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Trip from Bull Shoals, AR to Jonesboro, AR

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

Drive Time

3h 9m

Distance

141.9 mi

228 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 58m ★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m

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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Downtown Bull Shoals, AR, AR

Bull Shoals, AR

Connor Scott McManus

Trip Overview

This 141.9-mile drive from Bull Shoals, Arkansas, to Jonesboro, Arkansas, is best suited as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes. You'll primarily be on US 62 and US 63, with a short section on T & C Boulevard, making for an 84% highway experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $22. Given its manageable length and highway focus, this route is straightforward for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and stops. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region of Arkansas, offering a consistent regional feel throughout your travels.

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

70.9 miles from Bull Shoals, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 9m. Total distance: 141.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 141.9-mile journey, with 84% of the route utilizing major roadways. The bulk of your time will be spent on US 62, including one uninterrupted stretch of 94.9 miles. This means you'll experience consistent speeds and a relatively direct path. While primarily highway, be aware that portions of US 62 and US 63 might transition between multi-lane and potentially more local road characteristics as you approach towns. The overall feel is one of efficient travel across Arkansas.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 62 is the longest continuous segment at about 94.9 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

942 ft 259 ft

Total Climb

582 ft

Total Descent

1,060 ft

Highest Point

942 ft

~30.4 mi in

Elevation Range

683 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 62 and US 63. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near AR 178 / Central Boulevard.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 9m 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 178 / Central Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 9.3 miles (AR 5): Navigation decision point; at 68.4 miles (US 62; US 412 / T & C Boulevard): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | AR 178 / Central Boulevard

Turn left onto AR 178 / Central Boulevard

Navigation decision point

4
9.3 mi into trip | ~16m in | AR 5

At end of road, turn right onto AR 5

Navigation decision point

4
68.4 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | US 62; US 412 / T & C Boulevard

At end of road, turn left onto US 62; US 412 / T & C Boulevard

Navigation decision point

5
138.8 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
138.9 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in | West Washington Avenue

Turn left onto West Washington Avenue

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 62 94.9 mi 1h 58m
US 63 12 mi 14m
T & C Boulevard 10.1 mi 11m
Bull Shoals Dam Boulevard 8.6 mi 15m
AR 5 6.2 mi 10m
US 62B 3.1 mi 4m
US 63 BUS 3 mi 5m
West Washington Avenue 2.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: US 62 — 94.9 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Broadway Avenue

36 ft · 6 sec · Broadway Avenue
2

Turn left onto AR 178

0.7 mi · 1 min · Central Boulevard
3

Continue on AR 178

8.6 mi · 15 min · Bull Shoals Dam Boulevard
4

At end of road, turn right onto AR 5

6.2 mi · 10 min · AR 5
5

Turn left onto US 62B

3.1 mi · 4 min · US 62B
6

Continue on US 62; US 412

50 mi · 56 min · US 62; US 412
7

At end of road, turn left onto US 62; US 412

10 mi · 11 min · T & C Boulevard
8

Turn right onto US 63 BUS

3.0 mi · 5 min · US 63 BUS
9

Continue on US 62; US 63; US 412

45 mi · 1 hr 2 min · US 62; US 63; US 412
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on US 63; AR 228

12 mi · 14 min · US 63; AR 228
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
12

Keep slight left at fork

101 ft · 7 sec
13

Turn left onto West Washington Avenue

2.7 mi · 5 min · West Washington Avenue
14

Turn left onto South Main Street

0.3 mi · 29 sec · South Main Street
15

Turn right onto Cate Avenue

207 ft · 14 sec · Cate Avenue
16

Turn left

75 ft · 5 sec
17

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a drive time of just over 3 hours, this trip from Bull Shoals to Jonesboro offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart early to maximize your day or leave mid-morning to avoid rush hour. The longest stretch without a break is nearly 95 miles on US 62, so plan for a fuel stop and stretch break around the halfway point, especially considering the $22 fuel estimate. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spaced out on highway stretches. Since it's a single-day drive, you have the advantage of not needing to book overnight accommodations.

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 70.9 miles from Bull Shoals, AR, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.9 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 31 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 70.9 miles or 1h 31m 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 33m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jonesboro, 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 141.9 miles and 3h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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 94.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 70.9 mi from Bull Shoals, AR · 1h 31m into the drive

Downtown Ash Flat, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ash Flat, AR

71 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

Mountain Home, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Highland, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70.9 miles from Bull Shoals, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 62 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.9 miles.

Arriving in Jonesboro, AR

The final approach into Jonesboro, 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 Jonesboro, AR.

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

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.3

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+18704924420

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ash Flat, Arkansas

2 mi

Fred's Fish House

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mountain Home, Arkansas

2.3 mi

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.7

Salem, Arkansas

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+18708952226

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709357850

Visit website

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.3

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+18704924420

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.9

Ash Flat, Arkansas

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+18709943490

Visit website

Fred's Fish House

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 20.3

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18704925441

Visit website

Subway

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+18709728880

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709316433

Visit website

Chen's Garden

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.3

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18704246899

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 70.9

Ash Flat, Arkansas

+19499452000

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

+18668167584

Visit website

Craighead Forest Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 141.9

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18709334604

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.43 one way

$42.86 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $23.53 $47.05
premium $4.56 $25.47 $50.94
diesel $5.61 $31.33 $62.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.6 0 $14.90 $6.81
Efficient EV 35.5 0 $12.42 $5.68
EV Truck/SUV 56.8 0 $19.87 $9.08

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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

Morning in Bull Shoals on Saturday

Local time

7:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jonesboro, AR

Morning in Jonesboro on Saturday

Local time

7:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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 9m 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 Bull Shoals, AR to Jonesboro, AR covers 141.9 miles and takes about 3h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 62, US 63, T & C Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 70.9 miles from Bull Shoals, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.43 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 9m 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 178 / Central Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 9.3 miles (AR 5): Navigation decision point; at 68.4 miles (US 62; US 412 / T & C Boulevard): Navigation decision point.

The route from Bull Shoals, AR to Jonesboro, AR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 259 ft to 942 ft elevation with about 582 ft of total climbing.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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