"Road-Tripping from Arkansas to Louisiana: Here's what you need to know!"
Are you planning a road trip from Arkansas to Louisiana and wondering how long it will take you to get there? We've got you covered! There are a few different routes you can take to get to Louisiana, with varying distances and travel times. Here's what you need to know to make the best of your road trip!
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
If you're looking for the fastest route, take Interstate 20 east from Little Rock to Shreveport, Louisiana. The distance is approximately 325 miles, and the drive takes about 4 and a half hours. You'll pass through a few small towns along the way, but for the most part, it's a straight shot on the highway.
The slowest route, on the other hand, is also the shortest. And it's not recommended if you're in a hurry. Take Highway 82 east from Texarkana to Magnolia, and then hop on Highway 79 south to Shreveport. This route is only about 180 miles, but it takes about 4 hours to drive. You'll go through several small towns with slower speed limits, and it's not the most direct route.
Traffic Patterns
There are a few things to consider regarding traffic patterns when driving to Louisiana. If you're heading out on a weekend or during a holiday, expect heavier traffic on the roads. Interstates 30 and 49 can have significant traffic, so try to go during off-peak times if you can.
The time it takes to get from Arkansas to Louisiana also greatly depends on your starting location. For example, Fayetteville to New Orleans from the fastest route is around 684 miles that usually takes about 10 hours and 30 minutes in average conditions. While approximating Siloam Springs to Baton Rouge is around 656 miles that usually takes around 10 hours in average conditions. It's important to keep in mind that drive-times can be affected by roadwork, accidents, and rush hour traffic so make sure to allot a bit of contingency time in your schedule.
Drive Time Comparison
Driving to Louisiana from Arkansas takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, depending on your route and traffic conditions. Since time is valuable, here are a couple of examples of how long it can take to drive each route, accounting for different traffic scenarios:
Little Rock to Shreveport via I-20
- Fastest Possible Time: 4 hours
- Average Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Peak Traffic Time: 6 hours
Texarkana to Shreveport via Hwy 82 and 79
- Fastest Possible Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Average Time: 4 hours
- Peak Traffic Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Conclusion
When driving to Louisiana from Arkansas, take into account the different routes, distances and estimated times, and traffic patterns. The options of traveling by car can be very diverse, so definitely do some research on what works best for you but at the end of the day it could be an enjoyable road trip when you plan ahead. By knowing what to expect, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy the beautiful sights along the way. Safe travels!