Alexandria, LA → New Orleans, LA
172 mi · 3h 26m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heat Advisory in effect along your route
Alexandria
92°
Pointe Coupee Parish
92°
Livingston Parish
91°
New Orleans
90°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 172 mi · 3h 27m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
92°F, wind 7 mph
Rest Stops
5
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
7 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● I-49 Rest Area 🚻
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel
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-49 South → US-190 East → I-10
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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US 71 at LA 28 (Monroe St.)
LA ·
US 71 at LA 1208 ( Jackson St.)
LA ·
US 71 at Masonic Circle (NW)
LA ·
US 71 at Masonic Circle (SW)
LA ·
US 71 at Masonic Circle (SE)
LA ·
US 71 at LEE St./Horseshoe Dr.
LA ·
LA 28 at John Eskew
LA ·
I-10 between Grosse Tete and LA 415
LA ·
I-10 at Bluff Rd.
LA ·
I-10 at US 61
LA ·
I-10 at LaPlace Tower
LA ·
I-10 at BC Spillway at MM 218.6
LA ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
12 stops available
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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: Heavy rain expected near Livingston Parish - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
The 172-mile half-day drive from Alexandria to New Orleans stays within LA and takes about 3h 26m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 12 rest areas and 2 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
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, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Alexandria, LA
92°F
Wind: 7 mph
New Orleans, LA
90°F
Wind: 6 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Alexandria, LA to New Orleans, LA
The 172-mile drive from Alexandria, Louisiana to New Orleans, Louisiana takes approximately 3h 26m 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 stays within Louisiana, connecting Alexandria and New Orleans. A drive of 172 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 New Orleans
For shorter trips like this 172-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 172 miles, the Alexandria to New Orleans drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
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 New Orleans?
The drive is approximately 172 miles and takes about 3h 26m 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, Saturday, Aug 15 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Alexandria to New Orleans 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 New Orleans route?
Yes, there are 12 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, I-10. 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?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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