How far is Chester, AR from Van Buren, AR?
The driving distance from Chester, AR to Van Buren, AR is about 22.6 miles (36.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 46m 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 23m.
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.
Human settlement in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chester and Van Buren.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chester and Van Buren.
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1
Start on East Central Avenue
50 m · 9 sec · East Central Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Turner
111 m · 21 sec · Turner
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3
Turn left onto East Front Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · East Front Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left
1104 ft · 27 sec
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5
Merge slight left
14 mi · 14 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith
1596 ft · 25 sec
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7
Merge slight left
4.3 mi · 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
1.4 km · 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 64 West: Van Buren
2159 ft · 52 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Alma Highway
1.6 km · 2 min · Alma Highway
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11
Continue on Main Street
3207 ft · 58 sec · Main Street
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12
Continue on East Main Street
60 m · 4 sec · East Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chester and Van Buren.
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.
East Front Avenue
Merge slight left
14 mi · 00h 14m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Chester and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Van Buren.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chester to Van Buren?
The road trip is about 22.6 miles (36.3 km) and usually takes 00h 23m 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?
Rudy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.2 miles from Chester and 11.3 miles from Van Buren.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.2 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 7:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.03 one way or $6.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Chester and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Van Buren.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chester and Van Buren. Straight-line distance: 19.47 mi (31.34 km).
#1 Chester
City in Arkansas
| Population | 159 |
| Coordinates | 35.6809200, -94.1752100 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Van Buren
8th president of the United States (1782-1862)
| Population | 23,812 |
| Coordinates | 35.4367600, -94.3482700 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Main Street (-94.348234, 35.436756)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 36 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $3.03 | $6.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $3.41 | $6.81 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $3.70 | $7.40 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $4.33 | $8.66 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.