How far is Bull Shoals, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Bull Shoals, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 180.2 miles (290 km), with a travel time of about 03h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in Arkansas, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bull Shoals and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bull Shoals and Fort Smith.
-
1
Start on Broadway Avenue
11 m · 4 sec · Broadway Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Central Boulevard
10 mi · 18 min · Central Boulevard
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3
Turn right
5.4 mi · 6 min
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4
Turn right
22.6 mi · 26 min
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5
At the end of the road, turn right
7.2 mi · 12 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
5 mi · 8 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
6.1 mi · 9 min
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8
Continue straight
2728 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn left
40.2 mi · 47 min
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10
Turn left
2724 ft · 54 sec
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11
Turn slight left
16.4 mi · 25 min
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12
Turn left onto North Crossover Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · North Crossover Road
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13
Turn slight right
116 m · 7 sec
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14
Turn slight right onto East Huntsville Road
2372 ft · 57 sec · East Huntsville Road
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15
Continue on South Happy Hollow Road
1696 ft · 41 sec · South Happy Hollow Road
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16
Continue on East 15th Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · East 15th Street
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17
Turn left onto South Razorback Road
1.4 km · 2 min · South Razorback Road
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18
Continue on South Cato Springs Road
1874 ft · 40 sec · South Cato Springs Road
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19
Take the ramp slight left
1618 ft · 20 sec
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20
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 40 min
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21
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith
1596 ft · 25 sec
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22
Merge slight left
4.3 mi · 4 min
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23
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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24
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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25
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bull Shoals and Fort Smith.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
South Cato Springs Road
Merge slight left
40.4 mi · 00h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Bull Shoals and 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 Bull Shoals to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 180.2 miles (290 km) and usually takes 03h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Huntsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.3 miles from Bull Shoals and 92.9 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.09 one way or $48.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Bull Shoals and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Smith.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bull Shoals and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 122.88 mi (197.76 km).
#1 Bull Shoals
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 1,952 |
| Coordinates | 36.3839600, -92.5815500 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| 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: 290 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.09 | $48.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.09 | $54.17 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $29.42 | $58.83 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $34.44 | $68.88 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.