Trip from Bull Shoals, AR to Fort Smith, AR

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

174.7 mi

281 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 29m ★

6 AM

3h 42m

8 AM

4h 7m

10 AM

3h 51m

12 PM

3h 48m

3 PM

3h 52m

5 PM

4h 6m

8 PM

3h 35m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bull Shoals, AR

Connor Scott McManus

Trip Overview

The drive from Bull Shoals, AR to Fort Smith, AR covers 174.7 miles and takes about 3h 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 62, I 49, US 412 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 46.7 miles on US 62. At current regular gas prices, budget about $26.38 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

87.3 miles from Bull Shoals, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 62	46.7 mi	1h 1m
I 49	40.4 mi	40m
US 412	40.2 mi	46m
AR 45	16.4 mi	24m
Central Boulevard	10 mi	17m
US 71	6.5 mi	7m
I 40	4.3 mi	4m
East 15th Street	2.5 mi	5m

Longest stretch: US 62 — 46.7 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bull Shoals, AR and Fort Smith, AR.

Start on Broadway Avenue

36 ft · 3 sec · Broadway Avenue

Turn right onto AR 178

10.0 mi · 17 min · Central Boulevard

Turn right onto US 62; US 412

5.4 mi · 6 min · US 62; US 412

Turn right onto US 62; US 412

23 mi · 25 min · US 62; US 412

At end of road, turn right onto US 62; US 65; US 412

7.2 mi · 11 min · US 62; US 65; US 412

Take the exit onto US 62; US 65; US 412

5.0 mi · 7 min · US 62; US 65; US 412

Take the exit onto US 62; US 412

6.1 mi · 8 min · US 62; US 412

Continue on US 62; US 412

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 62; US 412

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn left onto US 412

40 mi · 46 min · US 412

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto US 412B

0.5 mi · 54 sec · US 412B

Turn slight left onto AR 45

16 mi · 24 min · AR 45

Turn left onto AR 265

2.3 mi · 3 min · North Crossover Road

Use the left lane.

Turn slight right

380 ft · 7 sec

Use the right lane.

Turn slight right onto AR 16

0.4 mi · 56 sec · East Huntsville Road

Use the right lane.

Continue on AR 16

0.3 mi · 41 sec · South Happy Hollow Road

Continue on AR 16

2.5 mi · 5 min · East 15th Street

Turn left onto South Razorback Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Razorback Road

Use the straight / left lanes.

Continue on AR 265

0.4 mi · 40 sec · South Cato Springs Road

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 19 sec

Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 49

40 mi · 40 min · I 49

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith

Merge onto I 40; US 71

4.3 mi · 4 min · I 40; US 71

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71

Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

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 87.3 miles from Bull Shoals, AR, or about 1h 54m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.7 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 38 miles or 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 87.3 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 3h 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Smith, AR than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Bull Shoals, 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 Bull Shoals, AR

This is one driving day of about 174.7 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Bull Shoals, 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 US 62 for about 46.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Harrison, AR

87 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.

Popular next leg

Harrison, AR to Fort Smith, AR

131.3 mi · 2h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Harrison, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Berryville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.3 miles from Bull Shoals, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

0.8 mi

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Smith, Arkansas

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Crossy Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 174.7

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14792858615

Visit website

Panini Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

2.6 mi

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Fork, Arkansas

3 mi

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Taste & See Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+14797557414

Gallegos La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.3

Huntsville, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14797382000

Visit website

Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.3

Huntsville, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14797381266

Visit website

Jamie's Local Flavor

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.9

Harrison, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18703650421

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Crossy Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14792858615

Visit website

Panini Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 174.7

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14797631047

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.8

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14792943041

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 37.9 and 161.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

37.9 mi into trip | ~49m in | US 62; US 65; US 412

At end of road, turn right onto US 62; US 65; US 412

Navigation decision point

56.7 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | US 412

Turn left onto US 412

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

113.9 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | AR 265 / North Crossover Road

Turn left onto AR 265 / North Crossover Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

119.5 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in | South Razorback Road

Turn left onto South Razorback Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

161.4 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.38 one way

$52.77 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$28.96	$57.93
premium	$4.56	$31.36	$62.71
diesel	$5.61	$38.57	$77.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.4	$18.34	$8.39
Efficient EV	43.7	$15.29	$6.99
EV Truck/SUV	69.9	$24.46	$11.18

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Bull Shoals, AR

Afternoon in Bull Shoals on Saturday

Local time

1:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Afternoon in Fort Smith on Saturday

Local time

1:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Harrison, AR

87 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 42m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

174.7 mi in 3h 42m, mostly highway — 46.7 mi of that is on US 62.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 46.7 mi on US 62.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 62 and I 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.9 miles in near US 62; US 65; US 412.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 174.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 37.9 miles (US 62; US 65; US 412): Navigation decision point; at 56.7 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here; at 113.9 miles (AR 265 / North Crossover Road): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Bull Shoals, AR

Full guide →

Bull Shoals is in the Ozarks region of Arkansas. Located on the shore of Bull Shoals Lake, it's a resort town with a lot to offer.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 42m. Total distance: 174.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 46.7 miles on US 62. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Fort Smith, AR before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Smith, AR, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Bull Shoals, AR or browse trips ending in Fort Smith, AR.

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Trip from Bull Shoals, AR to Fort Smith, AR

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

George's Restaurant

Crossy Coffee

George's Restaurant

Phở Việtnam

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

Taste & See Cafe

Gallegos La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant

Jamie's Local Flavor

Lewis' Family Restaurant

Crossy Coffee

Panini Cafe

West Fork Cafe

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bull Shoals, AR

Fort Smith, AR

Same local time

Very similar conditions

3h 42m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Bull Shoals, AR

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Fort Smith, AR

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