Origin
New Caledonia, AR
Afternoon in New Caledonia on Sunday
Local time
3:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Caledonia, AR to Bella Vista, AR
Drive Time
6h 32m
Distance
351.3 mi
565 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 20m
★
6 AM
6h 32m
8 AM
6h 56m
10 AM
6h 41m
12 PM
6h 38m
3 PM
6h 42m
5 PM
6h 55m
8 PM
6h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Caledonia, AR
Dominik Ruhl
Bella Vista, AR
Israyosoy S.
Trip Overview
Spanning 353.2 miles across Arkansas, this journey takes you from New Caledonia to Bella Vista in approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stay unless you prefer a leisurely pace. Budgeting around $48 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the trip. You will primarily navigate via Junction City Highway, Barnett Drive, and US 167 North. Since both locations are situated within the Southeast region, you can expect a consistent cultural and geographic backdrop throughout your 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
175.6 miles from New Caledonia, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will navigate a series of local roads that require your full attention and frequent adjustments behind the wheel. The journey lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, keeping the pace consistent but demanding. Because the path relies on local connectors, the character of the road changes frequently as you transition between segments. It is a hands-on driving experience that prioritizes local navigation over high-speed transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 141 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 65 and I 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 117.2 miles in near US 167.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 351.3 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 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.9 miles (US 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.1 miles (US 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
117.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
US 167
Keep slight left at fork onto US 167 toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North:...
7
131.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
|
US 65
Keep slight left at fork onto US 65 toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Conway, Fort Smith
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 143A
Toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Co...
6
132.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m in
|
US 65
Keep slight left at fork onto US 65
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
319.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 52m 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.
6
344.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 19m in
|
US 71
Take the exit onto US 71
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 91
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from New Caledonia, AR to Bella Vista, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Smith along the way.
Fort Smith
131.9 mi in
|
~2h 41m
|
via US 65
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 65 | 141 mi | 2h 22m |
| I 49 | 71.3 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 167 | 51.3 mi | 1h 1m |
| Lee Street | 35.7 mi | 43m |
| Sheridan Bypass | 17.9 mi | 20m |
| Junction City Highway | 15 mi | 16m |
| Calion Highway | 9.8 mi | 12m |
| US 71 | 4.8 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
US 65
— 141 mi, about 2h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Caledonia, AR and Bella Vista, AR.
1
Start on Caledonia Road
1.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Caledonia Road
2
At end of road, turn right onto US 63; US 167
9.0 mi
·
10 min
·
Junction City Highway
3
Continue on US 63; US 167; AR 7
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
Barnett Drive
4
Continue on US 63; US 167; AR 7
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Junction City Highway
5
Take the exit onto US 167
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
US 167
Toward US 167 North, US 167B South: Fordyce, Little Rock
6
Continue on US 167
9.8 mi
·
12 min
·
Calion Highway
7
Merge onto US 167
36 mi
·
43 min
·
Lee Street
Use the none lane.
8
Turn left onto US 167
36 mi
·
44 min
·
US 167
9
Continue on US 167
18 mi
·
20 min
·
Sheridan Bypass
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 167
15 mi
·
16 min
·
US 167
Toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North: Little Rock
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 65
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 65
Exit 143A
Toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Conway, Fort Smith
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 65
141 mi
·
2 hr 22 min
·
US 65
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
14
Continue on I 49
46 mi
·
47 min
·
I 49
Use the none lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 49; US 62; US 71
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on I 49; US 71
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
I 49; US 71
17
Take the exit onto US 71
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
US 71
Exit 91
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 71
Use the right lane.
19
Turn slight right
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Lancashire Boulevard
20
Turn left onto AR 340
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Lancashire Boulevard
21
Turn right onto Cooper Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Cooper Road
22
Turn left onto Billingsley Drive
205 ft
·
11 sec
·
Billingsley Drive
23
Turn left onto Hartsfield Lane
305 ft
·
13 sec
·
Hartsfield Lane
24
Arrive at destination
Hartsfield Lane
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 38-minute trip, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the drive. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, starting your day early helps ensure you are navigating the local roads while visibility is at its best. Keep your $48 fuel budget in mind when planning your refueling intervals, as local roads may offer different gas station availability compared to major interstates. Since you have the flexibility of a single-day trip, focus on maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing through the turns. Always double-check your GPS before departing, as the reliance on local highways like Barnett Drive requires precise navigation.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 175.6 miles from New Caledonia, AR, or about 3h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 141 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 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 175.6 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bella Vista, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Caledonia, 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 New Caledonia, AR
This is one driving day of about 351.3 miles and 6h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New Caledonia, 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 US 65 for about 141 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 175.6 mi from New Caledonia, AR · 3h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
176 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 175.6 miles from New Caledonia, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 141 miles.
Arriving in Bella Vista, AR
The final approach into Bella Vista, 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 Bella Vista, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.70 one way
$107.41 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
123 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $58.90 | $117.81 |
| premium | $4.61 | $63.76 | $127.52 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $78.05 | $156.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 105.4 | 1 | $36.89 | $16.86 |
| Efficient EV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.74 | $14.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 140.5 | 1 | $49.18 | $22.48 |
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Bella Vista, AR
Afternoon in Bella Vista on Sunday
Local time
3:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°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
12 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
6h 32m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from New Caledonia, AR to Bella Vista, AR covers 351.3 miles and takes about 6h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 65, I 49, US 167. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 175.6 miles from New Caledonia, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.70 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 351.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.9 miles (US 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.1 miles (US 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from New Caledonia, AR to Bella Vista, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Smith along the way.
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