How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans?
The drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans takes approximately 36h 9min, covering 2170 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $253 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 50–51+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
30h 44m
🔵 Typical
36h 9min
🔴 Heavy traffic
52h 25m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance2170 miles (3492 km)
Drive Time36h 9min
RouteI-10
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~72.3 gallons
Est. Cost$253
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 6 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans
For a long drive like Los Angeles to New Orleans, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
36h 9min
~$253 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 50m
~$326–$760 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~4h 20m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
36h 9min
~$253
🚌 Bus
48h 13m
~$174–$391
🚂 Train
39h 27m
~$260–$651
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Carlsbad Caverns
📍 El Paso
📍 White Sands
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans?
The drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans takes approximately 36h 9min covering 2170 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to New Orleans?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $253 on gas for this 2170-mile trip. You'll need about 72.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to New Orleans?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Los Angeles to New Orleans route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a FasTrak transponder for faster toll payment.
