Origin
Fort Smith, AR
Afternoon in Fort Smith on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR
Drive Time
56m
Distance
57.5 mi
92 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
4 AM
0h 52m
★
6 AM
0h 57m
8 AM
1h 6m
10 AM
1h 0m
12 PM
0h 59m
3 PM
1h 0m
5 PM
1h 5m
8 PM
0h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
Connecting Fort Smith to Fayetteville is a straightforward 57.5-mile journey that typically takes about 56 minutes. You will primarily utilize I-40 East, I-540 North, and I-49 North to navigate between these two Arkansas cities. Because the transit time is under an hour, this route is perfectly suited for a simple day trip, meaning there is no need to worry about overnight logistics. Budgeting around $8 for fuel covers the trip comfortably, keeping your travel costs low. Both cities are located within the Southeast, ensuring a consistent regional feel as you head north. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick visit, the efficiency of this connection makes it an easy addition to your schedule.
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
28.7 miles from Fort Smith, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 28m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While you traverse a mix of highways, the path is characterized by its technical nature rather than long, straight stretches. With 0 miles of uninterrupted highway on I-540 North, you should stay alert for frequent transitions. The route offers zero designated stops, emphasizing a direct path from point A to point B. Behind the wheel, you will notice the road demands more attention than a typical highway trek, as the path winds through the terrain. Prepare for a dynamic driving experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 540 North is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR is easy. At 56m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 540 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 40 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 49 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| AR 112 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| South Cato Springs Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| South Razorback Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| South School Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
I 540 North
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Smith, AR and Fayetteville, AR.
1
Start on Grand Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Grand Avenue
2
Turn left onto I 540 North, US 71 North
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
I 540 North, US 71 North
3
Merge slight left
5.7 mi
·
6 min
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
5
Take the exit slight right toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
I 49 North: Fayetteville
6
Continue straight
40 mi
·
40 min
7
Take the exit slight right toward AR 112, AR 265
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
AR 112, AR 265
8
Turn slight right onto South Cato Springs Road
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Cato Springs Road
9
Continue on South Razorback Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Razorback Road
10
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
11
Turn left onto South School Avenue
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
South School Avenue
12
Turn slight right onto South Nelson Hackett Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
South Nelson Hackett Boulevard
13
Continue on South College Avenue
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
South College Avenue
14
Turn right onto East Center Street
148 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Center Street
15
Turn right
79 ft
·
6 sec
16
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, sub-one-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to plan for lengthy rest breaks, allowing you to head out whenever it best suits your itinerary. Given the $8 fuel estimate, consider topping off your tank in Fort Smith before you leave to ensure you have a full range for your arrival in Fayetteville. Because the route is turn-heavy, keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between I-40, I-540, and I-49. This compact trip is all about efficiency, so take advantage of the quick travel time to maximize your day at your 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.
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 28.7 miles from Fort Smith, AR, or about 28m into the drive.
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 57.5 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.7 miles or 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fayetteville, 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 57.5 miles and 56m.
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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.7 mi from Fort Smith, AR · 28m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 57.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.7 miles from Fort Smith, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Fayetteville, AR
The final approach into Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville, 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
$8.79 one way
$17.58 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $9.64 | $19.28 |
| premium | $4.61 | $10.44 | $20.87 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.77 | $25.55 |
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: 20.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17.3 | 0 | $6.04 | $2.76 |
| Efficient EV | 14.4 | 0 | $5.03 | $2.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 23 | 0 | $8.05 | $3.68 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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.
Destination
Fayetteville, AR
Afternoon in Fayetteville on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
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
2 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
56m 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 Fayetteville, AR covers 57.5 miles and takes about 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 540 North, I 40 East, I 49 North. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.7 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 $8.79 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.
The drive from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR is easy. At 56m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Fort Smith, AR to Fayetteville, AR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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