How far is Fort Smith, AR from Walnut Ridge, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Walnut Ridge, AR is about 257.6 miles (414.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 198.8 miles (319.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 13m 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 36m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
The most populous city in Faulkner County, Arkansas.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Walnut Ridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Walnut Ridge.
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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
119.2 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 64
1242 ft · 30 sec
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6
Keep slight left
65 m · 8 sec
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7
Turn left onto East Oak Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · East Oak Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 64
5.4 mi · 7 min · State Highway 64
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9
Continue on Vilonia Bypass
25.9 mi · 32 min · Vilonia Bypass
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10
Take the exit slight left
94.7 mi · 1 hr 39 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 412: Paragould, Walnut Ridge
2734 ft · 1 min
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12
Turn left
1.7 mi · 2 min
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Walnut Ridge.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 40 East
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
119 mi · 01h 59m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny near Walnut Ridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Walnut Ridge?
The road trip is about 257.6 miles (414.5 km) and usually takes 04h 36m 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?
Conway is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128.7 miles from Fort Smith and 128.9 miles from Walnut Ridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 198.8 miles (319.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.8 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 7:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.42 one way or $68.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Fort Smith and Mostly Sunny near Walnut Ridge.
Stop Ideas Near Conway
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 Conway.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Smith and Walnut Ridge. Straight-line distance: 198.76 mi (319.87 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 Walnut Ridge
City in Arkansas
| Population | 4,673 |
| Coordinates | 36.0684000, -90.9559500 |
| Altitude | 82 |
| Country | United States |
End: Walnut Ridge (-90.95595, 36.0684)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 415 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $34.42 | $68.85 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $38.71 | $77.43 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $42.04 | $84.08 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $49.22 | $98.44 |
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.