How far is Van Buren, AR from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance from Van Buren, AR to Little Rock, AR is about 153.2 miles (246.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.8 miles (202.4 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 Arkansas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Van Buren and Little Rock.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Van Buren and Little Rock.
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1
Start on East Main Street
1 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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2
Continue on Alma Highway
1.5 km · 1 min · Alma Highway
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3
Continue on Alma Highway
1524 ft · 26 sec · Alma Highway
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 540 North: Oklahoma City, Little Rock
1145 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight left
2030 ft · 27 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
144.6 mi · 2 hr 25 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward AR 365
911 ft · 22 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Mac Arthur Drive
2043 ft · 37 sec · Mac Arthur Drive
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9
Continue on Pike Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Pike Avenue
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward West Broadway Street
88 m · 5 sec · West Broadway Street
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11
Exit the roundabout onto West Broadway Street
2262 ft · 49 sec · West Broadway Street
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12
Turn right onto Broadway Bridge
2506 ft · 42 sec · Broadway Bridge
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13
Continue on Broadway Street
1089 ft · 24 sec · Broadway Street
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14
Turn right onto West 3rd Street
1.3 km · 2 min · West 3rd Street
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15
Turn left onto State Capitol
96 m · 14 sec · State Capitol
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16
Continue on State Capitol
134 m · 20 sec · State Capitol
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17
Continue on State Capitol
126 m · 26 sec · State Capitol
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18
Turn sharp left
79 m · 19 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Van Buren and Little Rock.
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
145 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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Van Buren and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Little Rock.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Van Buren to Little Rock?
The road trip is about 153.2 miles (246.6 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?
Russellville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.6 miles from Van Buren and 77.7 miles from Little Rock.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.8 miles (202.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.4 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 $20.49 one way or $40.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Van Buren and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Little Rock.
Stop Ideas Near Russellville
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 Russellville.
Little Rock Union Station
Malvern station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Van Buren and Little Rock. Straight-line distance: 125.78 mi (202.42 km).
#1 Van Buren
8th president of the United States (1782-1862)
| Population | 23,812 |
| Coordinates | 35.4367600, -94.3482700 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Little Rock
The capital of Arkansas.
| Population | 197,866 |
| Coordinates | 34.7464800, -92.2895900 |
| Altitude | 102 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-92.289581, 34.74648)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.49 | $40.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.02 | $50.04 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $29.30 | $58.59 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.