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Trip from Lafayette, LA to Jonesville, LA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

2h 34m

Distance

133.3 mi

214 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 24m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 55m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 54m
8 PM
2h 28m

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

Downtown Jonesville, LA, LA

Jonesville, LA

Mario Spencer

Trip Overview

This 133.3-mile drive from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Jonesville, Louisiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. The route is predominantly on local roads with a 41% highway share, suggesting a more relaxed pace than a pure interstate journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, it's an economical option for exploring the Southeast region of Louisiana. This drive offers a mixed experience, making it suitable for those who prefer not to spend the entire day on high-speed highways. You'll find it's a straightforward journey without the need for an overnight stop.

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

66.6 miles from Lafayette, LA

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

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 133.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (41%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

The road from Lafayette to Jonesville presents a mixed driving profile, with 41% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, LA 28, and US 84. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 76.1 miles on Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, indicating a significant portion of consistent driving. Expect a blend of faster highway sections and potentially slower local road segments as you make your way north. This variety means the driving experience will shift throughout your trip, keeping things engaging.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 13 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 76.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 87.4 miles in near US 167.

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 2h 34m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 87.4 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.6 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.3 miles (LA 28): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 key points

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

5
87.4 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pineville Expressway, Casson Street

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

Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pinevill...
6
87.6 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167 toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expr...
5
90.3 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | LA 28

Take the exit onto LA 28 toward LA 3100 West, LA 28 East: Pineville, Jonesville

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

Toward LA 3100 West, LA 28 East: Pineville, Jon...
6
90.5 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | LA 28

Keep slight right at fork onto LA 28 toward LA 28 East: Jonesville, Ferriday

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward LA 28 East: Jonesville, Ferriday
5
122.5 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | US 84

At end of road, turn right onto US 84

Navigation decision point

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Lafayette, LA to Jonesville, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Ferriday along the way.

Ferriday

90.5 mi in | ~1h 37m | via LA 28

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway 76.1 mi 1h 17m
LA 28 32.2 mi 42m
US 84 10.7 mi 15m
Veterans Memorial Expressway 8.8 mi 9m
US 167 2.9 mi 4m
Northeast Evangeline Thruway 1.9 mi 3m
Rue Jefferson 0.3 mi <1m
Jefferson Boulevard 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway — 76.1 mi, about 1h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette, LA and Jonesville, LA.

1

Start on Rue Vermilion Ouest

335 ft · 22 sec · Rue Vermilion Ouest
2

Turn left onto Rue Jefferson

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Rue Jefferson
3

Continue on Jefferson Boulevard

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
4

Turn left onto US 90; LA 182

1.9 mi · 3 min · Northeast Evangeline Thruway
5

Continue on I 49; LA 182

8.8 mi · 9 min · Veterans Memorial Expressway
6

Continue on I 49; US 167

76 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
7

Take the exit onto US 167

0.2 mi · 29 sec · US 167
Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pineville Expressway, Casson Street
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167

2.7 mi · 4 min · US 167
Toward US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
9

Take the exit onto LA 28

0.2 mi · 18 sec · LA 28
Toward LA 3100 West, LA 28 East: Pineville, Jonesville
10

Keep slight right at fork onto LA 28

32 mi · 41 min · LA 28
Toward LA 28 East: Jonesville, Ferriday
11

At end of road, turn right onto US 84

11 mi · 15 min · US 84
12

Turn left onto Division Street

133 ft · 5 sec · Division Street
13

Arrive at destination

Division Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 34 minute duration, starting your drive from Lafayette in the morning allows for a relaxed pace and arrival in Jonesville well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where to take a break. The estimated fuel cost of $20 is quite reasonable, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling. Pay attention to the transitions between the Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway and LA 28, as these can sometimes involve changes in speed limits or road conditions. This straightforward route is ideal for a spontaneous day trip.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.6 miles from Lafayette, LA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.1 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 29 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.6 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 2h 2m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

This is one driving day of about 133.3 miles and 2h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Lafayette, 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 76.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 66.6 mi from Lafayette, LA · 1h 11m into the drive

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Alexandria, LA

67 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

Opelousas, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bunkie, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.6 miles from Lafayette, 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 76.1 miles.

Arriving in Jonesville, LA

The final approach into Jonesville, 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 Jonesville, 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

$20.13 one way

$40.26 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $22.10 $44.20
premium $4.56 $23.93 $47.85
diesel $5.61 $29.43 $58.86

Estimated Tolls: $0.13

Northeast Evangeline Thruway (1.9 mi) $0.13

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40 0 $14.00 $6.40
Efficient EV 33.3 0 $11.66 $5.33
EV Truck/SUV 53.3 0 $18.66 $8.53

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Lafayette, LA

Night in Lafayette on Thursday

Local time

11:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jonesville, LA

Night in Jonesville on Thursday

Local time

11:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Sunny

S 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

58°F

Alexandria, LA

67 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

26 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 34m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Lafayette, LA to Jonesville, LA covers 133.3 miles and takes about 2h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway, LA 28, US 84. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.6 miles from Lafayette, LA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.13 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 2h 34m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 87.4 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.6 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.3 miles (LA 28): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Lafayette, LA to Jonesville, LA, road signs begin pointing toward Ferriday along the way.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Jonesville, LA to Lafayette, LA

Plan the drive back the other way.

133.4 mi 2h 34m

Explore more options from Lafayette, LA or browse trips ending in Jonesville, LA.

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