How far is Fort Smith, AR from North Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to North Little Rock, AR is about 154.3 miles (248.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.8 miles (205.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 30m 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 15m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and North Little Rock.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and North Little Rock.
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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
145.4 mi · 2 hr 26 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
980 ft · 23 sec
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6
Turn slight right
28 m · 4 sec
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7
Turn slight right onto North Main Street
1.1 km · 1 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 North Little Rock.
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
145 mi · 02h 26m
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.
Sunny leaving Fort Smith and Sunny near North Little Rock.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to North Little Rock?
The road trip is about 154.3 miles (248.4 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
London is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.1 miles from Fort Smith and 77.2 miles from North Little Rock.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.8 miles (205.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.64 one way or $41.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Smith and Sunny near North Little Rock.
Stop Ideas Near London
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 London.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and North Little Rock. Straight-line distance: 127.82 mi (205.71 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 North Little Rock
The most populous city in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
| Population | 66,276 |
| Coordinates | 34.7695400, -92.2670900 |
| Altitude | 81 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Main Street (-92.267166, 34.769542)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 248 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.64 | $41.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.21 | $46.42 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.21 | $50.41 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $29.51 | $59.02 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.