- Recommended
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Museum inside a historic city hall featuring regional history, Mardi Gras displays, and rotating art. A strong introduction to Lake Charles culture.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 21
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 21
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
3 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 21
3
Distance
302 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Fast buses
On Mon, Sep 21, we found 3 buses from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 21 the direct buses cover the 302 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Mon, Sep 21 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.
FlixBus5:55 AM3h25New Orleans, LA9:20 AMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers- FlixBus4:40 PM3h25New Orleans, LA8:05 PMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:40 PM3h30New Orleans, LA6:10 PMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:55 AM3h25New Orleans, LA9:20 AMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus4:40 PM3h25New Orleans, LA8:05 PMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:40 PM3h30New Orleans, LA6:10 PMLake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA$311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a train costs an average of $59.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is a bus with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA:
A bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA costing on average $59.
The fastest way to travel from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 28m.
Other travel options to Lake Charles, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $42 compared to roughly $43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.71. The journey takes 3h 28m versus 3h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Live departures
New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA bus times
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA buses for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:40 PM New Orleans, LA | 3h25 | 2:05 AM Lake Charles, LA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 21 | |||||
| FlixBus | 5:55 AM New Orleans, LA | 3h25 | 9:20 AM Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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.
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Sep 21
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Sep 27
Sep 27
Why should you book New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
- 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
USAUSA
Buses from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 3h 25m.
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 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 1:35 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LAYou can travel by bus between New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA with FlixBus for as low as $32. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$32
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 Lake Charles, LA
Things to do in Lake Charles, LA
Discover the best of Lake Charles, LA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lake Charles, LA trip today.
- Recommended
Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana
Children's museum with hands-on science, arts, and local-themed exhibits. Ideal for families seeking interactive indoor activities downtown.
Abercrombie Gallery
University art museum showing rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists. A compact cultural stop on the McNeese campus.
- Must visit
Lakefront Promenade
Lakeside boardwalk and promenade with water views, public art, and event spaces. A top place for a walk, sunset, or festival atmosphere.
- Must visit
Charpentier Historic District
Residential historic district known for mature trees and early 20th-century homes. Best explored on foot for architecture and neighborhood character.
- Recommended
Millennium Park
Large city park with lagoons, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Popular for relaxed outdoor time close to downtown.
FAQs: Bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA can start from as little as $32 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is $42 ; 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is 3h 25m 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA leaves at 1:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Lake Charles, LA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Lake Charles, LA from New Orleans, LA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither New Orleans, LA nor Lake Charles, 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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles, LA, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or poorly lit areas. It is advisable to avoid isolated neighborhoods after dark. Common scams include overpriced taxi fares and unofficial ticket sellers near popular attractions. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized transportation services helps ensure a safer visit.
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 New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
Most New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA buses use the New Orleans, LA to station pair. Use this guide to compare New Orleans, LA and Lake Charles, LA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in New Orleans
Arrival bus stations in Lake Charles
Which New Orleans, LA station do buses to Lake Charles, LA leave from?
Buses from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA leave from New Orleans, LA. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from New Orleans, LA city centre at New Orleans Bus Station, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA.
New Orleans, LANew Orleans Bus Station, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to New Orleans, LA from New Orleans city centre
New Orleans, LA is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
New Orleans, LA bus station facilities and services
New Orleans, LA has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at New Orleans, LA. ATMs are available at New Orleans, LA.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at New Orleans, LA.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at New Orleans, LA: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at New Orleans, LA: Station is wheelchair accessible.
More options for your journey from New Orleans, LA to Lake Charles, LA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA
Most popular bus connections to Lake Charles, LA
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