How far is Des Arc, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Des Arc, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 189.1 miles (304.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 166.3 miles (267.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m 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 10m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Arc and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Arc and Fort Smith.
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1
Start on North 3rd
11 m · 4 sec · North 3rd
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
722 ft · 22 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn right onto North 5th Street
1545 ft · 48 sec · North 5th Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left
3.8 mi · 6 min
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5
Turn right
10.2 mi · 15 min
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6
Turn right onto State Highway 13
5.8 mi · 10 min · State Highway 13
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7
Continue on Cypress Lake Road
4.3 mi · 8 min · Cypress Lake Road
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto State Highway 31
1.6 mi · 3 min · State Highway 31
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9
Continue on South Main Street
881 ft · 18 sec · South Main Street
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10
Continue on South Main Street
3040 ft · 1 min · South Main Street
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11
Turn left onto West Center Street
2.4 mi · 5 min · West Center Street
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12
Continue straight
32.5 mi · 42 min
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13
Take the exit straight
2355 ft · 57 sec
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14
Merge slight left
118.6 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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17
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Arc and Fort Smith.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Center Street
Merge slight left
119 mi · 01h 59m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Arc 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 Des Arc to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 189.1 miles (304.3 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Atkins is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.6 miles from Des Arc and 94.5 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 166.3 miles (267.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.8 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 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.26 one way or $50.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Arc and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 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 Des Arc and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 166.37 mi (267.75 km).
#1 Des Arc
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 1,567 |
| Coordinates | 34.9770400, -91.4951300 |
| Altitude | 61 |
| 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: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $25.26 | $50.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $28.41 | $56.82 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $30.85 | $61.70 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $36.12 | $72.24 |
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.