Trip from Metairie, LA to Waggaman, LA

Drive Time

16m

Distance

8.7 mi

14 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$1

one way

Best Time to Leave

4 AM
0h 15m ★
6 AM
0h 17m
8 AM
0h 20m
10 AM
0h 18m
12 PM
0h 18m
3 PM
0h 18m
5 PM
0h 20m
8 PM
0h 16m

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

Downtown Metairie, LA, LA

Metairie, LA

Jesus Alfonso

Downtown Waggaman, LA, LA

Waggaman, LA

Richy Dannielz

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel between Metairie and Waggaman, you are looking at a quick 8.7-mile journey that typically takes about 16 minutes to complete. This trip stays entirely within the Southeast region of Louisiana, making it a straightforward drive that is easily accomplished in a single day. You will primarily navigate via US 90, LA 18, and Jefferson Highway to reach your destination. With a fuel cost estimate of just $1, it is an incredibly budget-friendly commute. Given the short duration, there is no need for an overnight stay, as the route is designed for efficiency rather than long-distance touring. Whether you are running errands or heading to a meeting, this mixed-drive route offers a practical connection between these two locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

4.3 miles from Metairie, LA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 8m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this 8.7-mile trek features a mixed-drive profile that balances different road types. About 59% of your total distance will be spent on highways, providing a blend of faster travel and slower local road navigation. You will find that the longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on US 90, spanning 2.8 miles before the character of the road begins to shift. As you transition between these thoroughfares, remain attentive to the changing flow of traffic. The route manages to keep things moving while requiring you to adjust your pace as you move from highway speeds to local Jefferson Highway segments.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 2.8 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 0.2 miles in near North Causeway Boulevard.

Route Complexity 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 16m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (North Causeway Boulevard): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles (49th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (North Causeway Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 6 key points

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

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Causeway Boulevard

At end of road, turn left onto North Causeway Boulevard

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | 49th Street

Turn right onto 49th Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | North Causeway Boulevard

Turn left onto North Causeway Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 90 / Jefferson Highway

Turn right onto US 90 / Jefferson Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
3
3.3 mi into trip | ~7m in | US 90

Turn left onto US 90

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 90 2.8 mi 4m
LA 18 2.3 mi 4m
Jefferson Highway 1.6 mi 3m
North Causeway Boulevard 1.5 mi 3m
Gambino Road 0.2 mi <1m
47th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Avondale Garden Road 0.1 mi <1m
Fagot Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 90 — 2.8 mi, about 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Metairie, LA and Waggaman, LA.

1

Start on Fagot Avenue

111 ft · 4 sec · Fagot Avenue
2

Continue on 47th Street

0.2 mi · 43 sec · 47th Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto North Causeway Boulevard

0.1 mi · 26 sec · North Causeway Boulevard
4

Turn right onto 49th Street

44 ft · 1 sec · 49th Street
5

Turn left onto North Causeway Boulevard

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Causeway Boulevard
Use the right lane.
6

Turn right onto US 90

1.6 mi · 3 min · Jefferson Highway
Use the right lane.
7

Turn left onto US 90

2.8 mi · 4 min · US 90
8

Continue on LA 18

2.3 mi · 4 min · LA 18
Use the right lane.
9

Turn left onto Avondale Garden Road

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Avondale Garden Road
10

Continue on Gambino Road

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Gambino Road
11

Arrive at destination

Gambino Road

Trip Plan

Because this drive is so brief, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though keeping an eye on local traffic patterns is always a smart move. You will not need to plan for any scheduled stops since the 16-minute duration is easily manageable in one go. Given the low fuel cost of $1, you likely won't need to worry about refueling during the trip, but it is always good practice to check your levels before leaving Metairie. A specific tip for this route is to stay alert during the transition between US 90 and the local segments, as the shift in road type happens relatively quickly. Use this short travel window to enjoy a stress-free transition between locations without the need for complex trip logistics.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 4.3 miles from Metairie, LA, or about 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 2.8 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 8.7 miles or 16m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 4.3 miles or 8m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Metairie, 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 Metairie, LA

This is one driving day of about 8.7 miles and 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Metairie, LA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 90 for about 2.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 4.3 mi from Metairie, LA · 8m into the drive

Downtown Metairie Terrace, LA, LA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Metairie Terrace, LA

4 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.

Popular next leg

Metairie Terrace, LA to Waggaman, LA

8.2 mi · 15m

Pacing Suggestions

Metairie Terrace, LA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 8.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Metairie Terrace, LA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 4.3 miles from Metairie, LA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Waggaman, LA

The final approach into Waggaman, 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 Waggaman, 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

$1.33 one way

$2.66 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 3 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.26 $1.46 $2.92
premium $4.61 $1.58 $3.16
diesel $5.64 $1.93 $3.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$26–$51

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 2.6 0 $0.91 $0.42
Efficient EV 2.2 0 $0.76 $0.35
EV Truck/SUV 3.5 0 $1.22 $0.56

Gas CO2

3 kg

EV CO2

1 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 data refreshed 10 hours ago

Origin

Metairie, LA

Afternoon in Metairie on Sunday

Local time

2:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waggaman, LA

Afternoon in Waggaman on Sunday

Local time

2:46 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

16m 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 Metairie, LA to Waggaman, LA covers 8.7 miles and takes about 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 90, LA 18, Jefferson Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 4.3 miles from Metairie, LA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.33 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.
This is a straightforward 16m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (North Causeway Boulevard): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.3 miles (49th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (North Causeway Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Metairie, LA to Waggaman, LA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Waggaman, LA to Metairie, LA

Plan the drive back the other way.

8.7 mi 16m

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