How far is Salem, AR from Fort Smith, AR?
The driving distance from Salem, AR to Fort Smith, AR is about 173.2 miles (278.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116.6 miles (187.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m 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 41m.
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
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Fort Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Fort Smith.
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1
Start on Salem Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · Salem Road
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2
Turn sharp left
1317 ft · 26 sec
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3
Continue straight
70 m · 10 sec
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4
Turn right onto Alcoa Road
2469 ft · 57 sec · Alcoa Road
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5
Turn sharp left
582 ft · 26 sec
-
6
Turn slight right onto I-30 Frontage Road
1.6 km · 2 min · I-30 Frontage Road
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7
Take the ramp slight left
699 ft · 17 sec
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8
Merge slight left
7 mi · 8 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 430 North, US 70: Fort Smith
13.1 mi · 15 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 West: Fort Smith, Oklahoma City
1.1 km · 49 sec
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11
Merge slight left
139.4 mi · 2 hr 19 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6.5 mi · 8 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue
1259 ft · 34 sec
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14
Turn right onto Grand Avenue
1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Grand Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem and Fort Smith.
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 West
Merge slight left
139 mi · 02h 19m
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 Salem and Mostly Sunny near Fort Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Fort Smith?
The road trip is about 173.2 miles (278.8 km) and usually takes 02h 41m 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?
Pottsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.4 miles from Salem and 86.8 miles from Fort Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.6 miles (187.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 56.6 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.12 one way or $48.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Salem and Mostly Sunny near Fort Smith.
Stop Ideas Near Pottsville
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 Pottsville.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salem and Fort Smith. Straight-line distance: 116.54 mi (187.55 km).
#1 Salem
Salem is a place in Arkansas, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 34.6289800, -92.5582200 |
| Altitude | 143 |
| 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: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $24.12 | $48.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.44 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
| Premium | $4.83 | $29.48 | $58.96 |
| Diesel | $5.92 | $36.16 | $72.32 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026