How far is Fort Smith, AR from Ward, AR?
The driving distance from Fort Smith, AR to Ward, AR is about 156.4 miles (251.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.4 miles (225.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 52m 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 56m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Smith and Ward.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith and Ward.
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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
6.5 mi · 8 min · Vilonia Bypass
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 107
1142 ft · 30 sec · State Highway 107
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11
Turn left onto State Highway 319
14.8 mi · 26 min · State Highway 319
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12
Keep slight right to continue on Moore Street
1002 ft · 27 sec · Moore Street
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13
Turn left onto 2nd Street
13 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Smith and Ward.
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
119 mi · 01h 59m
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 Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Ward.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Smith to Ward?
The road trip is about 156.4 miles (251.7 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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 78.1 miles from Fort Smith and 78.4 miles from Ward.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.4 miles (225.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16 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 12:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.90 one way or $41.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Smith and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny near Ward.
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 Ward. Straight-line distance: 140.37 mi (225.9 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 Ward
Township in Lonoke County, Arkansas
| Population | 5,486 |
| Coordinates | 35.0303600, -91.9504200 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ward (-91.95042, 35.03036)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.90 | $41.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.51 | $47.02 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.53 | $51.06 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $29.89 | $59.78 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.