"Road Tripping: The Cost of Driving from Alexandria, LA to Lake Charles, LA"

Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Louisiana to Lake Charles, Louisiana? If so, you might be wondering about the cost of driving such a distance. We've got you covered! In this post, we'll take a look at different routes and their associated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: US-165 S

The first and most direct route between Alexandria and Lake Charles is via US-165 S. The distance between these two cities is approximately 90.8 miles. According to current gas prices, you can expect to pay about $0.17 per mile. So, for that distance, you should budget around $15.45 in gas.

Assuming you maintain a speed of 65 miles per hour, it should take you approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach your destination. Luckily, this route does not require any tolls, making it a straightforward and cost-effective option.

Route 2: LA-101 W and I-10 W

An alternative route from Alexandria to Lake Charles is via LA-101 W and I-10 W. This route is slightly longer, coming in at approximately 98 miles. This extra distance means you'll be spending more on gas, with the total cost coming in around $16.66.

Although this route is slightly longer, it does give you access to I-10 W, which may be easier to travel on if you're not familiar with the roads. It should take you around 1 hour and 37 minutes to reach your destination.

One thing to keep in mind is that there is a toll road on this route, which may add to the overall cost of your journey. For example, the base toll on the Calcasieu River Bridge is currently $3.00 for passenger cars and small trucks.

Route 3: LA-28 W and I-49 S

A third route option is via LA-28 W and I-49 S. This route is the longest of the three, with a total distance of approximately 110.2 miles. The extra distance means you'll be spending more on gas, with a total cost of around $18.73.

However, this route gives you the opportunity to explore more of Louisiana's scenic countryside. You may also find that I-49 is less trafficked, which could make for a more relaxing journey. It should take you around 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach your destination.

Unfortunately, this route also includes tolls in areas such as the southbound Hessmer Mainline and eastbound Calcasieu River Bridge. Factor in an additional $2.00 to your estimated journey costs to cover these tolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Alexandria, Louisiana to Lake Charles, Louisiana varies depending on the route you choose. US-165 S is the most direct and cost-effective route, while LA-28 W and I-49 S adds an extra hour and more scenic views.

Whichever route you decide on, make sure to budget for gas prices and any tolls you may encounter. Safe travels!