Origin
Austin, AR
Evening in Austin on Sunday
Local time
6:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Austin, AR to Bentonville, AR
Drive Time
3h 35m
Distance
189.5 mi
305 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 23m
★
6 AM
3h 36m
8 AM
4h 1m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 42m
3 PM
3h 46m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bentonville, AR
Tima Miroshnichenko
Trip Overview
Traveling from Austin to Bentonville covers 189.5 miles across Arkansas, typically taking about 3 hours and 35 minutes of drive time. Because this journey is easily manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting approximately $29 for fuel should keep you covered for the entire trip. You will stay within the Southeast region for the duration of your travel, moving from the Austin area up toward the northwest corner of the state. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that works perfectly for a quick getaway or a necessary commute between these two Arkansas points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
94.7 miles from Austin, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed travel, as 98% of this route takes place on major highways. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating I-40, I-49, and State Highway 9, which keeps the flow consistent and efficient. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a 95.1-mile run on I-40, providing a significant block of time to settle into a steady cruising rhythm. While the interstate segments offer a fast-paced environment, the transition to smaller state routes adds a bit of variety to the experience. Overall, it is a functional, highway-focused drive designed to get you to your destination with minimal fuss.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 95.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 49. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near AR 9 / State Highway 9.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 35m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 167.1 miles (I 49; US 62; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.3 miles (US 62; AR 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
AR 9 / State Highway 9
Turn sharp right onto AR 9 / State Highway 9
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
6
167.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
|
I 49; US 62; US 71
Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
186.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
US 62; AR 12
Take the exit onto US 62; AR 12 toward US 62 East, AR 12 East, AR 102 West: Southeast 14th Street, Hudson Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 62 East, AR 12 East, AR 102 West: Sou...
6
186.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m in
|
AR 12; US 62 / Southeast 14th Street
Turn left onto AR 12; US 62 / Southeast 14th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
187.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m in
|
Southeast J Street
Turn right onto Southeast J Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 95.1 mi | 1h 35m |
| I 49 | 65.6 mi | 1h 8m |
| State Highway 9 | 24.9 mi | 43m |
| Southeast 14th Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Southeast J Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| East Central Avenue | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| US 62 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 95.1 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin, AR and Bentonville, AR.
1
Start on Austin Road
122 ft
·
12 sec
·
Austin Road
2
Turn sharp right onto AR 9
25 mi
·
43 min
·
State Highway 9
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 40 West
4
Merge onto I 40
95 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
I 40
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
6
Continue on I 49
46 mi
·
47 min
·
I 49
Use the none lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 49; US 62; US 71
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit onto US 62; AR 12
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 62; AR 12
Toward US 62 East, AR 12 East, AR 102 West: Southeast 14th Street, Hudson Road
9
Turn left onto AR 12; US 62
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast 14th Street
Use the none lane.
10
Turn right onto Southeast J Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast J Street
Use the none lane.
11
Turn left onto East Central Avenue
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
East Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto North Main Street
185 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Main Street
13
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Since the total trip duration is under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility when it comes to your departure time. Aim to complete your one planned stop somewhere near the midway point to break up the drive and stretch your legs. Keep in mind that the majority of your travel occurs on major interstates, so staying alert for traffic fluctuations is always a good practice. Since your fuel budget is approximately $29, filling your tank before you leave Austin will help you avoid unnecessary stops along the high-traffic interstate corridors. This route is efficient enough that you can easily make it in one go without feeling overly fatigued upon arrival.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 94.7 miles from Austin, AR, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.7 miles or 1h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bentonville, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Austin, AR so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Austin, AR
This is one driving day of about 189.5 miles and 3h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Austin, AR.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 95.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.7 mi from Austin, AR · 1h 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.7 miles from Austin, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.1 miles.
Arriving in Bentonville, AR
The final approach into Bentonville, AR usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Bentonville, AR.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.97 one way
$57.94 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $31.77 | $63.55 |
| premium | $4.61 | $34.39 | $68.79 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $42.10 | $84.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.9 | 0 | $19.90 | $9.10 |
| Efficient EV | 47.4 | 0 | $16.58 | $7.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.8 | 0 | $26.53 | $12.13 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Bentonville, AR
Evening in Bentonville on Sunday
Local time
6:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
76°F
Alma, AR
95 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 35m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Austin, AR to Bentonville, AR covers 189.5 miles and takes about 3h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 49, State Highway 9. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 94.7 miles from Austin, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 3h 35m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 167.1 miles (I 49; US 62; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 186.3 miles (US 62; AR 12): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Austin, AR to Bentonville, AR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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