How far is Forrest City, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Forrest City, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 243 miles (391 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 205.4 miles (330.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 23m 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 41m.
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.
Human settlement in Conway County, Arkansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forrest City and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forrest City and Fort Smith.
-
1
Start on North Division
9 m · 7 sec · North Division
-
2
Turn left onto West Broadway Avenue
1449 ft · 32 sec · West Broadway Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto North Washington Street
2 mi · 3 min · North Washington Street
-
4
Take the ramp slight right
1265 ft · 31 sec
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5
Merge slight left
233 mi · 3 hr 56 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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8
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forrest City 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.
North Washington Street
Merge slight left
233 mi · 03h 56m
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 leaving Forrest City and Mostly Cloudy near Fort Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forrest City to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 243 miles (391 km) and usually takes 03h 41m 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?
Menifee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 121.9 miles from Forrest City and 121 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 205.4 miles (330.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.6 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 9:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.45 one way or $64.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Forrest City and Mostly Cloudy near Fort Smith.
Stop Ideas Near Menifee
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 Menifee.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forrest City and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 205.41 mi (330.57 km).
#1 Forrest City
City in St.
| Population | 13,820 |
| Coordinates | 35.0081500, -90.7898300 |
| Altitude | 77 |
| 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: 391 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $32.45 | $64.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $36.50 | $73.00 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $39.64 | $79.27 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $46.41 | $92.81 |
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.