Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Central, LA to Ouachita Parish, LA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 48m

Distance

190.5 mi

307 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

13 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 36m ★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 14m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 55m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 41m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Central, LA, LA

Central, LA

Jesus Alfonso

Downtown Ouachita Parish, LA, LA

Ouachita Parish, LA

Vika Glitter

Trip Overview

The drive from Central, LA to Ouachita Parish, LA covers 190.5 miles and takes about 3h 48m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Samuels Road, E. E. Wallace Boulevard North, I 20 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 71.2 miles on Samuels Road. At current regular gas prices, budget about $28.77 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

95.3 miles from Central, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 48m. Total distance: 190.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (12%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 48m drive with frequent turns across 190.5 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Samuels Road is the longest continuous segment at about 71.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Sullivan Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 48m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Sullivan Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (Joor Road): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (LA 64 / Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | Sullivan Road

Enter roundabout onto Sullivan Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | Joor Road

At end of road, turn right onto Joor Road

Navigation decision point

5
5.4 mi into trip | ~8m in | LA 64 / Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road

At end of road, turn left onto LA 64 / Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road

Navigation decision point

6
187.9 mi into trip | ~3h 44m in

Keep slight left at fork toward LA 34 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward LA 34 South
6
188.2 mi into trip | ~3h 44m in

Keep slight right at fork toward LA 34 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward LA 34 South

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Samuels Road 71.2 mi 1h 23m
E. E. Wallace Boulevard North 63.2 mi 1h 12m
I 20 22 mi 24m
Natchez-Vidalia Bridge 10.6 mi 12m
Joor Road 4.2 mi 6m
Mount Pleasant Zachary Road 3.3 mi 5m
Zachary Deerford Road 3.1 mi 4m
Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road 2.7 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Samuels Road — 71.2 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Central, LA and Ouachita Parish, LA.

1

Start on LA 408

52 ft · 4 sec · Hooper Road
2

Turn right onto Sullivan Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Sullivan Road
3

Enter roundabout onto Sullivan Road

73 ft · 1 sec · Sullivan Road
4

Continue on Sullivan Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Sullivan Road
5

At end of road, turn right onto Joor Road

4.2 mi · 6 min · Joor Road
6

At end of road, turn left onto LA 64

2.7 mi · 3 min · Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road
7

Continue on LA 64

3.1 mi · 4 min · Zachary Deerford Road
8

Turn straight onto Main Street

1.2 mi · 1 min · Main Street
9

Turn straight onto High Street

0.2 mi · 13 sec · High Street
10

Continue on Church Street

2.0 mi · 3 min · Church Street
11

Continue on Mount Pleasant Zachary Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Mount Pleasant Zachary Road
12

Enter roundabout onto Mount Pleasant Zachary Road

52 ft · 0 sec · Mount Pleasant Zachary Road
13

Continue on Mount Pleasant Zachary Road

2.1 mi · 3 min · Mount Pleasant Zachary Road
14

Turn right onto US 61

71 mi · 1 hr 23 min · Samuels Road
15

Turn left

0.1 mi · 17 sec
16

Continue on US 84; US 425

2.4 mi · 2 min · John R Junkin Drive
17

Continue on US 84; US 425

11 mi · 12 min · Natchez-Vidalia Bridge
18

Continue on US 425; LA 15

63 mi · 1 hr 12 min · E. E. Wallace Boulevard North
19

Turn left

0.3 mi · 35 sec
20

Merge onto I 20

22 mi · 24 min · I 20
21

Take the exit

373 ft · 9 sec
Toward LA 34
22

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward LA 34 South
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward LA 34 South
24

Turn straight onto LA 34

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Stella Street
25

Continue on LA 34

1.1 mi · 1 min · Jonesboro Road
26

Continue on LA 34

0.6 mi · 56 sec · Jonesboro Road
27

Arrive at destination

LA 34

Trip Plan

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 95.3 miles from Central, LA, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 42 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 95.3 miles or 1h 58m 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 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ouachita Parish, 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 190.5 miles and 3h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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.
The longest stretch is on Samuels Road for about 71.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 95.3 mi from Central, LA · 1h 58m into the drive

county seat of Adams County, Mississippi, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Natchez, MS

95 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

New Roads, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Natchez, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95.3 miles from Central, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Samuels Road if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 miles.

