How far is Alma, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Alma, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 15.2 miles (24.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.8 miles (19 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 36m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 18m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
8th president of the United States (1782-1862)
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alma and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alma and Fort Smith.
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1
Start on Fayetteville Avenue
1006 ft · 31 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Fayetteville Avenue
1879 ft · 54 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
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3
Continue on US Highway 71 North
2388 ft · 47 sec · US Highway 71 North
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4
Turn left
5.5 mi · 6 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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7
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alma and Fort Smith.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 540 South
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.53 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Alma and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alma to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 15.2 miles (24.4 km) and usually takes 00h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Van Buren is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.6 miles from Alma and 7.6 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.8 miles (19 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.04 one way or $4.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Alma and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Smith.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alma and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 11.8 mi (18.99 km).
#1 Alma
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 5,887 |
| Coordinates | 35.4778700, -94.2218800 |
| Altitude | 132 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Smith
The second most populous city in Sebastian County, Arkansas.
| Population | 87,764 |
| Coordinates | 35.3859200, -94.3985500 |
| Altitude | 134 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grand Avenue (-94.39855, 35.385923)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 24 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $2.04 | $4.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $2.30 | $4.60 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $2.50 | $5.00 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $2.92 | $5.85 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Arkansas · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.