th Street
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
8th Street
7
Turn left onto 6th Avenue
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
6th Avenue
8
Continue on US Highway 190
22 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 190
9
Take the ramp slight right
0.6 mi
·
1 min
10
Merge slight left onto Highway 171
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Highway 171
11
Continue on East 1st Street
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 1st Street
12
Continue on Mahlon Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Mahlon Street
13
Continue on Shirley Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Shirley Street
14
Turn left onto North Pine Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Pine Street
15
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since the trip is manageable in one day, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. With only one recommended stop, try to plan your break around the midway point to keep your energy up during the turn-heavy segments. Keep a close eye on your navigation, as the reliance on local roads like 8th Street means you will be making frequent turns rather than following a single highway corridor. Setting aside the $22 for fuel before you head out will ensure you aren't scrambling for supplies along the way. If you prefer a smoother experience, monitor local traffic patterns on Airline Highway to avoid potential congestion during peak hours.
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 80.3 miles from Central, LA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
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 80 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.3 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near DeRidder, LA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Central, 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 Central, LA
This is one driving day of about 160.7 miles and 3h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Central, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 80.3 mi from Central, LA · 1h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.3 miles from Central, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in DeRidder, LA
The final approach into DeRidder, 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 DeRidder, LA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.57 one way
$49.13 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $26.95 | $53.89 |
| premium | $4.61 | $29.17 | $58.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $35.70 | $71.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.2 | 0 | $16.87 | $7.71 |
| Efficient EV | 40.2 | 0 | $14.06 | $6.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.3 | 0 | $22.50 | $10.28 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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
DeRidder, LA
Afternoon in DeRidder on Sunday
Local time
2:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
68°F
Orange County, TX
80 mi in
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 26m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA covers 160.7 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Plank Road, Airline Highway, 8th Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.3 miles from Central, LA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.57 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
The drive from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA is easy. At 3h 26m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Central, LA to DeRidder, LA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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