Trip from Kentucky, AR to Decatur, AR

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 30m

Distance

248.2 mi

399 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 17m ★

6 AM

4h 30m

8 AM

4h 57m

10 AM

4h 40m

12 PM

4h 37m

3 PM

4h 41m

5 PM

4h 56m

8 PM

4h 22m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Kentucky, AR

Owen.outdoors

Decatur, AR

Tima Miroshnichenko

Trip Overview

This 248.2-mile drive from Kentucky, Arkansas, to Decatur, Arkansas, is a straightforward journey that can be completed in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. With 90% of the trip on highways, it's a 'highway-focused drive' that makes for an easy one-day excursion. You'll spend an estimated $37 on fuel for this route, which stays within the Southeast region of Arkansas. The primary roads you'll navigate include I-40, I-49, and East Henri de Tonti Boulevard, making for a predictable and efficient trip. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

124.1 miles from Kentucky, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 248.2-mile route, as 90% of your journey will be on major interstates and highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 134.7 miles on I-40, offering a chance to settle in for a significant portion of the drive. While the profile is highway-focused, the inclusion of East Henri de Tonti Boulevard suggests a potential shift in scenery or road type as you near your destination. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and consistent speed for the majority of its 4-hour, 30-minute duration.

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

There are about 19 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 134.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.1 miles in near US 70.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 248.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 18.1 miles (US 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 213.3 miles (I 49; US 62; US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

18.1 mi into trip | ~24m in | US 70

Take the exit onto US 70 toward I 430 North, US 70: Fort Smith

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. Exit 129 Toward I 430 North, US 70: Fort Smith

31.2 mi into trip | ~39m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 West: Fort Smith, Oklahoma City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 13B Toward I 40 West: Fort Smith, Oklahoma City

213.3 mi into trip | ~3h 43m in | I 49; US 62; US 71

Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

218.2 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in

Take the exit toward US 412

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 72 Toward US 412

218.5 mi into trip | ~3h 49m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 412

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes. Toward US 412

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Kentucky, AR to Decatur, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Oklahoma City along the way.

Oklahoma City

31.2 mi in | ~39m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	134.7 mi	2h 14m
I 49	51.3 mi	52m
East Henri de Tonti Boulevard	16.4 mi	20m
US 70	13.1 mi	15m
I 30	11.7 mi	12m
AR 59	11.7 mi	17m
Old Hot Springs Highway	5.5 mi	9m
West Sunset Avenue	1.5 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 134.7 mi, about 2h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kentucky, AR and Decatur, AR.

Start on AR 5

5.5 mi · 9 min · Old Hot Springs Highway

Continue on AR 35

0.4 mi · 48 sec · AR 35

Turn sharp left

0.1 mi · 26 sec

Turn straight onto AR 5

0.3 mi · 29 sec · I-30 Frontage Road

Take the ramp

516 ft · 12 sec

Merge onto I 30; US 67; US 70

12 mi · 12 min · I 30; US 67; US 70

Take the exit onto US 70

13 mi · 15 min · US 70

Exit 129 Toward I 430 North, US 70: Fort Smith Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 49 sec

Exit 13B Toward I 40 West: Fort Smith, Oklahoma City

Merge onto I 40; US 65

135 mi · 2 hr 14 min · I 40; US 65

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec

Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville

Continue on I 49

46 mi · 47 min · I 49

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71

4.9 mi · 5 min · I 49; US 62; US 71

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec

Exit 72 Toward US 412 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

193 ft · 12 sec

Toward US 412 Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto US 412

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Sunset Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Continue on US 412

16 mi · 20 min · East Henri de Tonti Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

336 ft · 5 sec

Use the right lane.

Turn slight right onto AR 59

12 mi · 17 min · AR 59

Use the right lane.

Arrive at destination

AR 59; AR 102

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 30-minute drive, departing early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a 134.7-mile stretch on I-40, plan your refueling and rest breaks accordingly. Consider stopping midway through that longer stretch to break up the driving. The estimated fuel cost of $37 is reasonable, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure, but a prompt start ensures a relaxed arrival in Decatur.

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 124.1 miles from Kentucky, AR, or about 2h 12m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.7 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.1 miles or 2h 12m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 33m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, AR

This is one driving day of about 248.2 miles and 4h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kentucky, 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 134.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 124.1 mi from Kentucky, AR · 2h 12m into the drive

city in Bowie County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Texarkana, TX

124 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

Texarkana, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Texarkana, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.1 miles from Kentucky, 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 134.7 miles.

Arriving in Decatur, AR

The final approach into Decatur, 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 Decatur, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Hot Springs National Park

National Park

Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of y...

24 mi from route ~59 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.48 one way

$74.97 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$41.15	$82.30
premium	$4.56	$44.55	$89.10
diesel	$5.61	$54.80	$109.60

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	74.5	0	$26.06	$11.91
Efficient EV	62.1	0	$21.72	$9.93
EV Truck/SUV	99.3	1	$34.75	$15.88

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 3 hours ago

Origin

Kentucky, AR

Late night in Kentucky on Wednesday

Local time

5:34 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Decatur, AR

Late night in Decatur on Wednesday

Local time

5:34 AM

CDT

Current temp

72°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

4 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

4h 30m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Kentucky, AR to Decatur, AR covers 248.2 miles and takes about 4h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, I 49, East Henri de Tonti 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 124.1 miles from Kentucky, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.48 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Kentucky, AR to Decatur, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Oklahoma City along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

More from Kentucky, AR

Kibler, AR 171.1 mi · 3h 4m Brookland, AR 166.5 mi · 3h 9m Dermott, AR 139 mi · 2h 45m New Caledonia, AR 126.7 mi · 2h 50m Tennessee, AR 115 mi · 2h 14m McCrory, AR 111.6 mi · 2h 14m

Explore more options from Kentucky, AR or browse trips ending in Decatur, AR.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AR road trips.

Explore maps for Kentucky, AR or Decatur, AR on MapSof.net.