How far is Fort Smith, AR from Van Buren, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Van Buren, AR is about 5.5 miles (8.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 4.5 miles (7.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 10m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Van Buren.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Van Buren.
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1
Start on Grand Avenue
1391 ft · 32 sec · Grand Avenue
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2
Turn right onto North Greenwood Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · North Greenwood Avenue
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3
Continue on North S Street
884 ft · 29 sec · North S Street
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4
Turn right onto Midland Boulevard
4.2 mi · 7 min · Midland Boulevard
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5
Turn left onto South 11th Street
39 m · 9 sec · South 11th Street
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6
Turn left onto East Main Street
3 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Van Buren.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Midland Boulevard
Turn right onto Midland Boulevard
4.2 mi · 00h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fort Smith and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Van Buren.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Van Buren?
The road trip is about 5.5 miles (8.8 km) and usually takes 00h 10m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Greenwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 2.7 miles from Fort Smith and 2.7 miles from Van Buren.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 4.5 miles (7.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.72 one way or $1.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Fort Smith and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Van Buren.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Van Buren. Straight-line distance: 4.51 mi (7.26 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 Van Buren
8th president of the United States (1782-1862)
| Population | 23,812 |
| Coordinates | 35.4367600, -94.3482700 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
End: Van Buren (-94.34827, 35.43676)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 9 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $0.72 | $1.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $0.81 | $1.62 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $0.88 | $1.76 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $1.03 | $2.06 |
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.