Louisiana · US City · Shreveport, LA

Shreveport (Shreveport, LA) Travel Guide & City Profile

Everything you need to know about Shreveport (Shreveport, LA), a us city of 187,593 people in Louisiana, United States — elevation (44 m (144 ft)), airport & Amtrak access, regional American food, and nearby towns.

Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Shreveport (Caddo Parish, Louisiana; pop. 187,593) sits at 44 m (144 ft) elevation near Long-Allen Bridge, with regional transit access via Shreveport Downtown Airport (1.7 km). Visitors pair Shreveport landmarks with signature Louisiana specialties including Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya and Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish.

Within Louisiana, Shreveport (Shreveport, LA) serves as a us city in louisiana. Travelers exploring Louisiana often combine a stop in Shreveport with state highlights such as New Orleans French Quarter, Garden District & Frenchmen Street Jazz, Cajun Country bayous (Lafayette), Oak Alley & Laura Plantations, and Atchafalaya Basin.

StateLouisiana
County / StatusUS City
Population187,593
Elevation44 m (144 ft)
FactDetails for Shreveport (Shreveport, LA)
City & StateShreveport, LA
County & RoleUS City in Louisiana
State & Major HubsLouisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge & Lafayette)
Population187,593 residents
Elevation44 m (144 ft) above sea level
Nearest Airport / Transit HubShreveport Downtown Airport (1.7 km)
Coordinates32.5251°N, 93.7502°W

Getting to Shreveport & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Shreveport Downtown Airport (1.7 km)): Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak & historic RTA streetcars), and I-10.

  • Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
  • Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport & Amtrak Sunset Limited / City of New Orleans? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
  • Driving & National Parks: If your route from Shreveport includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.

What Locals Eat in Shreveport (Louisiana)

1. Signature Regional Dish

In Shreveport (Caddo Parish, Louisiana), local tables feature: Signature Louisiana dishes—Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya, Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish, and Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread.

2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)

Around Shreveport and across Louisiana, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Louisiana: Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.

3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce

At farmers markets and specialty shops in Shreveport (Louisiana), look for: Local specialties across Louisiana: Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.

4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)

Classic Louisiana dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Shreveport (pop. 187,593), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Caddo Parish offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.

GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities

  • Elevation: 44 m (144 ft) above sea level
  • Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Shreveport Downtown Airport (1.7 km)
  • Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Long-Allen Bridge (1.0 km) · Highland Historic District (3.9 km) · Fairfield Historic District (4.3 km) · Anderson Island Park (5.5 km) · Louisiana State Museum-Shreveport (6.0 km)
  • Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Dorian Terrace, Glendale, Green Acres, Lakeside Acres, Southern Terrace

5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns

Regional Specialties Across Louisiana

  • Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
  • Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
  • Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
  • Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
  • Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz — a signature specialty across Louisiana.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.

Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Shreveport

Best time to visit Louisiana: Oct–May (Feb–Apr for Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest).

  • Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Shreveport exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
  • Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Shreveport; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
  • Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Shreveport (Shreveport, LA) located in the United States?

Shreveport (Shreveport, LA) is a us city in Louisiana, United States (coordinates: 32.5251°N, 93.7502°W, elevation: 44 m (144 ft)). It has a population of approximately 187,593.

How do I get to Shreveport by plane, Amtrak, or car?

Most visitors reach Shreveport via Shreveport Downtown Airport (1.7 km). Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak & historic RTA streetcars), and I-10. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).

What local food is Shreveport and Louisiana known for?

In Shreveport and across Louisiana, signature regional dishes include Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya, Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish, Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread, as well as Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster and Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).

When is the best time of year to visit Shreveport?

Best time to visit Louisiana: Oct–May (Feb–Apr for Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: