Alexandria, LA → Dallas, TX
271 mi · 5h 25m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heat Advisory in effect along your route
Alexandria
92°
Shelby County
93°
Smith County
95°
Dallas
96°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 271 mi · 5h 26m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
93°F, wind 9 mph
Rest Stops
3
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
6 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area
- ● Love's Travel Stop 🚻
- ● Love's Travel Stop
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 12 construction zones on route
12 Construction Zones on Route
Construction on FM2204
Construction on SH0031
Construction on US0259
Construction on IH0020
Construction on FM2727
Construction on FM0148
+ 6 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via US-71 → US-165 → ... → I-20 West → US-175
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
US 71 at LA 28 (Monroe St.)
LA ·
US 71 at LA 1208 ( Jackson St.)
LA ·
LA 28 at John Eskew
LA ·
LA 3132 at 70th St
LA ·
LA 1 (Bolton Ave.) at US 71
LA ·
I-49 at Pineville XWY
LA ·
I-49 at US 165/71
LA ·
I-20 DMS East of Monkhouse(MM 13.6)
LA ·
I-20 at Monkhouse Drive
LA ·
I-20 East of I-220
LA ·
I-220 at Lakeshore Dr
LA ·
I-220 at Jefferson Paige Rd
LA ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
25 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 25
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Alexandria, LA to Dallas, TX covers 271 miles in roughly 5h 25m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 25 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 2 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
96° / 92°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
98° / 78°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
98° / 77°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
96° / 79°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
98° / 78°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
97° / 79°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
96° / 79°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
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Current Conditions
Alexandria, LA
92°F
Wind: 7 mph
Dallas, TX
96°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Alexandria, LA to Dallas, TX
The 271-mile drive from Alexandria, Louisiana to Dallas, Texas takes approximately 5h 25m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Louisiana into Texas, connecting Alexandria and Dallas. A drive of 271 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Alexandria to Dallas
For medium-distance drives like this 271-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 271-mile drive from Alexandria to Dallas takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Alexandria to Dallas?
The drive is approximately 271 miles and takes about 5h 25m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Monday, Aug 17 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Alexandria to Dallas today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Alexandria to Dallas route?
Yes, there are 25 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-71, LA 28, LA 3132 (Inner Loop Expressway), Other. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
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