How far is Fort Smith, AR from Alma, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Alma, AR is about 14.9 miles (24 km), with a travel time of about 00h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.8 miles (19 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 39m 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 19m.
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.
8th president of the United States (1782-1862)
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Alma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Alma.
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1
Start on Grand Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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2
Turn left onto I 540 North, US 71 North
1595 ft · 41 sec
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3
Merge slight left
5.7 mi · 7 min
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
5.7 mi · 6 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 71: Alma
1479 ft · 42 sec
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6
Turn right onto US Highway 71 North
1852 ft · 33 sec · US Highway 71 North
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7
Continue on Fayetteville Avenue
137 m · 12 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Fayetteville Avenue
1431 ft · 40 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
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9
Continue on Fayetteville Avenue
1006 ft · 28 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Alma.
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.
I 540 North
Merge slight left
5.74 mi · 00h 07m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Alma?
The road trip is about 14.9 miles (24 km) and usually takes 00h 19m 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?
Van Buren is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.5 miles from Fort Smith and 7.5 miles from Alma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.8 miles (19 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.1 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 7:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.01 one way or $4.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alma.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Alma. Straight-line distance: 11.8 mi (18.99 km).
#1 Fort Smith
The second most populous city in Sebastian County, Arkansas.
| Population | 87,764 |
| Coordinates | 35.3859200, -94.3985500 |
| Altitude | 134 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alma
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 5,887 |
| Coordinates | 35.4778700, -94.2218800 |
| Altitude | 132 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alma (-94.22188, 35.47787)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 24 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $2.01 | $4.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $2.26 | $4.51 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $2.45 | $4.90 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $2.87 | $5.74 |
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 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.