How far is Fort Smith, AR from Kentucky, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Kentucky, AR is about 160.3 miles (257.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112 miles (180.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Pope County, Arkansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Kentucky.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Kentucky.
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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
139.8 mi · 2 hr 20 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 430: Texarkana
2643 ft · 41 sec
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6
Continue straight
12.3 mi · 14 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 30 West: Texarkana
12.1 mi · 13 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward AR 5, AR 35: Benton
680 ft · 13 sec
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9
Turn straight onto I-30 Frontage Road
1962 ft · 37 sec · I-30 Frontage Road
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10
Turn slight right onto Old Hot Springs Highway
979 ft · 20 sec · Old Hot Springs Highway
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11
Continue on Old Hot Springs Highway
5.5 mi · 10 min · Old Hot Springs Highway
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Old Hot Springs Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Kentucky.
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
140 mi · 02h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Fort Smith and Sunny near Kentucky.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Kentucky?
The road trip is about 160.3 miles (257.9 km) and usually takes 02h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Pottsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.4 miles from Fort Smith and 70.9 miles from Kentucky.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112 miles (180.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.34 one way or $44.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Fort Smith and Sunny near Kentucky.
Stop Ideas Near Pottsville
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 Pottsville.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Kentucky. Straight-line distance: 112.05 mi (180.32 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 Kentucky
Kentucky is a place in Arkansas, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 34.6084300, -92.6612700 |
| Altitude | 105 |
| Country | United States |
End: Old Hot Springs Highway (-92.661303, 34.608261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $22.34 | $44.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.44 | $25.14 | $50.27 |
| Premium | $4.83 | $27.31 | $54.62 |
| Diesel | $5.92 | $33.50 | $66.99 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026