Origin
New Caledonia, AR
Afternoon in New Caledonia on Sunday
Local time
2:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Caledonia, AR to Bentonville, AR
Drive Time
6h 20m
Distance
342 mi
550 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$52
one way
New Caledonia, AR
Dominik Ruhl
Bentonville, AR
Tima Miroshnichenko
Trip Overview
Spanning 342 miles across Arkansas, this trip from New Caledonia to Bentonville typically takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes of drive time. Because it is a manageable distance, you can easily complete the journey in a single day, though you should budget approximately $52 for fuel to cover the mileage. The route relies on a combination of US 65, I-49, and US 167, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the majority of the trip. Since both your start and end points are located within the Southeast region of the state, you will find a consistent landscape throughout the drive. This is an efficient, highway-focused route that prioritizes progress over winding backroads, making it a straightforward option for travelers who want to reach their destination quickly.
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
171 miles from New Caledonia, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 21m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by efficiency, with 76% of your travel taking place on highways. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, as the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 141 miles on US 65. The transition from regional highways to the interstate system keeps the pace steady, though you should prepare for shifting road conditions as you move between US 167 and I-49. While the route is largely built for speed, the variety of road types ensures you aren't stuck on a single monotonous interstate for the entire duration. You will spend most of your time focused on the road ahead, enjoying the reliable connectivity that these primary Arkansas corridors provide.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 14 significant decision points across 342 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 14 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
339.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 13m in
|
AR 12; US 62 / Southeast 14th Street
Turn left onto AR 12; US 62 / Southeast 14th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from New Caledonia, AR to Bentonville, 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 | 65.6 mi | 1h 8m |
| 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 |
| Caledonia Road | 1.8 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 65
— 141 mi, about 2h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Caledonia, AR and Bentonville, 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
Take the exit onto US 62; AR 12
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 62; AR 12
Toward US 62 East, AR 12 East, AR 102 West: Southeast 14th Street, Hudson Road
17
Turn left onto AR 12; US 62
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast 14th Street
Use the none lane.
18
Turn right onto Southeast J Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast J Street
Use the none lane.
19
Turn left onto East Central Avenue
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
East Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto North Main Street
185 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Main Street
21
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Planning your departure for early in the day is your best strategy to navigate the 6-hour and 20-minute drive comfortably. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that time to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $52 budget in mind as you monitor your tank. Because the route is highway-heavy, keep a close watch on your speed as you transition between the various US routes and the interstate segments. Flexibility is a major advantage here, as the single-day timeframe allows you to adjust your departure based on local traffic patterns. Prioritize consistent pacing throughout the 342-mile journey to ensure you arrive in Bentonville without feeling fatigued by the time you reach your destination.
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 171 miles from New Caledonia, AR, or about 3h 21m 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 171 miles or 3h 21m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bentonville, 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 342 miles and 6h 20m.
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 171 mi from New Caledonia, AR · 3h 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
171 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 171 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 Bentonville, AR
The final approach into Bentonville, 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 Bentonville, 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
$52.28 one way
$104.57 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
120 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $57.35 | $114.69 |
| premium | $4.61 | $62.07 | $124.14 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $75.98 | $151.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 102.6 | 1 | $35.91 | $16.42 |
| Efficient EV | 85.5 | 0 | $29.92 | $13.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 136.8 | 1 | $47.88 | $21.89 |
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Bentonville, AR
Afternoon in Bentonville on Sunday
Local time
2:29 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 20m 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 Bentonville, AR covers 342 miles and takes about 6h 20m 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 171 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 $52.28 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 14 significant decision points across 342 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 Bentonville, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Smith along the way.
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