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San Antonio, TX, USA to Lake Charles, LA, USA from $14: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Antonio, United States of America
to
Lake Charles, United States of America

How to Get from San Antonio to Lake Charles: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$14 by trainBest price
521 kmDistance
4h 33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Antonio to Lake Charles with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  33m
Estimated price
$172-564
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
9h  4m
Estimated price
$14-140
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 521 km
Duration: 4h 33m

See more options

Company
Greyhound, FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  55m
Estimated price
$47-151
Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
5h  52m
Estimated price
$252-464
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
6h  43m
Estimated price
$265-320
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  25m
Estimated price
$1720-1721

Traveling From San Antonio to Lake Charles

Journeying from San Antonio to Lake Charles offers a vibrant blend of San Antonio's rich cultural tapestry against the backdrop of Lake Charles' serene lakes and outdoor adventures.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lake Charles

Lake Charles boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Historic Downtown
• Charming architecture and vibrant local art scene.
• Home to eclectic shops and restaurants.
The Country Club Estates
• Offers scenic views of the golf course.
• Features upscale homes and tranquil surroundings.
Prien Lake Park
• Ideal for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Beautiful walking trails along the waterfront.

Best Times To Visit Lake Charles's Attractions

Timing can significantly enhance your experience at Lake Charles' attractions.

L'Auberge Casino Resort
Visit mid-week for quieter gaming floors and relaxed dining options.
Lake Charles Museum of Natural History
Early mornings are ideal to explore exhibits without crowds.
Creole Nature Trail
Fall brings cooler weather and fewer tourists for a peaceful hike.

Lake Charles Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lake Charles enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters that can greatly influence your travel plans. The ideal times to visit are during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities and festivals.

Dining Recommendation in Lake Charles

Try the crawfish etouffee at Sweets & Treats, where the rich, savory flavors of Cajun cuisine stand in contrast to the Tex-Mex staples of San Antonio. The vibrant atmosphere and use of locally sourced seafood create a dining experience that highlights the unique culinary heritage of Southwest Louisiana.

San Antonio - Lake Charles operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Antonio and Lake Charles, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Antonio (SAT) to Lake Charles (LCH)

Average Duration
4h 12m
Estimated price
$1724-17200

Plane from San Antonio (SAT) to Lafayette (LFT)

Average Duration
4h 8m
Estimated price
$1725-1727
Website
united.com

Plane from San Antonio (SAT) to Lake Charles (LCH)

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
$1724-1726

Plane from San Antonio (SAT) to Lafayette (LFT)

Average Duration
3h 19m
Estimated price
$1725-1729
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Antonio Amtrak Station to Lake Charles

Average Duration
9h 4m
Estimated price
$14-140
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Antonio Bus Station to Austin Eastside Bus Plaza

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$5648-5647

Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to Lake Charles/Iowa

Average Duration
6h 15m
Estimated price
$5644-56495
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Antonio Bus Station to Austin Eastside Bus Plaza

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$5649-1723

Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to Lake Charles/Iowa

Average Duration
6h 15m
Estimated price
$5644-56495
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-337-534-0188

Other from Lafayette to Lake Charles

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$140-141
Drive

Drive from San Antonio to Lake Charles

Average Duration
5h 25m
Estimated price
$1720-1721

San Antonio to Lake Charles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Antonio and Lake Charles offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from San Antonio to Lake Charles, covering a distance of 341 miles. Enjoy the journey through the diverse landscapes of Texas and Louisiana. 💰 Explore budget-friendly options with prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the drive from San Antonio to Lake Charles. Plan ahead to find the best deals and save on transportation costs. 🌊 Arrive in Lake Charles after approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes of driving, ready to discover the charming city nestled along the shores of the Calcasieu River. Unwind, relax, and soak in the Southern hospitality of this Louisiana gem.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Antonio to Lake Charles. Depart from San Antonio Amtrak Station and arrive at Lake Charles, with services operating on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The approximately 9-hour trip offers a relaxing way to travel between these two charming cities. 🌅 As you make your way towards Lake Charles, enjoy the picturesque landscapes and comfortable amenities onboard the Amtrak train. With a distance of 354 miles to cover, sit back, relax, and take in the sights as you head towards your destination. The Sunset Limited train route provides a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. 💸 Ticket prices for the San Antonio to Lake Charles train journey range from $14 to $140, offering options to suit different budgets. Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, the train trip offers a convenient and enjoyable way to reach Lake Charles from San Antonio.
Departure Point
San Antonio Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Lake Charles station
🛫 Flying from San Antonio to Lake Charles requires a connecting flight since there are no direct flights available. The quickest route typically involves a stopover, making the total journey around 3 hours and 1 minute. 🌴 United Airlines and American Airlines are the main carriers offering flights from San Antonio Airport to Lake Charles Airport. The total travel time from San Antonio to Lake Charles by plane is approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Lake Charles and San Antonio can vary, ranging from $172 to $564.
Departure Point
San Antonio Airport
Arrival Point
Lake Charles Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 1m and has one stopover
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from San Antonio to Lake Charles by bus, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through the beautiful landscapes of Texas and Louisiana. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Lake Charles and San Antonio range from $47 to $151, offering budget-friendly options for travelers exploring the route. Compare fares and choose a comfortable bus service that suits your preferences and budget.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Antonio to Lake Charles.

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The distance between San Antonio and Lake Charles is approximately 324 miles by driving. The typical travel time by driving is around 5 hours and 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can also travel by train, which takes about 9 hours and 4 minutes, or take a bus, which takes around 7 hours and 10 minutes. If you prefer to fly, the travel time by plane is approximately 4 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Antonio to Lake Charles is by train, with fares ranging from $14 to $140. Although it takes 9 hours and 4 minutes, it is a more affordable choice. If time is a priority, the quickest way is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 48 minutes, but the cost ranges from $160 to $600. Therefore, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on individual preferences and priorities.
The prices of train tickets between San Antonio and Lake Charles can range from $14 to $140, depending on factors such as the class of service and availability. On the other hand, bus prices for the route between Lake Charles and San Antonio can vary from $40 to $103. It is advisable to check with the respective transportation providers for the most up-to-date prices and any available discounts or promotions.
To get from San Antonio to Lake Charles without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance is approximately 341 miles and it takes about 5 hours and 25 minutes to drive there. The cost of getting from San Antonio to Lake Charles by car can vary between $60 to $90, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Antonio to Lake Charles without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey typically takes around 7 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $40 to $110. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 9 hours and 4 minutes and costs between $14 to $140. If you prefer a quicker option, you can fly, which takes about 4 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $160 to $600.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Antonio and Lake Charles. The train service operates three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a journey time of approximately 9 hours and 4 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Travelers would need to take a bus from San Antonio to Houston and then transfer to another bus to Lake Charles, with a total travel time of about 7 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight between San Antonio and Lake Charles typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes with one stopover. However, please note that there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The cost of a flight between Lake Charles and San Antonio can vary, with prices ranging from $162 to $564. It is recommended to check with different airlines and booking platforms for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Lake Charles. With over 103 hotels available, visitors have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $69 for a night's stay, making it accessible for various travelers. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Trips from San Antonio

Trips to Lake Charles