How far is Carlisle, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Carlisle, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 185 miles (297.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.6 miles (250.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 51m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carlisle and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carlisle and Fort Smith.
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1
Start on North Court Avenue
909 ft · 30 sec · North Court Avenue
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto West 4th Street
111 m · 12 sec · West 4th Street
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3
Turn right onto North Williams Avenue
2000 ft · 55 sec · North Williams Avenue
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4
Continue on West 10th Street
945 ft · 28 sec · West 10th Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Bobby L Glover Highway
3132 ft · 1 min · Bobby L Glover Highway
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6
Continue on State Highway 13
825 ft · 20 sec · State Highway 13
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7
Take the ramp left
1558 ft · 38 sec
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8
Merge slight left
174.4 mi · 2 hr 57 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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11
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carlisle and Fort Smith.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
State Highway 13
Merge slight left
174 mi · 02h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Carlisle and Sunny near Fort Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carlisle to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 185 miles (297.8 km) and usually takes 02h 51m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92.3 miles from Carlisle and 92.7 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.6 miles (250.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.73 one way or $49.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carlisle and Sunny near Fort Smith.
Stop Ideas Near Atkins
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Atkins.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carlisle and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 155.62 mi (250.44 km).
#1 Carlisle
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 2,154 |
| Coordinates | 34.7831500, -91.7465200 |
| Altitude | 70 |
| 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: 298 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.73 | $49.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.81 | $55.62 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.20 | $60.40 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $35.36 | $70.72 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.