- Must visit
New Orleans Museum of Art
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 25 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
302 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Lake Charles, LA for New Orleans, LA on Thu, Jul 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 3 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest buses will take 3 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus11:50 AM3h30Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA3:20 PMNew Orleans, LA$331One-way0 transfers- FlixBus10:20 AM3h20Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA1:40 PMNew Orleans, LA$341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus10:20 AM3h20Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA1:40 PMNew Orleans, LA$341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:50 AM3h30Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA3:20 PMNew Orleans, LA$331One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $40, and a bus costs an average of $32.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is a train with an average price of $44 (€36).
This is compared to other travel options from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA:
A train is $0.34 (€0.28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $44 (€36).
The fastest way to travel from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 29m.
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -1h -27m sooner (3h 29m by bus vs 3h 2m by car) and save roughly $-2.27 (€-1.86) compared to fuel and tolls ($44 (€36) vs $42 (€34)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 10:20 AM Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA | 3h20 | 1:40 PM New Orleans, LA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:50 AM Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA | 3h30 | 3:20 PM New Orleans, LA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Thu
Jul 16
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Why should you book Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
USAUSA
Buses from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LAYou can travel by bus between Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA with FlixBus for as low as $32 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to New Orleans, LA
Things to do in New Orleans, LA
Discover the best of New Orleans, LA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans, LA trip today.
- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
Powerful museum using immersive exhibits to explain World War II through personal stories, artifacts, and major military history.
- Recommended
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Smithsonian-affiliated museum devoted to Southern art, design, and culture in a contemporary warehouse district setting.
- Must visit
French Quarter
The city’s most famous neighborhood, packed with historic architecture, music, courtyards, and essential New Orleans street life.
- Must visit
Jackson Square
Lively public square facing St. Louis Cathedral, ideal for architecture, performers, and a classic introduction to the city.
- Must visit
City Park
Vast urban park with oak groves, lagoons, museums, and trails, offering one of the best green escapes in New Orleans.
- Gluten-free
Jambalaya
A hearty Creole rice dish with sausage, chicken, and seafood. It reflects Spanish, French, and local influences central to New Orleans cooking.
Gumbo
A rich Louisiana stew usually made with roux, okra or filé, and seafood or sausage. It is a signature dish of Creole and Cajun tradition.
Po' Boy
A classic po' boy is a French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. It is one of the city's most iconic everyday foods.
Commander's Palace
Celebrated Creole restaurant famous for gumbo z'herbes, turtle soup, and jazz brunch in an elegant Garden District mansion.
Johnny's Po-Boys
Casual landmark for classic po' boys and fried seafood. Expect a lively, old-school New Orleans atmosphere near the French Quarter.
Café du Monde
Historic coffee stand best known for beignets and chicory café au lait. It is busy, informal, and one of the city's essential stops.
United States dollar ($)
Moderate for U.S. cities: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but food and transit are reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or po'boys.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes for good service.
Le Pass
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- $1.25
- Day pass
- $3
To the city center
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport -> Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
- Distance
- 18 km
- Travel time
- 22 min
- Use the Le Pass app to buy and activate bus and streetcar fares before boarding.
- Streetcars and buses generally accept exact cash and the Le Pass app; contactless bank card payment is not widely available onboard.
FAQs: Bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA can start from as little as $32 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is $44 (€36) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is 3h 20m to travel the 187 miles (302 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA leaves at 1:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to New Orleans, LA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to New Orleans, LA from Lake Charles, LA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in New Orleans, LA are:
- French Quarter, a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings, and rich cultural heritage
- Jackson Square, a historic park in the heart of the French Quarter surrounded by iconic landmarks and street performers
- St. Louis Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture and the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States
- Garden District, a picturesque neighborhood famous for its well-preserved antebellum mansions and lush gardens
- National WWII Museum, an extensive museum offering immersive exhibits and artifacts detailing the American experience in World War II.
The best things to do in New Orleans, LA include:
- Preservation Hall, enjoy traditional New Orleans jazz performances in an intimate and historic setting
- Audubon Park, relax in this beautiful urban park featuring walking paths, a zoo, and a golf course
- Frenchmen Street, experience the vibrant music scene with live performances in numerous bars and clubs
- Steamboat Natchez, take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River on an authentic paddlewheel steamboat
- City Park, explore this expansive park with botanical gardens, an art museum, and outdoor activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Lake Charles, LA nor New Orleans, LA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In New Orleans, LA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the French Quarter. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night in less populated neighborhoods and to use authorized transportation services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
Most Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA buses use the to New Orleans, LA station pair. Use this guide to compare Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Lake Charles
Arrival bus stations in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Most popular bus connections from Lake Charles, LA
More options for your journey from Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA
Most popular bus connections to New Orleans, LA
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