Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 36m
Distance
130.1 mi
209 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
De Queen, AR
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Fort Smith, AR to De Queen, AR covers 130.1 miles and takes about 2h 36m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 71, I 540, Grand Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 121.5 miles on US 71. At current regular gas prices, budget about $19.65 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
65.1 miles from Fort Smith, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 36m. Total distance: 130.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.
This is a 2h 36m highway drive covering 130.1 miles, with most of the trip on US 71 and I 540. The longest continuous stretch is about 121.5 miles on US 71.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 71 and I 540. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in near I 540; US 71.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Fort Smith, AR to De Queen, AR is easy. At 2h 36m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles (I 540; US 71): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 7.4 miles (US 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 128.9 miles (US 70 / East Collin Raye Drive): Navigation decision point.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Merge onto I 540; US 71
Merge point - match speed before joining
Take the exit onto US 71 toward US 71 South: Texarkana
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn right onto US 70 / East Collin Raye Drive
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto North 4th Street
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto West Dequeen Avenue
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 71 | 121.5 mi | 2h 24m |
| I 540 | 5.2 mi | 5m |
| Grand Avenue | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| East Collin Raye Drive | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| North 4th Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West Dequeen Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith, AR and De Queen, AR.
Start on Grand Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 540; US 71
Take the exit onto US 71
Turn left onto US 71
Turn right onto US 70
Turn left onto North 4th Street
Turn left onto West Dequeen Avenue
Arrive at destination
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 29 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.1 miles or 1h 18m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near De Queen, AR than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, AR
This is one driving day of about 130.1 miles and 2h 36m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 65.1 mi from Fort Smith, AR · 1h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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.
A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 65.1 miles from Fort Smith, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.5 miles.
The final approach into De Queen, 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 De Queen, AR.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$19.65 one way
$39.30 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $21.57 | $43.14 |
| premium | $4.56 | $23.35 | $46.70 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.72 | $57.45 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39 | 0 | $13.66 | $6.24 |
| Efficient EV | 32.5 | 0 | $11.38 | $5.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52 | 0 | $18.21 | $8.33 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Fort Smith on Thursday
Local time
2:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Cloudy
Destination
Afternoon in De Queen on Thursday
Local time
2:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Fort Smith, AR or browse trips ending in De Queen, AR.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AR road trips.
Explore maps for Fort Smith, AR or De Queen, AR on MapSof.net.
