Origin
New Caledonia, AR
Afternoon in New Caledonia on Thursday
Local time
2:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Caledonia, AR to Pea Ridge, AR
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
6h 28m
Distance
348.5 mi
561 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 16m
★
6 AM
6h 29m
8 AM
6h 53m
10 AM
6h 37m
12 PM
6h 35m
3 PM
6h 38m
5 PM
6h 52m
8 PM
6h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Caledonia, AR
Dominik Ruhl
Pea Ridge, AR
The Traveling Photo Experiment
Trip Overview
The drive from New Caledonia, AR to Pea Ridge, AR covers 348.5 miles and takes about 6h 28m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 65, I 49, US 167 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 141 miles on US 65. At current regular gas prices, budget about $52.63 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
174.3 miles from New Caledonia, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 24m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 28m. Total distance: 348.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 6h 28m highway drive covering 348.5 miles, with most of the trip on US 65 and I 49. The longest continuous stretch is about 141 miles on US 65.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 1.8 miles in near US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 348.5 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 1.8 miles (US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway): Navigation decision point; at 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.8 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway
At end of road, turn right onto US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway
Navigation decision point
6
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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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 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.
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 New Caledonia, AR to Pea Ridge, 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 | 67.7 mi | 1h 10m |
| 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 |
| State Highway 72 | 4.6 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 Pea Ridge, 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
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
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 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 slight right 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
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
I 49; US 71
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
18
Turn right onto AR 72
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on AR 72
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 72
20
Continue on AR 72
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Slack Street
21
Turn left onto AR 94
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Curtis Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
North Curtis Avenue
Trip Plan
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 174.3 miles from New Caledonia, AR, or about 3h 24m 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 77 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.3 miles or 3h 24m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pea Ridge, 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 348.5 miles and 6h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 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 174.3 mi from New Caledonia, AR · 3h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
174 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 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 174.3 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 Pea Ridge, AR
The final approach into Pea Ridge, 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 Pea Ridge, 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
$52.63 one way
$105.26 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
122 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $57.78 | $115.55 |
| premium | $4.56 | $62.55 | $125.10 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $76.94 | $153.89 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 104.6 | 1 | $36.59 | $16.73 |
| Efficient EV | 87.1 | 0 | $30.49 | $13.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 139.4 | 1 | $48.79 | $22.30 |
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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
Pea Ridge, AR
Afternoon in Pea Ridge on Thursday
Local time
2:35 PM
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
6h 28m 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 Pea Ridge, AR covers 348.5 miles and takes about 6h 28m 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 174.3 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 $52.63 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 12 significant decision points across 348.5 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 1.8 miles (US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway): Navigation decision point; at 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
On the drive from New Caledonia, AR to Pea Ridge, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Smith along the way.
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