How Long Is the Drive from New Orleans to Washington Dc?
The drive from New Orleans to Washington Dc takes approximately 20h 53min, covering 1254 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $146 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 28–29+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
17h 45m
🔵 Typical
20h 53min
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 17m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1254 miles (2018 km)
Drive Time20h 53min
RouteI-10
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~41.8 gallons
Est. Cost$146
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 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from New Orleans to Washington Dc
For a long drive like New Orleans to Washington Dc, 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
20h 53min
~$146 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 0m
~$188–$439 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 30m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
20h 53min
~$146
🚌 Bus
27h 52m
~$100–$226
🚂 Train
22h 48m
~$150–$376
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:
📍 Suwanee
📍 Lawrenceville
📍 Johns Creek
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New Orleans to Washington DC?
The drive from New Orleans to Washington DC takes approximately 20h 53min covering 1254 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for New Orleans to Washington DC?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $146 on gas for this 1254-mile trip. You'll need about 41.8 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from New Orleans to Washington DC?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the New Orleans to Washington DC route?
Yes, expect approximately $37 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
