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Trip from Bentonville, AR to Jonesboro, 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 36m

Distance

312.7 mi

503 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 24m ★
6 AM
5h 37m
8 AM
6h 3m
10 AM
5h 46m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 2m
8 PM
5h 29m

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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Downtown Bentonville, AR, AR

Bentonville, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Bentonville to Jonesboro, this 312.7-mile journey across Arkansas typically takes about 5 hours and 36 minutes behind the wheel. Given the duration, it is perfectly feasible as a one-day trip if you are comfortable with a steady pace. You will primarily utilize I-49, I-40, and US-64 to navigate the state, making for a straightforward commute between these two Southeast locations. Budget roughly $48 for fuel to cover the distance, assuming standard vehicle efficiency. Since the entire drive stays within Arkansas, the transition is smooth, though you should prepare for a significant amount of highway time. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that efficiently links two major regional hubs.

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

156.3 miles from Bentonville, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 113.8 mi 1h 53m
US 64 74.6 mi 1h 17m
I 49 65.7 mi 1h 8m
Vilonia Bypass 25.9 mi 32m
US 78 12.1 mi 13m
Southwest Drive 7.4 mi 9m
State Highway 64 5.4 mi 6m
East Oak Street 1.8 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 113.8 mi, about 1h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bentonville, AR and Jonesboro, AR.

1

Start on North Main Street

185 ft · 13 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn left onto East Central Avenue

0.7 mi · 2 min · East Central Avenue
Use the right lane.
3

Turn right onto Southeast J Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · Southeast J Street
Use the right lane.
4

Turn left onto AR 102

1.0 mi · 1 min · Southeast 14th Street
Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp onto US 62; AR 12

0.2 mi · 14 sec · US 62; AR 12
Use the right lane.
6

Continue on I 49; US 62; US 71; AR 12

66 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 49; US 62; US 71; AR 12
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
8

Merge onto I 40; US 71

114 mi · 1 hr 53 min · I 40; US 71
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward US 64
10

Keep slight left at fork

212 ft · 8 sec
11

Turn left onto US 64

1.8 mi · 3 min · East Oak Street
12

Continue on US 64

5.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 64
13

Continue on US 64

26 mi · 32 min · Vilonia Bypass
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit onto US 64

75 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 64
15

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward AR 226: Jonesboro
16

Keep slight right at fork

346 ft · 8 sec
17

Merge onto US 78; AR 226

12 mi · 13 min · US 78; AR 226
18

Continue on US 49; US 63; US 78

7.4 mi · 9 min · Southwest Drive
19

Continue on South Main Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
20

Turn right onto Cate Avenue

207 ft · 14 sec · Cate Avenue
21

Turn left

75 ft · 5 sec
22

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Because this route covers over 300 miles in a single day, aim to depart early to avoid potential fatigue in the late afternoon. You only need one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which keeps your momentum steady throughout the drive. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the long 113.8-mile stretch on I-40, to ensure you don't run low between service stations. Since the drive is manageable in one day, you have the flexibility to choose your own pace, but try to avoid peak traffic hours when merging onto the major interstates. Planning your single stop around the midpoint will help you maintain comfort for the duration of the trip.

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 156.3 miles from Bentonville, AR, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.8 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 69 miles or 1h 15m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 156.3 miles or 2h 42m 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 34m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bentonville, 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 Bentonville, AR

This is one driving day of about 312.7 miles and 5h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Bentonville, 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 113.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Conway, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Conway, AR

156 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.

Popular next leg

Conway, AR to Jonesboro, AR

130.5 mi · 2h 29m

Pacing Suggestions

Alma, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ola, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 156.3 miles from Bentonville, 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 113.8 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

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 111.7

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jonesboro, Arkansas

2.8 mi

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 111.7

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709357850

Visit website

Subway

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+18709728880

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709316433

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Hunan Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 268

Newport, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18705234600

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ClipperCreek Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bentonville, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 268

Newport, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Bentonville, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Bentonville, Arkansas

+18887584389

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Bentonville, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Craighead Forest Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 312.7

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18709334604

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 183.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Central Avenue

Turn left onto East Central Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | Southeast J Street

Turn right onto Southeast J Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
1.8 mi into trip | ~4m in | AR 102 / Southeast 14th Street

Turn left onto AR 102 / Southeast 14th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
68.7 mi into trip | ~1h 14m 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
183.3 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.23 one way

$94.45 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 109 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $51.84 $103.68
premium $4.56 $56.13 $112.25
diesel $5.61 $69.04 $138.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 109.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 93.8 1 $32.83 $15.01
Efficient EV 78.2 0 $27.36 $12.51
EV Truck/SUV 125.1 1 $43.78 $20.01

Gas CO2

109 kg

EV CO2

37 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Bentonville, AR

Evening in Bentonville on Saturday

Local time

8:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 10 to 15 mph 21% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 16 at 2:05PM CDT until April 16 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Little Rock AR

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 16 at 2:04PM CDT until April 16 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Destination

Jonesboro, AR

Evening in Jonesboro on Saturday

Local time

8:29 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

3 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

5h 36m 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?

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 87% of your travel occurring on high-speed thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-40, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the route at 113.8 miles. Expect a mix of fast-paced interstate travel that transitions into state highway segments as you approach your destination. While the interstate sections allow for efficient progress, the road personality shifts as you move between major corridors. Being prepared for long, consistent stretches of pavement will help you stay focused during the nearly six-hour trek.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Central Avenue.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 312.7 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: near the start (East Central Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Southeast J Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (AR 102 / Southeast 14th Street): 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.

On the drive from Bentonville, AR to Jonesboro, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

68.7 mi in | ~1h 14m

About the Cities

Starting in Bentonville, AR

Full guide →

Bentonville is a city of 51,000 people (2018) in the Northwest region of Arkansas. Widely known as the home to the corporate headquarters of retail giant Walmart, the city was noted by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the "Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012".

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 5h 36m. Total distance: 312.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 113.8 miles on I 40. 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 Jonesboro, 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: near the start (East Central Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Southeast J Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (AR 102 / Southeast 14th Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jonesboro, 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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