If you’re planning a road trip from Houston to New Orleans, you’re in for a treat. From delicious Cajun cuisine to jazz music and historic landmarks, New Orleans has it all. Here’s everything you need to know about the distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route from Houston to New Orleans.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Houston to New Orleans Drive
Driving from Houston to New Orleans will take you approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes via I-10 E. However, it’s important to note that this is without taking into account any stops along the way.
The best way to get from Houston to New Orleans by car is to take I-10 E, which will lead you to New Orleans, Louisiana. Along the way, you’ll pass by several small towns and cities, including Beaumont and Lake Charles.
Houston to New Orleans: How far is Houston from New Orleans?
Houston to New Orleans distance by car is approximately 347.7 miles (559.5 kilometers). If you’re planning to travel by car, you should budget around 5 hours and 13 minutes for the journey.
However, if you’re planning to stop at any attractions or landmarks along the way, it’s a good idea to add some extra time to your itinerary.
How far is Houston to New Orleans by plane?
The flight distance from Houston to New Orleans is approximately 305 miles (490.8 km). The flight time from Houston to New Orleans is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
There are several airlines that operate flights between the two cities, including Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines.
What is the time difference between Houston and New Orleans?
Houston and New Orleans are in the same time zone (Central Standard Time). However, New Orleans observes daylight saving time, while Houston does not. During daylight saving time, New Orleans is one hour ahead of Houston.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Houston
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, taking a bus from Houston to New Orleans might be the best choice for you. Greyhound offers several daily departures from Houston to New Orleans, with tickets starting at around $20. The bus ride takes approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes, so be prepared for a longer travel time.
Houston to New Orleans Drive – Rent A Car In Houston
If you’re planning to drive from Houston to New Orleans, you’ll need to rent a car. Here are some of the car rental companies to consider in Houston:
- Alamo: starts at $69 per day
- Avis: starts at $79 per day
- Budget: starts at $71 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $60 per day
- Hertz: starts at $72 per day
- National: starts at $66 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $40 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $2.50 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 16 gallons of gas.
Houston to New Orleans – Driving Stops Along The Way
Here are some of the best stops along the way from Houston to New Orleans:
Lake Charles
Located about 2 hours east of Houston, Lake Charles is a charming small city in Louisiana that’s worth a visit. Stop by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu to learn about the history of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, or take a stroll through the Lakefront Promenade for stunning views of Lake Charles.
Lafayette
Lafayette is known for its rich Cajun culture, and it’s a great place to stop for some delicious food. Visit the Acadian Cultural Center to learn about the history and culture of the Cajun people, or take a tour of the Avery Island Tabasco Factory, where the famous hot sauce is made.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city and has a rich history that’s worth exploring. Visit the Louisiana State Capitol building, which is the tallest capitol building in the United States, or take a tour of the USS Kidd, a WWII-era destroyer that’s now a museum.
New Orleans
Of course, the ultimate destination on your trip from Houston to New Orleans is New Orleans itself. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city, from exploring the historic French Quarter to indulging in some delicious Cajun cuisine. Don’t miss out on attractions like the National WWII Museum, Jackson Square, and the famous Bourbon Street.
Best Route from Houston to New Orleans
The best driving route from Houston to New Orleans is via I-10 E. Here’s a breakdown of the route:
- Head east on I-10 E toward Beaumont
- Continue on I-10 E through Lake Charles and Lafayette
- Take exit 155B for I-610 E toward Slidell/New Orleans
- Merge onto I-610 E
- Take exit 1A for US-90 E toward West End
- Merge onto US-90 BUS E
- Continue straight onto US-90 E
- Turn right onto N Claiborne Ave
- Turn left onto Esplanade Ave
- Continue onto Rampart St
- Turn right onto Canal St
- Turn left onto Bourbon St
- Your destination will be on the right
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a road trip from Houston to New Orleans is a great way to experience the unique culture, food, and music of Louisiana. Whether you choose to drive or fly, there are plenty of options available to suit your budget and travel preferences. Along the way, you can make stops at charming towns and cities, sample delicious Cajun cuisine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of New Orleans. With a driving distance of approximately 350 miles and a travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, it’s a manageable journey that’s well worth the trip.