Houston, United States → New Orleans, United States · ✈ 1h 8min · 🚗 8h 18min
276 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Houston to New Orleans is 511 km (318 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Houston, United States to New Orleans, United States is approximately 511 kilometers (318 miles or 276 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
New Orleans is located east of Houston. Houston is in North America, in the South region of United States, while New Orleans is in North America, in South, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 511 km | ~1h 8min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~664 km | ~8h 18min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~613 km | ~5h 7min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Houston to New Orleans. For 511 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 664 km, fuel costs for driving from Houston to New Orleans are approximately $53–$100 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Houston sits at 29.7604°N, 95.3698°W, while New Orleans is located at 29.9511°N, 90.0715°W. The initial compass bearing from Houston to New Orleans is 86° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Houston heading roughly E. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.19° and the longitude difference is 5.30°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Houston and New Orleans is approximately 29.8822°N, 92.7232°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 256 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Houston and New Orleans share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Houston is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 2,320,268. Located in the South region, it is an important hub in North America. Houston is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Houston
New Orleans is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 383,997. Situated in the South region, it serves as a key destination in North America. New Orleans is a popular destination in the South region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
511 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 511 km, the Houston-New Orleans route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Houston to New Orleans is approximately 511 kilometers (318 miles, 276 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 18min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
New Orleans is approximately Same timezone compared to Houston.
The estimated road distance is approximately 664 km, which is about 30% longer than the 511 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.