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Trip from Bay, AR to New Caledonia, AR

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 8m

Distance

268.6 mi

432 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 55m ★
6 AM
5h 9m
8 AM
5h 36m
10 AM
5h 18m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 34m
8 PM
5h 1m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Craighead County, Arkansas, United States

Bay, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown New Caledonia, AR, AR

New Caledonia, AR

Dominik Ruhl

Trip Overview

This 269.6-mile journey from Bay, Arkansas, to New Caledonia, Arkansas, will take approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes of driving time. It's a single-day trip, perfect for getting there and back without an overnight stay. You'll be navigating primarily on local roads, indicated by the 0% highway share, so expect a more connected-to-the-landscape experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, it's an economical option for exploring within the Southeast region. This route offers a straightforward drive, ideal for a quick excursion.

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

134.3 miles from Bay, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 167 118.2 mi 2h 21m
I 57 102.7 mi 1h 45m
US 78 12.5 mi 14m
I 530 10 mi 10m
Joe N Martin Expressway 9.9 mi 10m
Southwest Drive 6.4 mi 7m
US 79 4.1 mi 6m
Caledonia Road 1.8 mi 6m
Longest stretch: US 167 — 118.2 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bay, AR and New Caledonia, AR.

1

Start on AR 158

0.2 mi · 23 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn left onto AR 158

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Elder Street
3

Turn right onto AR 463

1.0 mi · 1 min · AR 463
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
5

Merge onto I 555

9.9 mi · 10 min · Joe N Martin Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit onto US 49; US 78

0.2 mi · 23 sec · US 49; US 78
7

Turn right onto US 49; US 63; US 78

455 ft · 9 sec · Alexander Drive
8

Turn right onto US 49; US 63; US 78

6.4 mi · 7 min · Southwest Drive
9

Continue on US 78; AR 226

13 mi · 14 min · US 78; AR 226
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
11

Merge onto I 57

103 mi · 1 hr 45 min · I 57
12

Merge onto I 40; US 167

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 40; US 167
13

Take the exit onto US 167

4.9 mi · 6 min · US 167
Toward I 30 West, US 65 South, US 67 South, US 167 South: Little Rock
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

10.0 mi · 10 min · I 530; US 65; US 167
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto US 167

56 mi · 1 hr 5 min · US 167
Toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dorado Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Turn right onto US 79; US 167

4.1 mi · 6 min · US 79; US 167
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167

42 mi · 50 min · US 167
Toward US 167: El Dorado
18

Take the exit onto US 167

16 mi · 18 min · US 167
Toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Junction City
19

Turn left onto Caledonia Road

1.8 mi · 6 min · Caledonia Road
20

Arrive at destination

Caledonia Road

Trip Plan

For this turn-heavy, local drive spanning 269.6 miles, consider an early morning departure from Bay, Arkansas, to maximize daylight hours. The 4-hour and 23-minute estimated drive time means you can comfortably complete it in one day. Plan for at least one stop to break up the journey and refuel, keeping the $41 fuel cost in mind. Since there are no major highway stretches, pay close attention to local road signs and speed limits, especially as you navigate through communities. Being flexible with your timing is an advantage on this type of route.

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 134.3 miles from Bay, AR, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.2 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 59 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 134.3 miles or 2h 23m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 6m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bay, 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 Bay, AR

This is one driving day of about 268.6 miles and 5h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Bay, 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 167 for about 118.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Little Rock, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Little Rock, AR

134 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

McCrory, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Little Rock, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134.3 miles from Bay, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 167 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

East End Cafe II

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hensley, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.5

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15018884444

Visit website

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

North Little Rock, Arkansas

1.8 mi

Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Little Rock, Arkansas

2.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.3

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Cravings Coffee Bar and Bistro

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hensley, Arkansas

0.7 mi

East End Cafe II

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.5

Hensley, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15018884444

Visit website

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.3

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019047269

Visit website

Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 134.3

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019042133

Visit website

Two Brothers Hibachi

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+18709410559

Uncle Henry’s BBQ

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18709423937

Lady Birds Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+18709424163

Yellowjacket Drive-In

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 172.7

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+18709422486

Wright's Ranch House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm

+18709172121

Visit website

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.3

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Cravings Coffee Bar and Bistro

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 153.5

Hensley, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15018608689

Visit website

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.3

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Reno's Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.3

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15013762900

Visit website

Laredo Grill Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 249.4

El Dorado, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18708751722

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 251.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.6 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 555 / Joe N Martin Expressway

Merge onto I 555 / Joe N Martin Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
30.6 mi into trip | ~36m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

6
139.5 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | I 530; US 65; US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
149.5 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dorado

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dora...
7
251.2 mi into trip | ~4h 43m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Junction City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Jun...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.56 one way

$81.13 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $44.53 $89.06
premium $4.56 $48.21 $96.42
diesel $5.61 $59.30 $118.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.6 0 $28.20 $12.89
Efficient EV 67.2 0 $23.50 $10.74
EV Truck/SUV 107.4 1 $37.60 $17.19

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Bay, AR

Night in Bay on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New Caledonia, AR

Night in New Caledonia on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

5h 8m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, covering 269.6 miles with no highway stretches. The primary roads guiding you include Elder Street, Joe N Martin Expressway, and Alexander Drive. Given the absence of long highway segments, you'll likely experience a more intimate connection with the local terrain as you make frequent turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, suggesting a continuous series of local roads and intersections throughout the entire 4-hour and 23-minute duration.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.2 mi on US 167.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 167 and I 57. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near I 555 / Joe N Martin Expressway.

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 16 significant decision points across 268.6 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 1.6 miles (I 555 / Joe N Martin Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.5 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Bay, AR and New Caledonia, AR, road signs point toward Fordyce, El Dorado and Junction City.

Fordyce

149.5 mi in | ~2h 40m | via US 167

El Dorado

149.5 mi in | ~2h 40m | via US 167

Junction City

251.2 mi in | ~4h 43m | via US 167

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 8m. Total distance: 268.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.2 miles on US 167. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at New Caledonia, AR before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (I 555 / Joe N Martin Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.5 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New Caledonia, AR before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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