Origin
Springdale, AR
Afternoon in Springdale on Sunday
Local time
4:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Springdale, AR to Hot Springs, AR
Drive Time
3h 40m
Distance
196.5 mi
316 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 28m
★
6 AM
3h 40m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 4m
8 PM
3h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Springdale, AR
Choco Kitty
Hot Springs, AR
Siarhei Nester
Trip Overview
Traveling from Springdale to Hot Springs covers 196.5 miles through the heart of Arkansas. You can expect a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day journey. By utilizing a combination of the Fulbright Expressway, I-40, and South State Highway 7, you can efficiently navigate between these two Southeast hubs. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, the trip remains budget-friendly for solo drivers or families alike. Because the total duration is under four hours, you have the flexibility to complete the trip in one go without the need for an overnight stay. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this route offers a straightforward connection across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
98.2 miles from Springdale, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 196.5-mile journey is primarily highway-focused, with 89% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will experience a mix of fast-paced travel and state highway navigation as you transition between road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-40, where you will cover 64.9 miles of consistent interstate driving. As you move away from the expressway portions and onto South State Highway 7, the character of the road shifts, requiring more attention to local traffic patterns. Expect a functional, high-speed experience for the majority of the trip, allowing you to make steady progress toward your destination.
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.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 64.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Fulbright Expressway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near US 71B / Fulbright Expressway.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 196.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (US 71B / Fulbright Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 53.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
5.4 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 71B / Fulbright Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71B / Fulbright Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
53.7 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
5
119.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward US 64
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 78
Toward US 64
4
119.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
US 64
Turn left onto US 64
Navigation decision point
6
124.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m in
|
AR 7 / South Arkansas Avenue
Turn right onto AR 7 / South Arkansas Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Springdale, AR to Hot Springs, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
Little Rock
53.7 mi in
|
~1h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 64.9 mi | 1h 4m |
| Fulbright Expressway | 48.3 mi | 49m |
| South State Highway 7 | 44.8 mi | 50m |
| AR 7 South | 14.4 mi | 16m |
| Park Avenue | 6.2 mi | 9m |
| South Arkansas Avenue | 4.9 mi | 5m |
| North Thompson Street | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| West Main Street | 3.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 64.9 mi, about 1h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springdale, AR and Hot Springs, AR.
1
Start on North Commercial Street
119 ft
·
7 sec
·
North Commercial Street
2
Turn right onto East Johnson Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Johnson Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 71B
3.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North Thompson Street
4
Continue on US 71B
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North College Avenue
Use the none lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 71B
48 mi
·
49 min
·
Fulbright Expressway
Use the straight lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
7
Merge onto I 40; US 71
65 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
I 40; US 71
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 78
Toward US 64
9
Turn left onto US 64
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
US 64
10
Continue on US 64; Hwy 326
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
West Main Street
Use the none lane.
11
Turn right onto AR 7
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
South Arkansas Avenue
Use the none lane.
12
At end of road, turn left onto AR 7
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North State Highway 7
13
Continue on AR 7
14 mi
·
16 min
·
AR 7 South
14
Continue on AR 7; AR 10
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
South Scenic 7 Drive
15
Turn right onto AR 7
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
AR 7
16
Turn left onto AR 7
45 mi
·
50 min
·
South State Highway 7
17
Enter roundabout onto AR 7
98 ft
·
1 sec
·
Park Avenue
18
Continue on AR 7
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Park Avenue
19
Continue on AR 7
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Central Avenue
20
Turn left onto US 70B; US 270B
429 ft
·
20 sec
·
West Grand Avenue
21
Continue on US 70B; US 270B
348 ft
·
12 sec
·
West Grand Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
US 70B; US 270B
Trip Plan
To maximize your comfort, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 3 hour and 40 minute drive. Leaving early in the morning allows you to clear the busier interstate sections before peak traffic settles in. Since you are spending roughly $27 on fuel, checking your tire pressure before departure is a smart way to maintain that efficiency throughout the 196.5-mile trek. Given that the route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace based on how you feel behind the wheel. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when transitioning from the long I-40 stretch to the state highway segments to ensure you reach your destination without unnecessary detours.
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 98.2 miles from Springdale, AR, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.9 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 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.2 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hot Springs, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springdale, 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 Springdale, AR
This is one driving day of about 196.5 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Springdale, 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 64.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 98.2 mi from Springdale, AR · 1h 45m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 98.2 miles from Springdale, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.9 miles.
Arriving in Hot Springs, AR
The final approach into Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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
$30.04 one way
$60.08 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $32.95 | $65.90 |
| premium | $4.61 | $35.66 | $71.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $43.66 | $87.31 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.63 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.51 | $12.58 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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
Hot Springs, AR
Afternoon in Hot Springs on Sunday
Local time
4:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°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
15 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
3h 40m 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 Springdale, AR to Hot Springs, AR covers 196.5 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Fulbright Expressway, South State Highway 7. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 98.2 miles from Springdale, AR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.04 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 196.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (US 71B / Fulbright Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 53.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
On the drive from Springdale, AR to Hot Springs, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
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