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Trip from Cave City, AR to Fort Smith, AR

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

Drive Time

4h 28m

Distance

235.5 mi

379 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 15m ★
6 AM
4h 29m
8 AM
4h 55m
10 AM
4h 38m
12 PM
4h 35m
3 PM
4h 39m
5 PM
4h 54m
8 PM
4h 21m

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 Cave City, AR, AR

Cave City, AR

Khaoula ATTAR

Trip Overview

This 235.5-mile drive from Cave City, Arkansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes. You'll primarily travel on I-40 and US 64, with a portion on Batesville Boulevard. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this highway-focused route is efficient for getting from point A to point B within the Southeast region. It's a practical option if you're looking for a relatively quick trip with minimal fuss, and the single recommended stop suggests a smooth, uninterrupted drive.

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

117.8 miles from Cave City, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 118.6 mi 1h 58m
US 64 33 mi 42m
Batesville Boulevard 32.9 mi 43m
US 167 27.1 mi 27m
North Saint Louis Street 14.4 mi 22m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
Grand Avenue 1.9 mi 3m
South Main Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 118.6 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Center Street

12 ft · 0 sec · West Center Street
2

Turn right onto US 167

0.5 mi · 46 sec · South Main Street
3

Continue on US 167

14 mi · 22 min · North Saint Louis Street
4

Continue on US 167; AR 25

33 mi · 43 min · Batesville Boulevard
5

Take the exit onto US 167

27 mi · 27 min · US 167
6

Take the exit onto US 64

0.4 mi · 49 sec · US 64
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 64

33 mi · 41 min · US 64
Toward US 64 West: Conway
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
9

Merge onto I 40; US 65

119 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 40; US 65
10

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
12

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
13

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 28-minute duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 118.6-mile stretch on I-40, as services might be less frequent. Plan for one main stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which should be sufficient for this distance. The primary roads, I-40 and US 64, are generally well-maintained, but always be aware of potential traffic, particularly as you approach Fort Smith.

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 117.8 miles from Cave City, AR, or about 2h 27m 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 52 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117.8 miles or 2h 27m 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 42m

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 Cave City, 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 Cave City, AR

This is one driving day of about 235.5 miles and 4h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Cave City, 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

118 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

Mountain Home, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Conway, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.8 miles from Cave City, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

Best meal stop · home stretch

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

0.8 mi

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

0.9 mi

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Red E Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Batesville, 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 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 47.7 and 233.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
47.7 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
74.8 mi into trip | ~1h 34m 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
75.2 mi into trip | ~1h 35m 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
226.9 mi into trip | ~4h 16m 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
233.4 mi into trip | ~4h 24m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.57 one way

$71.13 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 82 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $39.04 $78.09
premium $4.56 $42.27 $84.54
diesel $5.61 $52.00 $103.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 82.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 70.6 0 $24.73 $11.30
Efficient EV 58.9 0 $20.61 $9.42
EV Truck/SUV 94.2 1 $32.97 $15.07

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Cave City, AR

Late night in Cave City on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Late night in Fort Smith on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 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

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

4h 28m 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 highway-focused experience for this trip, with 79% of the drive on interstates and major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 118.6 miles on I-40, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While much of the journey will be on faster roads, you'll also navigate stretches of US 64 and Batesville Boulevard, which may offer a slightly different driving feel. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, making it a dependable choice for covering ground.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 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?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 64. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 47.7 miles in near US 167.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 28m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 47.7 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 74.8 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 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 Cave City, AR to Fort Smith, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Conway along the way.

Conway

74.8 mi in | ~1h 34m | 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 4h 28m. Total distance: 235.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Straightforward navigation.

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.

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 47.7 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 74.8 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Smith, 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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