How far is Fort Smith, AR from Salem, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Salem, AR is about 216.7 miles (348.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.4 miles (256.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 48m 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 04h 24m.
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.
Town 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 Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Salem.
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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
31.1 mi · 35 min
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22
Continue straight
16.1 mi · 19 min
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23
Take the exit slight right
32.8 mi · 37 min
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24
Turn left onto South Main Street
1250 ft · 25 sec · South Main Street
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25
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 Salem.
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 Salem.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Salem?
The road trip is about 216.7 miles (348.7 km) and usually takes 04h 24m 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?
Alpena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 108.3 miles from Fort Smith and 108.4 miles from Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.4 miles (256.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.97 one way or $57.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68 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 Salem.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Salem. Straight-line distance: 159.46 mi (256.63 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 Salem
City in Arkansas, United States
| Population | 1,655 |
| Coordinates | 36.3711800, -91.8226500 |
| Altitude | 202 |
| Country | United States |
End: Salem (-91.82265, 36.37118)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 349 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $28.97 | $57.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $32.58 | $65.16 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $35.38 | $70.76 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $41.42 | $82.85 |
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.