How Long Does it Take to Drive from Baton Rouge to Houston?
Are you planning a road trip from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Houston, Texas? If so, it's important to know the estimated time it will take to get there. Driving time can vary based on your route, traffic patterns and the time of day. Keep reading to learn more about estimated driving times for this scenic drive.
Routes
There are a few different routes to take from Baton Rouge to Houston, each with different levels of traffic and driving time. Here are the three most common routes:
Fastest Route
The quickest way to get to Houston is to take I-10 West. This 258-mile route usually takes around 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You'll drive through Lake Charles, Beaumont and other smaller towns on your way to Houston, but be aware that this is a highly trafficked and often congested route, particularly during peak travel times.
Scenic Route
If you prefer a more leisurely trip, try taking I-10 West to US-90 East, which is about 282 miles and takes around 5 hours. While it may add an extra hour to your travel time, this route takes you through historic Lafayette, Louisiana and along the picturesque Louisiana coast before entering Texas. You'll drive through charming towns like New Iberia, Morgan City, and Galveston before heading to Houston.
Slowest Route
The slowest route is US-190 West, which is a two-lane road that runs parallel to I-10. This scenic route takes about 6 hours to get to Houston, but doesn't offer many opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. It's the least trafficked of the three routes and will take you past some beautiful rural scenery.
Traffic Patterns
Traffic conditions can greatly impact your total driving time. Typically, rush hour traffic in Baton Rouge and Houston will add an additional hour or more to your travel time.
If you're traveling from Baton Rouge on a weekday, the best time to avoid traffic is to leave early in the morning (by 6 am) or later in the evening after the rush hour traffic subsides (after 8 pm). Similarly, when traveling back from Houston, try to avoid leaving during the evening rush hour (4 pm - 7 pm) and instead leave either early in the morning or later in the evening.
Driving Time
Overall, driving from Baton Rouge to Houston takes between 4 to 6 hours depending on your route and the time of day you travel. During peak travel times, it's best to allow for extra time, particularly if you're traveling for a specific event.
Here are estimated driving times for each route based on traffic conditions:
- Fastest Route: 4 hours (low traffic), 5-6 hours (peak traffic)
- Scenic Route: 5 hours (low traffic), 6-7 hours (peak traffic)
- Slowest Route: 6 hours (low traffic), 7-8 hours (peak traffic)
In any of these scenarios, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the drive, and take some time to stretch your legs at rest stops or interesting attractions along the way.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next road trip from Baton Rouge to Houston. Whether you take the fastest or scenic route, the journey will be well worth the adventure!