How far is Little Rock, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Little Rock, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 159.5 miles (256.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.2 miles (204.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m 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 22m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Little Rock and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Little Rock and Fort Smith.
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1
Start on the route
117 m · 36 sec
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2
Turn sharp left onto State Capitol
110 m · 17 sec · State Capitol
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3
Continue on State Capitol
528 ft · 24 sec · State Capitol
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4
Turn left onto Capitol Mall
35 m · 7 sec · Capitol Mall
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5
Turn right onto State Capitol
118 m · 22 sec · State Capitol
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6
Turn left onto West 7th Street
1.2 km · 2 min · West 7th Street
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7
Turn left onto Broadway Street
2550 ft · 53 sec · Broadway Street
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8
Continue on Broadway Bridge
2506 ft · 49 sec · Broadway Bridge
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9
Turn left onto West Broadway Street
2288 ft · 47 sec · West Broadway Street
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Pike Avenue
7 m · 1 sec · Pike Avenue
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11
Exit the roundabout onto Pike Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Pike Avenue
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12
Continue on Mac Arthur Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Mac Arthur Drive
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13
Take the ramp left
1253 ft · 31 sec
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14
Merge slight left
143.9 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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17
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Little Rock and Fort Smith.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Mac Arthur Drive
Merge slight left
144 mi · 02h 25m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Little Rock and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Little Rock to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 159.5 miles (256.7 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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 78.6 miles from Little Rock and 80.9 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.2 miles (204.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.32 one way or $42.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Little Rock and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Fort Smith.
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 Little Rock and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 127.18 mi (204.68 km).
#1 Little Rock
The capital of Arkansas.
| Population | 197,866 |
| Coordinates | 34.7464800, -92.2895900 |
| Altitude | 102 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Fort Smith
The second most populous city in Sebastian County, Arkansas.
| Population | 87,764 |
| Coordinates | 35.3859200, -94.3985500 |
| Altitude | 134 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grand Avenue (-94.39855, 35.385923)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.32 | $42.64 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.98 | $47.96 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.04 | $52.08 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.49 | $60.97 |
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.