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Trip from Bethel Heights, AR to Pine Bluff, AR

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 17m

Distance

241.9 mi

389 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 4m ★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 10m

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 Bethel Heights, AR, AR

Bethel Heights, AR

Choco Kitty

city in and county seat of Jefferson County, Arkansas, United States

Pine Bluff, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 245.6 miles across Arkansas, this trek from Bethel Heights to Pine Bluff is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 42 minutes behind the wheel. Because the duration is relatively manageable, you can easily complete this trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $38 on fuel, making it a fairly economical choice for travel within the Southeast region. You will navigate primarily through local roads, including East Morris Avenue, North Thompson Road, and North Thompson Street, rather than major interstates. It is a practical route for those who prefer steady, local travel over the high-speed intensity of the freeway system.

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

120.9 miles from Bethel Heights, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 140.4 mi 2h 21m
Fulbright Expressway 48.3 mi 49m
I 530 35 mi 35m
US 65B 5.6 mi 9m
North Thompson Street 4.9 mi 8m
US 65 4.6 mi 6m
North College Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
East Morris Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 140.4 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bethel Heights, AR and Pine Bluff, AR.

1

Start on Alliance Drive

139 ft · 8 sec · Alliance Drive
2

Turn right onto East Morris Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Morris Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 71B

0.3 mi · 22 sec · North Thompson Road
4

Continue on US 71B

4.9 mi · 8 min · North Thompson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Continue on US 71B

1.5 mi · 2 min · North College Avenue
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71B

48 mi · 49 min · Fulbright Expressway
Use the straight lane.
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

140 mi · 2 hr 21 min · I 40; US 71
9

Take the exit onto US 65

4.6 mi · 6 min · US 65
10

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

35 mi · 35 min · I 530; US 65; US 167
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto US 65B

5.6 mi · 9 min · US 65B
12

Turn right onto North Pine Street

302 ft · 18 sec · North Pine Street
13

Turn left onto West Barraque Street

312 ft · 15 sec · West Barraque Street
14

Turn right onto South Main Street

349 ft · 15 sec · South Main Street
15

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the turn-heavy nature of this 3-hour and 42-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak local congestion. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and break up the constant steering required on these local roads. Since you are not relying on high-speed interstates, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge and budget for the estimated $38 cost before you head out. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the lack of highway segments allows you to adjust your pace easily if you encounter unexpected local traffic. A pro tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation settings to ensure you stay on the intended path along North Thompson Road, as the local turn-heavy profile can be easy to miscalculate.

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 120.9 miles from Bethel Heights, AR, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.4 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 53 miles or 1h in

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

Halfway reset

Around 120.9 miles or 2h 9m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bethel Heights, 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 Bethel Heights, AR

This is one driving day of about 241.9 miles and 4h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Bethel Heights, 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 140.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Delaware, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Delaware, AR

121 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

Delaware, AR to Pine Bluff, AR

131 mi · 2h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Alma, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Delaware, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 120.9 miles from Bethel Heights, 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 140.4 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

Lucky's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 245.6

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18705342825

Visit website

Shark Bites Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

1.8 mi

Lybrand's | Bakery & Deli

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

2.3 mi

Lucky's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 245.6

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18705342825

Visit website

Shark Bites Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 245.6

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18708504888

Lybrand's | Bakery & Deli

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 245.6

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

+18705344607

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 175.5

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.7

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

Wildflower Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.2

Mulberry, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+14792972005

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122.8

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Mammoth Orange Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 228.1

Redfield, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15013972347

Visit website

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 17.5

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14792943041

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 175.5

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 175.5

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.2 and 241.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
7.2 mi into trip | ~13m 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
55.5 mi into trip | ~1h 3m 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
6
201.2 mi into trip | ~3h 31m 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.
5
241.8 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in | West Barraque Street

Turn left onto West Barraque Street

Navigation decision point

5
241.8 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in | South Main Street

Turn right onto South Main Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.53 one way

$73.07 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $40.10 $80.21
premium $4.56 $43.42 $86.84
diesel $5.61 $53.41 $106.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.6 0 $25.40 $11.61
Efficient EV 60.5 0 $21.17 $9.68
EV Truck/SUV 96.8 1 $33.87 $15.48

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 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

Bethel Heights, AR

Afternoon in Bethel Heights on Sunday

Local time

3:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pine Bluff, AR

Afternoon in Pine Bluff on Sunday

Local time

3:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Delaware, AR

121 mi in

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

4 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

4h 17m 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 that demands your full attention as you navigate through various street-level stretches. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this route features zero highway miles, forcing you to adjust to the rhythm of local traffic and varied road geometries. You will find that the journey feels more hands-on, requiring you to stay alert through the transitions between North Thompson Street and other local thoroughfares. Because the entire 245.6-mile distance is comprised of non-highway roads, the drive offers a consistent, albeit technical, experience from start to finish. Expect a steady pace that reflects the character of the local infrastructure rather than the rapid transit of a major highway.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 140.4 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Fulbright Expressway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 7.2 miles in near US 71B / Fulbright Expressway.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 241.9 miles you will encounter 11 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 7.2 miles (US 71B / Fulbright Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.2 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.

On the drive from Bethel Heights, AR to Pine Bluff, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

55.5 mi in | ~1h 3m

About the Cities

Arriving in Pine Bluff, AR

Full guide →

Pine Bluff is a historic city in the Timberlands region of Southern Arkansas.

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 4h 17m. Total distance: 241.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 17m 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 140.4 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 Pine Bluff, 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 7.2 miles (US 71B / Fulbright Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 55.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.2 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Pine Bluff, AR, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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