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Trip from Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 32m

Distance

165.1 mi

266 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 20m ★
6 AM
3h 33m
8 AM
3h 57m
10 AM
3h 41m
12 PM
3h 39m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 56m
8 PM
3h 25m

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 Fairfield Bay, AR, AR

Fairfield Bay, AR

Kelly

Trip Overview

The drive from Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR covers 165.1 miles and takes about 3h 32m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 40, State Highway 9, AR 9 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 99.8 miles on I 40. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.93 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

82.6 miles from Fairfield Bay, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 6m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 165.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 3h 32m highway drive covering 165.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 40 and State Highway 9. The longest continuous stretch is about 99.8 miles on I 40.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 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 99.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and State Highway 9. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 7.6 miles in near AR 9; AR 16.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR is easy. At 3h 32m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles (AR 9; AR 16): Navigation decision point; at 17.2 miles (US 65; AR 9; AR 16): Navigation decision point; at 23 miles (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

5
7.6 mi into trip | ~15m in | AR 9; AR 16

At end of road, turn left onto AR 9; AR 16

Navigation decision point

5
17.2 mi into trip | ~32m in | US 65; AR 9; AR 16

At end of road, turn left onto US 65; AR 9; AR 16

Navigation decision point

4
23 mi into trip | ~41m in | AR 9 / State Highway 9

Turn right onto AR 9 / State Highway 9

Navigation decision point

5
156.4 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
5
163 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 99.8 mi 1h 39m
State Highway 9 33.3 mi 58m
AR 9 9.6 mi 16m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
US 65 5.8 mi 9m
AR 16 4.6 mi 8m
Dave Creek Parkway 3 mi 7m
Grand Avenue 1.9 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 99.8 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield Bay, AR and Fort Smith, AR.

1

Start on Dave Creek Parkway

3.0 mi · 7 min · Dave Creek Parkway
2

Turn left onto AR 16

4.6 mi · 8 min · AR 16
3

At end of road, turn left onto AR 9; AR 16

9.6 mi · 16 min · AR 9; AR 16
4

At end of road, turn left onto US 65; AR 9; AR 16

5.8 mi · 9 min · US 65; AR 9; AR 16
5

Turn right onto AR 9

33 mi · 58 min · State Highway 9
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 40 West
7

Merge onto I 40

100 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 40
8

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
10

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
11

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 82.6 miles from Fairfield Bay, AR, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.8 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 36 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.6 miles or 2h 6m 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 59m

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 Fairfield Bay, 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 Fairfield Bay, AR

This is one driving day of about 165.1 miles and 3h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Fairfield Bay, 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 99.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 82.6 mi from Fairfield Bay, AR · 2h 6m into the drive

Downtown Conway, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Conway, AR

83 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

Clinton, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Delaware, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.6 miles from Fairfield Bay, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.8 miles.

Arriving in Fort Smith, AR

The final approach into Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, 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

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 165.1

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

0.5 mi

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

0.8 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 165.1

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 82.6

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

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 165.1

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 165.1

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 82.6

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 106.1

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

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 165.1

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.93 one way

$49.87 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $27.37 $54.74
premium $4.56 $29.63 $59.27
diesel $5.61 $36.45 $72.90

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.5 0 $17.34 $7.92
Efficient EV 41.3 0 $14.45 $6.60
EV Truck/SUV 66 0 $23.11 $10.57

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Fairfield Bay, AR

Evening in Fairfield Bay on Thursday

Local time

7:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Evening in Fort Smith on Thursday

Local time

7:58 PM

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

1 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 32m 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 Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR covers 165.1 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, State Highway 9, AR 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 82.6 miles from Fairfield Bay, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.93 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.
The drive from Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR is easy. At 3h 32m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles (AR 9; AR 16): Navigation decision point; at 17.2 miles (US 65; AR 9; AR 16): Navigation decision point; at 23 miles (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Navigation decision point.
The route from Fairfield Bay, AR to Fort Smith, AR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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