How far is Fort Smith, AR from Brinkley, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Brinkley, AR is about 217.9 miles (350.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 184.2 miles (296.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 31m 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 45m.
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, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then 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 Brinkley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Brinkley.
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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
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
147.4 mi · 2 hr 29 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Memphis
60.8 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 49, AR 17: Brinkley, Cotton Plant
1548 ft · 38 sec
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7
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Brinkley.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 40 East
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
147 mi · 02h 29m
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Brinkley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Brinkley?
The road trip is about 217.9 miles (350.6 km) and usually takes 03h 45m 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?
Morrilton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.8 miles from Fort Smith and 109.1 miles from Brinkley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 184.2 miles (296.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.7 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 9:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.12 one way or $58.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Brinkley.
Stop Ideas Near Morrilton
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 Morrilton.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Arkadelphia station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Brinkley. Straight-line distance: 184.27 mi (296.55 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 Brinkley
City in Monroe County, Arkansas, United States
| Population | 2,537 |
| Coordinates | 34.8878700, -91.1945700 |
| Altitude | 64 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brinkley (-91.19457, 34.88787)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 351 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $29.12 | $58.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $32.75 | $65.50 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $35.57 | $71.13 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $41.64 | $83.28 |
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.