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Trip from Fort Smith, AR to Farmington, AR

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

1h 5m

Distance

58.6 mi

94 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 16 min
4 AM
1h 1m ★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 16m
8 PM
1h 3m

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

Downtown Farmington, AR, AR

Farmington, AR

Andrea Piacquadio

Trip Overview

This straightforward 58.6-mile drive from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Farmington, Arkansas, is easily manageable within a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. The route is heavily focused on highway travel, with 89% of the journey on major interstates like I-49 and I-540, along with US-71. Given its short duration and uncomplicated nature, it's an ideal day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. With an estimated fuel cost of around $9, it’s an economical option for a quick journey within the Southeast region of Arkansas. This drive offers a practical connection between two points, prioritizing efficiency over scenic detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

29.3 miles from Fort Smith, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 58.6-mile trip, with 89% of the drive utilizing major interstate roads. You'll primarily be on I-49 and I-540, complemented by US-71. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.8 miles on I-49, providing a period of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. This means the drive is largely characterized by smooth, high-speed travel rather than winding backroads. The road's personality remains consistent, offering a predictable and efficient journey from start to finish.

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 49 is the longest continuous segment at about 41.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 49 and I 540. You will hit about 6 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.

Route Complexity 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 58.6 miles you will encounter 6 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8 miles (US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 6 key points

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

5
2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Turn left toward I 540 North, US 71 North

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 540 North, US 71 North
8
8 mi into trip | ~11m in | US 71

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71 toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
6
12.6 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 49 North: Fayetteville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
7
55.1 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward University of Arkansas, Farmington

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward University of Arkansas, Farmington
5
55.4 mi into trip | ~1h in | US 62; AR 16 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

Turn left onto US 62; AR 16 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Fort Smith, AR and Farmington, AR, road signs point toward Memphis and University Of Arkansas.

Memphis

8 mi in | ~11m | via US 71

University Of Arkansas

55.1 mi in | ~59m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 49 41.8 mi 41m
I 540 5.7 mi 6m
US 71 4.6 mi 4m
Grand Avenue 2 mi 3m
West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard 1.8 mi 2m
East Main Street 1.4 mi 2m
South Futrall Drive 0.2 mi <1m
West Main Street Unavailable Refreshing

Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.

Longest stretch: I 49 — 41.8 mi, about 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Grand Avenue

2.0 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
2

Turn left

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 540 North, US 71 North
3

Merge onto I 540; US 71

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 540; US 71
4

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71

4.6 mi · 4 min · US 71
Toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 49

42 mi · 41 min · I 49
Use the slight right lane.
7

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 1 min
Toward University of Arkansas, Farmington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on South Futrall Drive

0.2 mi · 22 sec · South Futrall Drive
9

Turn left onto US 62; AR 16

1.8 mi · 2 min · West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
10

Continue on US 62

1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Arrive at destination

US 62

Trip Plan

Since this is a short, 1-hour, 5-minute drive covering just 58.6 miles, you have the advantage of flexibility with your departure time. Aim to leave mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in Fort Smith, if applicable. With only a $9 estimated fuel cost, you likely won't need to plan extensive fuel stops, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. The longest stretch without a major exit is 41.8 miles on I-49, so ensure you have any snacks or beverages you might want before embarking on that segment. This route is designed for efficiency, so focus on getting to your destination promptly.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 29.3 miles from Fort Smith, AR, or about 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.8 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 58.6 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 29.3 miles or 33m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 54m

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

Before You Leave

+

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 58.6 miles and 1h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fort Smith, AR.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 49 for about 41.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 29.3 mi from Fort Smith, AR · 33m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Garland, TX

29 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

Garland, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Garland, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 29.3 miles from Fort Smith, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Farmington, AR

The final approach into Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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

$8.85 one way

$17.70 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 21 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $9.72 $19.43
premium $4.56 $10.52 $21.04
diesel $5.61 $12.94 $25.88

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$34–$59

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 20.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 17.6 0 $6.15 $2.81
Efficient EV 14.7 0 $5.13 $2.34
EV Truck/SUV 23.4 0 $8.20 $3.75

Gas CO2

21 kg

EV CO2

7 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Fort Smith, AR

Night in Fort Smith on Tuesday

Local time

10:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Farmington, AR

Night in Farmington on Tuesday

Local time

10:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Garland, TX

29 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

16 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 5m 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 Fort Smith, AR to Farmington, AR covers 58.6 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 49, I 540, US 71. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 29.3 miles from Fort Smith, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.85 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 58.6 miles you will encounter 6 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8 miles (US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Fort Smith, AR and Farmington, AR, road signs point toward Memphis and University Of Arkansas.

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