Road Trips from Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs, AR, is a great starting point for exploring Arkansas. You've got options ranging from quick one-hour jaunts to nearby towns to longer, 4-hour drives further afield. Many of these routes offer access to Hot Springs National Park, and several feature gently rolling or flat terrain, making for relaxed drives. If you're looking for a day trip with park access or a slightly longer drive through varied landscapes, Hot Springs sets you up well.
Total Routes
18
Shortest
1.1h
With Parks Nearby
15
Under 2 hours
10 total in this range
Texarkana, AR
1h 59m110.1 mi one way
This 110-mile drive to Texarkana, AR, is a straightforward, highway-focused option. With a drive score of 10, it's one of the most engaging routes available. It's longer than the quick trips to Sherwood or Wrightsville but offers a solid 2-hour journey that keeps you on the move.
Sherwood, AR
1h 16m60.7 mi one way
For a quick escape, Sherwood, AR, is just over an hour away (60.7 miles). This route scores a 9 for its mixed highway and surface roads, offering a bit more variety than a pure highway drive. It's a convenient day trip that still provides access to Hot Springs National Park.
Wrightsville, AR
1h 16m61.5 mi one way
Similar to Sherwood, Wrightsville, AR, is also about 1.3 hours away (61.5 miles). This drive also earns a 9, utilizing a mix of highway and surface roads. It's a close option for a short drive, keeping Hot Springs National Park within reach.
Mayflower, AR
1h 22m69.5 mi one way
Pine Bluff, AR
1h 28m70.9 mi one way
This 70.9-mile drive to Pine Bluff, AR, takes about 1.5 hours and features mostly flat terrain. It's a mostly highway route scoring an 8, making it a less complex drive than some of the higher-rated options. You still get park access nearby.
Full-day getaway
7 total in this range
Fort Smith, AR
2h 39m128.2 mi one way
If you're up for a longer drive, Fort Smith, AR, is 128.2 miles away and takes about 2.7 hours. This mostly highway route has a strong drive score of 9 and features gently rolling terrain. It's a good choice for a more substantial trip with park access.
Booneville, AR
2h 8m96.4 mi one way
This 96.4-mile drive to Booneville, AR, will take you about 2.1 hours. It's a mixed drive with a score of 9, offering gently rolling terrain. This route provides a good balance between distance and engaging driving, with park access included.
Bethel Heights, AR
3h 43m198.2 mi one way
At 198.2 miles, Bethel Heights, AR, is the longest drive on this list, taking 3.7 hours. It’s a mostly highway route with a drive score of 9. If you’re looking for a significant journey with park access, this is your longest option.
Hampton, AR
2h 2m101 mi one way
Hampton, AR, is 101 miles away and takes approximately 2 hours to reach via a mixed highway and surface road route. Scoring a 9, it offers a good balance for a day trip. You'll have access to Hot Springs National Park along this drive.
Tennessee, AR
2h 23m118.4 mi one way
This 118.4-mile drive to Tennessee, AR, takes 2.4 hours. It’s a highway-focused route with a score of 8 and mostly flat terrain. It’s a longer option that still keeps you close to Hot Springs National Park.
Weekend trip
Browse by Mood
Texarkana, AR
1h 59m110.1 mi one way
Fort Smith, AR
2h 39m128.2 mi one way
Booneville, AR
2h 8m96.4 mi one way
Calico Rock, AR
4h 26m173.2 mi one way
Texarkana, AR
1h 59m110.1 mi one way
Fort Smith, AR
2h 39m128.2 mi one way
Little Rock, AR
1h 7m55.2 mi one way
North Little Rock, AR
1h 7m56 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild weather perfect for exploring the gently rolling terrain and nearby Hot Springs National Park on these varied drives.
Summer
Longer daylight hours in summer make the 2-4 hour drives to destinations like Fort Smith or Calico Rock more appealing, with park access still available.
Fall
Fall foliage could enhance the gently rolling terrain of drives like the one to Booneville, making the 2-hour trips particularly scenic.
Winter
The mostly flat terrain on routes to Pine Bluff or Tennessee, AR, makes for easier winter driving, with Hot Springs National Park remaining accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Hot Springs, AR city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.