How far is Fort Smith, AR from Bull Shoals, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Bull Shoals, AR is about 174.4 miles (280.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 122.9 miles (197.8 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.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Bull Shoals.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Bull Shoals.
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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
4.6 mi · 5 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
1.2 km · 2 min
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6
Continue straight
40.3 mi · 40 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward AR 112, AR 265
2318 ft · 44 sec
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8
Turn slight right onto South Cato Springs Road
1092 ft · 23 sec · South Cato Springs Road
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9
Continue on South Razorback Road
1.4 km · 2 min · South Razorback Road
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10
Turn right onto West 15th Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · West 15th Street
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11
Continue on South Happy Hollow Road
1696 ft · 43 sec · South Happy Hollow Road
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12
Continue on East Huntsville Road
2594 ft · 1 min · East Huntsville Road
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13
Turn left onto South Crossover Road
2.4 mi · 4 min · South Crossover Road
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14
Turn right onto East Mission Boulevard
3.9 mi · 6 min · East Mission Boulevard
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15
Continue on West Bowen Boulevard
12.5 mi · 19 min · West Bowen Boulevard
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16
Turn straight
2638 ft · 53 sec
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17
Turn right
40.2 mi · 46 min
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18
Continue on Main Street
5.9 mi · 8 min · Main Street
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19
Keep slight left
774 ft · 23 sec
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20
Turn right
12.4 mi · 20 min
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21
Continue straight
27.9 mi · 32 min
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22
Turn left
10 mi · 18 min
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23
Turn left onto Broadway Avenue
11 m · 2 sec · Broadway Avenue
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broadway Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Bull Shoals.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 49 North
Continue straight
40.3 mi · 00h 40m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fort Smith and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Bull Shoals.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Bull Shoals?
The road trip is about 174.4 miles (280.7 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?
Huntsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.2 miles from Fort Smith and 87.2 miles from Bull Shoals.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.5 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 $23.33 one way or $46.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fort Smith and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Bull Shoals.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Bull Shoals. Straight-line distance: 122.88 mi (197.76 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 Bull Shoals
City in Arkansas, USA
| Population | 1,952 |
| Coordinates | 36.3839600, -92.5815500 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bull Shoals (-92.58155, 36.38396)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 281 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $23.33 | $46.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $26.24 | $52.47 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $28.49 | $56.98 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $33.36 | $66.71 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.