Arriving in Ouachita Parish, LA

The final approach into Ouachita Parish, 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 Ouachita Parish, LA.

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

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

West Monroe, Louisiana

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 190.5

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13183255505

Visit website

Restaurant Cotton

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Monroe, Louisiana

2.7 mi

Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Monroe, Louisiana

2.7 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 190.5

West Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13183255505

Visit website

Restaurant Cotton

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Expensive mile 190.5

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13183250818

Visit website

Warehouse No 1 Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 190.5

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13183221340

Visit website

The Saint Restaurant and Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $50 to $10 mile 27.2

St Francisville, Louisiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12256356502

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 190.5

West Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Eaton Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 95.3

Natchez, Mississippi

+18773862273

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 27.2

St Francisville, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 13.6

Zachary, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 13.6

Zachary, Louisiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 149.7

Winnsboro, Louisiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 95.3

Natchez, Mississippi

+16013045378

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 95.3

Natchez, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16014424462

Visit website

Central Sports Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12252729200

Visit website

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 190.5

Monroe, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13183292400

Visit website

West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 27.2

St Francisville, Louisiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12256356330

Visit website

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Poverty Point National Monument

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...

25 mi from route ~62 min detour Free near mile 164.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.77 one way

$57.54 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $31.58 $63.17
premium $4.56 $34.19 $68.39
diesel $5.61 $42.06 $84.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

13 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Red E Charging Station

Zachary, Louisiana

Other

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

St Francisville, Louisiana

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Eaton Charging Station

Natchez, Mississippi

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Destination Charger

Natchez, Mississippi

Tesla Destination

1 DCFC

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Winnsboro, Louisiana

InCharge

1 DCFC

EVgo Charging Station

West Monroe, Louisiana

EVgo

1 DCFC

Tesla Destination Charger

Natchez, Mississippi

Tesla Destination

1 DCFC

Blink Charging Station

Zachary, Louisiana

Blink

1 DCFC

Other: 5 ChargePoint: 3 Tesla Destination: 2 InCharge: 1 EVgo: 1 Blink: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.2 0 $20.00 $9.14
Efficient EV 47.6 0 $16.67 $7.62
EV Truck/SUV 76.2 0 $26.67 $12.19

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 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

Central, LA

Afternoon in Central on Thursday

Local time

3:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ouachita Parish, LA

Afternoon in Ouachita Parish on Thursday

Local time

3:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

90°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

31 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

3h 48m 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 Ouachita Parish, LA covers 190.5 miles and takes about 3h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Samuels Road, E. E. Wallace Boulevard North, I 20. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 95.3 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 $28.77 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.
This is a straightforward 3h 48m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Sullivan Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.2 miles (Joor Road): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (LA 64 / Greenwell Spg Pt Hudson Road): Navigation decision point.
The route from Central, LA to Ouachita Parish, LA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Ouachita Parish, LA

New Orleans, LA 269.1 mi · 5h 15m New Iberia, LA 204 mi · 3h 59m Lafayette, LA 184.5 mi · 3h 31m Bossier City, LA 96.7 mi · 1h 47m

More from Central, LA

Shreveport, LA 253.4 mi · 4h 43m West Monroe, LA 189.8 mi · 3h 47m DeRidder, LA 160.7 mi · 3h 26m Harvey, LA 93.1 mi · 1h 54m Gretna, LA 91.4 mi · 1h 52m Crowley, LA 89.3 mi · 1h 48m

More trips to Ouachita Parish, LA

New Orleans, LA 269.6 mi Kenner, LA 259.1 mi New Iberia, LA 204.6 mi Lafayette, LA 185.1 mi Bossier City, LA 96.6 mi Ruston, LA 31.5 mi
Weekend drives from Central, LA Scenic drives in LA

Explore more options from Central, LA or browse trips ending in Ouachita Parish, LA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse LA road trips.

Explore maps for Central, LA or Ouachita Parish, LA on MapSof.net.