Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Alma, AR to Little Rock, AR

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 29m

Distance

143.7 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 20m ★
6 AM
2h 30m
8 AM
2h 50m
10 AM
2h 37m
12 PM
2h 35m
3 PM
2h 38m
5 PM
2h 49m
8 PM
2h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Alma, AR, AR

Alma, AR

Sami Aksu

Downtown Little Rock, AR, AR

Little Rock, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 145.7 miles, this route connects Alma to Little Rock, Arkansas, in approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. Since the entire journey stays within the Southeast region, you can easily complete the drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget about $22 for fuel, making this an affordable trip for a weekend getaway or a quick change of scenery. You will navigate via Fayetteville Avenue, Highway 71 North, and AR 365, avoiding major interstates entirely. It is a straightforward trip that works best for travelers who prefer local roads over the high-speed monotony of typical highways.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

71.9 miles from Alma, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 138.3 mi 2h 18m
Pike Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
West 3rd Street 0.8 mi 1m
Fayetteville Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
West Broadway Street 0.5 mi <1m
Broadway Bridge 0.5 mi <1m
Mac Arthur Drive 0.4 mi <1m
US Highway 71 North 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 138.3 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alma, AR and Little Rock, AR.

1

Start on Fayetteville Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
2

At end of road, turn left onto AR 162

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
3

Continue on US 71B; AR 162

0.3 mi · 29 sec · US Highway 71 North
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
5

Merge onto I 40

138 mi · 2 hr 18 min · I 40
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward AR 365
7

Turn straight onto AR 365

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Mac Arthur Drive
8

Continue on AR 365

1.5 mi · 2 min · Pike Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Enter roundabout onto AR 365

289 ft · 5 sec · West Broadway Street
10

Continue on AR 365

0.4 mi · 48 sec · West Broadway Street
11

Turn right onto US 70

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Broadway Bridge
12

Continue on US 70

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Broadway Street
13

Turn right onto West 3rd Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · West 3rd Street
14

Turn left onto State Capitol

314 ft · 13 sec · State Capitol
15

Continue on State Capitol

440 ft · 20 sec · State Capitol
16

Continue on State Capitol

415 ft · 25 sec · State Capitol
17

Turn sharp left

260 ft · 19 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 7-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your personal preference. Since there are no designated stops on this route, make sure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave to cover the $22 estimated cost without interruption. Because you will be traveling on local roads rather than high-speed interstates, keep a close watch on your speed as you transition between the different state and local routes. You might consider checking your navigation software before starting to ensure you are comfortable with the turn-heavy nature of the drive. The lack of major highway stretches means you should anticipate a slower, more deliberate pace throughout the entire 145.7-mile distance.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 71.9 miles from Alma, AR, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.3 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 32 miles or 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.9 miles or 1h 13m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 59m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Little Rock, AR than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Alma, 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 Alma, AR

This is one driving day of about 143.7 miles and 2h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Alma, AR.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 138.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Arkansas, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Morrilton, AR

72 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

Coal Hill, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Russellville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.9 miles from Alma, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 15m in / 1h 15m to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

1.3 mi

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

3 mi

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019047269

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 143.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | AR 162 / Fayetteville Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto AR 162 / Fayetteville Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
139.5 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in

Take the exit toward AR 365

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward AR 365
4
141.5 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in | AR 365 / West Broadway Street

Enter roundabout onto AR 365 / West Broadway Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4
142.7 mi into trip | ~2h 26m in | West 3rd Street

Turn right onto West 3rd Street

Navigation decision point

6
143.7 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in

Turn sharp left

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.70 one way

$43.40 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $23.82 $47.65
premium $4.56 $25.79 $51.58
diesel $5.61 $31.73 $63.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.1 0 $15.09 $6.90
Efficient EV 35.9 0 $12.57 $5.75
EV Truck/SUV 57.5 0 $20.12 $9.20

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Alma, AR

Late night in Alma on Tuesday

Local time

3:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Little Rock, AR

Late night in Little Rock on Tuesday

Local time

3:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°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

2 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

2h 29m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Because the route features zero percent highway share, you will be navigating local roadways rather than cruising at interstate speeds. This setup creates a more technical driving experience where the road conditions change frequently as you transition between Fayetteville Avenue, Highway 71 North, and AR 365. Unlike a standard highway commute, this path offers a consistent, hands-on experience that keeps you engaged for the duration of the 145.7-mile trek. Be prepared for a winding journey that prioritizes local navigation over rapid transit.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.3 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Pike Avenue. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near AR 162 / Fayetteville Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Alma, AR to Little Rock, AR is easy. At 2h 29m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (AR 162 / Fayetteville Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 139.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 141.5 miles (AR 365 / West Broadway Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

563 ft 279 ft

Total Climb

291 ft

Total Descent

388 ft

Highest Point

563 ft

~30.8 mi in

Elevation Range

284 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Alma, AR

Full guide →

Founded 1874

Arriving in Little Rock, AR

Full guide →

Little Rock is the capital and the largest city of the state of Arkansas. Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center within Arkansas and the American South. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, along with hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Little Rock's history is available through history museums, historic districts or neighborhoods.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 143.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 138.3 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (AR 162 / Fayetteville Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 139.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 141.5 miles (AR 365 / West Broadway Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Little Rock, AR before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Little Rock, AR

Bella Vista, AR 222.4 mi · 3h 57m West Fork, AR 177.9 mi · 3h 5m Salem, AR 148.9 mi · 3h 9m Bull Shoals, AR 144.6 mi · 3h 30m

More from Alma, AR

Bentonville, AR 70.9 mi · 1h 19m Chester, AR 17.4 mi · 21m Fort Smith, AR 15.2 mi · 20m

More trips to Little Rock, AR

Gravette, AR 229.8 mi Gentry, AR 219.8 mi Elm Springs, AR 199.9 mi Tontitown, AR 198.4 mi Lincoln, AR 193.6 mi Farmington, AR 189.3 mi
Escape planner: Alma, AR Scenic drives in AR

Explore more options from Alma, AR or browse trips ending in Little Rock, AR.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AR road trips.