Road trip from Alexandria, Louisiana to Alexandria, Virginia
If you're planning on driving from Alexandria, Louisiana to Alexandria, Virginia, get ready for an exciting and somewhat long road trip. The trip takes you, in different sections, through beautiful countryside, bustling cities, and scenic attractions. But just how long does it take to drive from Louisiana to Virginia? What are the quickest and slowest route options? Let's find out!
Route Options
There are two possible routes you can take from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Alexandria, Virginia. The fastest route involves driving through Tennessee, while the second, longer route travels down through the eastern coast. Let's take a closer look:
The Fastest Route: Through Tennessee
The quickest way to drive from Louisiana to Virginia is by going through the center of the country, with Tennessee being the primary state. Begin by driving east on I-10 to Baton Rouge, then turn north on I-49 towards Shreveport. Once you arrive in Shreveport, keep going north on I-20 East. Drive until you hit Jackson, then switch to I-40 East. Finally, turn at Appalachian Mountains and take I-81 North to Alexandria, Virginia.
Distance: 1,108 miles Driving Time: 17 hours and 10 minutes
The Longest Route: Along the Eastern Coast
The alternative route is to travel all the way towards Florida, driving up through Georgia and then making your way to Alexandria, Virginia along the eastern coast. Begin on I-10 East and take it until you hit Tallahassee, then switch to I-75 North toward Valdosta, Georgia. Once you hit Atlanta, head north out of the city on I-85 and make your way into North Carolina. From there, follow the winding roads and highways until you finally make it to Alexandria, Virginia.
Distance: 1,357 miles Driving Time: 21 hours and 15 minutes
Traffic patterns
Traffic congestion can cause significant delays, regardless of the route you pick. Keep in mind that the driving time shown above is based on Google Maps traffic estimates, which may not be 100% accurate. As a result, delays are possible, especially during peak hours.
In general, you should try to avoid driving through major metropolitan areas during rush hour. Plan your journey with breaks in mind. If you need to stop for food, gas, or lodging, try to avoid doing so during rush hour periods. The best times to drive would either be early in the morning or late in the evening.
Peak Traffic Times
If you plan on driving during peak traffic times, you should expect some delays, especially in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Washington DC. On the Tennessee route, the estimated peak traffic drive time is around 18 hours and 30 minutes, while the coastal route is around 22 hours and 30 minutes.
Low Traffic Times
It's no surprise that driving during off-peak hours can result in a noticeably shorter travel time. If you choose to drive during low traffic times, your drive will likely take less time than the estimates above. On the Tennessee route, the low traffic drive passes through for about 16 and a half hours. Alternatively, the coastal drive takes about 20 hours to complete.
Conclusion
Driving from Alexandria, Louisiana to Alexandria, Virginia is a long but rewarding journey. While the journey can take a while, the beautiful sights, warm hospitality, and fantastic local cuisine alone make it worth it. Whether you choose to drive through Tennessee to arrive faster or go on an adventure by the Atlantic coast, make sure to plan for traffic and prepare to soak in stunning scenery on the way. Take your time and enjoy the ride!