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Trip from Caraway, AR to Fort Smith, AR

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

Drive Time

5h 17m

Distance

283 mi

455 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

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

Caraway, AR

Patrick

Trip Overview

This approximately 283-mile drive from Caraway, Arkansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, will take about 5 hours and 17 minutes of pure driving time. Given its duration and the fact that you'll be spending 94% of your time on highways, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of around $43 for this journey. The drive is primarily a highway-focused experience, making it a straightforward transit between these two Arkansas locations. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll remain within familiar territory throughout the trip, allowing for a smooth and predictable travel day.

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

141.5 miles from Caraway, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 118.6 mi 1h 58m
I 57 74.5 mi 1h 16m
US 64 33 mi 42m
Highway 18 19.4 mi 28m
US 78 12.5 mi 14m
Southwest Drive 7.4 mi 8m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
East State Street 5.7 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 118.6 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Caraway, AR and Fort Smith, AR.

1

Start on AR 158

5.7 mi · 10 min · East State Street
2

Continue on AR 135

2.2 mi · 3 min · AR 135
3

Turn left onto AR 135

0.1 mi · 15 sec · West Rogers
4

Turn left onto US 78; AR 18

19 mi · 28 min · Highway 18
5

Turn left onto AR 18

7.4 mi · 8 min · Southwest Drive
6

Continue on US 78; AR 226

13 mi · 14 min · US 78; AR 226
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
8

Merge onto I 57

75 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 57
9

Take the exit onto US 64

0.4 mi · 49 sec · US 64
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 64

33 mi · 41 min · US 64
Toward US 64 West: Conway
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
12

Merge onto I 40; US 65

119 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 40; US 65
13

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
15

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
16

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 17-minute drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Fort Smith. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, but consider a break around the halfway point to stretch and refuel. Keep in mind the longest stretch without a significant change in road is over 118 miles, so plan your breaks accordingly before you feel the need. The estimated fuel cost of $43 is a good baseline, but always have a little extra for unexpected detours or price fluctuations.

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 141.5 miles from Caraway, AR, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 62 miles or 1h 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 141.5 miles or 2h 48m 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Caraway, 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 Caraway, AR

This is one driving day of about 283 miles and 5h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Caraway, 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 118.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vilonia, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vilonia, AR

142 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vilonia, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141.5 miles from Caraway, 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 118.6 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

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

0.8 mi

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

1.2 mi

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 202.1

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.6

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 202.1

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 222.4

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 60.6

Newport, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 47.4 and 280.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
47.4 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
122.3 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | US 64

Take the exit onto US 64 toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway

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

Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe,...
5
122.7 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in | US 64

Keep slight right at fork onto US 64 toward US 64 West: Conway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 64 West: Conway
5
274.3 mi into trip | ~5h 5m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith

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

Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
5
280.9 mi into trip | ~5h 13m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.74 one way

$85.48 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $46.92 $93.84
premium $4.56 $50.80 $101.59
diesel $5.61 $62.48 $124.97

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.9 1 $29.71 $13.58
Efficient EV 70.8 0 $24.76 $11.32
EV Truck/SUV 113.2 1 $39.62 $18.11

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% 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

Caraway, AR

Evening in Caraway on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Evening in Fort Smith on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 10 mph 32% chance 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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 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?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 94% of your travel occurring on major roadways. You'll primarily navigate on I-40 and I-57, with US-64 also playing a role. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is an impressive 118.6 miles on I-40, offering a significant period of consistent cruising. This highway-centric profile suggests a drive where maintaining speed is generally easy, allowing you to cover ground efficiently. The road character remains largely consistent, focusing on efficient travel rather than varied landscapes.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 57. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 47.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 283 miles you will encounter 12 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 47.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 122.3 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.7 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 Caraway, AR to Fort Smith, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Conway along the way.

Conway

122.3 mi in | ~2h 23m | via US 64

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Smith, AR

Full guide →

Fort Smith is in northwest Arkansas and borders Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Sebastian County. The city has a population of 80,286 which makes it the third largest city in Arkansas behind Little Rock and Fayetteville. It is located in the River Valley of Arkansas between the Ouachita mountains in the south and the Boston and Ozark mountains of the north and a gateway city to the Ozarks.

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 17m. Total distance: 283 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.6 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.

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 47.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 122.3 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.7 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Smith, 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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