Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Cave Springs, AR to North Little Rock, AR

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

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

201.5 mi

324 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 41m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Cave Springs, AR, AR

Cave Springs, AR

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Trip Overview

This 201.5-mile drive from Cave Springs, Arkansas, to North Little Rock, Arkansas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing I-49 and I-40, this route is a highway-focused experience, with 95% of your journey on major interstates. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $31. Given its manageable distance and duration, it’s a straightforward option for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region for the entire journey, staying within Arkansas.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

100.8 miles from Cave Springs, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 140 mi 2h 20m
I 49 51.4 mi 52m
North Maestri Road 2.3 mi 4m
South Main Street (Cave Springs) 1.8 mi 3m
North Main Street (Elm Springs) 1.6 mi 3m
West Sunset Avenue 1.4 mi 2m
North Main Street Elm Springs 0.9 mi 1m
North Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 140 mi, about 2h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cave Springs, AR and North Little Rock, AR.

1

Start on this road

43 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Midway Avenue

53 ft · 7 sec · Midway Avenue
3

Turn left onto AR 112

1.8 mi · 3 min · South Main Street (Cave Springs)
4

Continue on AR 112

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Main Street Elm Springs
5

Continue on AR 112

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Main Street (Elm Springs)
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on AR 112

2.3 mi · 4 min · North Maestri Road
7

Turn left onto US 412

0.4 mi · 36 sec · East Henri de Tonti Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 412

1.4 mi · 2 min · West Sunset Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 49; US 62; US 71

51 mi · 52 min · I 49; US 62; US 71
Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
12

Merge onto I 40; US 71

140 mi · 2 hr 20 min · I 40; US 71
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Use the right lane.
14

Turn slight right

93 ft · 4 sec
15

Turn slight right onto North Main Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
16

Arrive at destination

North Main Street

Trip Plan

For this 201.5-mile journey, you can comfortably tackle it in one day, making it ideal for a flexible departure. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. With a driving time of just over 3.5 hours, you'll only need to plan for one significant stop. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 140 miles on I-40, as services can sometimes be spaced further apart on interstates. The estimated fuel cost of $31 is a helpful budget point to consider.

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 100.8 miles from Cave Springs, AR, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140 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 44 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 100.8 miles or 1h 49m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 54m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cave Springs, 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 Springs, AR

This is one driving day of about 201.5 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Cave Springs, 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 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

101 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

Alma, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Delaware, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 100.8 miles from Cave Springs, 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 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

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 129.5

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Conway, Arkansas

1.2 mi

Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Little Rock, Arkansas

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 201.5

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Fork, Arkansas

2.4 mi

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 129.5

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.7

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 201.5

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019042133

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 100.8

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

The Root Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 201.5

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15014140423

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 129.5

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Wildflower Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72

Mulberry, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+14792972005

Bobby's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 187.1

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 6:30 am–7:30 pm

+15018517888

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 201.5

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.8

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14792943041

Visit website

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 201.5

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 172.7

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 172.7

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Reno's Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 201.5

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15013762900

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 60 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Midway Avenue

Turn right onto Midway Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
6.6 mi into trip | ~12m in | US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard

Turn left onto US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
8.4 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
8.6 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 49; US 62; US 71

Merge onto I 49; US 62; US 71

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

Use the straight lane.
6
60 mi into trip | ~1h 8m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.43 one way

$60.86 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $33.41 $66.81
premium $4.56 $36.17 $72.33
diesel $5.61 $44.49 $88.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 60.4 0 $21.16 $9.67
Efficient EV 50.4 0 $17.63 $8.06
EV Truck/SUV 80.6 1 $28.21 $12.90

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Cave Springs, AR

Evening in Cave Springs on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

North Little Rock, AR

Evening in North Little Rock on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Delaware, AR

101 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

3h 31m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 drive on this route, with 95% of your travel occurring on interstates like I-49 and I-40. The character of the road is largely consistent, featuring a long, uninterrupted stretch of 140 miles on I-40. This means you'll experience a steady pace for the majority of your trip, with minimal deviations from the main thoroughfares. While the drive is efficient, it's important to be prepared for the long stretches of consistent highway driving.

95% 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: 140 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 49. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Midway Avenue.

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 201.5 miles you will encounter 8 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: near the start (Midway Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,659 ft 270 ft

Total Climb

704 ft

Total Descent

1,591 ft

Highest Point

1,659 ft

~28.8 mi in

Elevation Range

1,389 ft

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 Springs, AR to North Little Rock, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

60 mi in | ~1h 8m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 201.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 140 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 North Little Rock, 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 (Midway Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at North Little Rock, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From North Little Rock, AR

Rogers, AR 206.3 mi · 3h 37m Bethel Heights, AR 197.3 mi · 3h 28m Springdale, AR 195.5 mi · 3h 25m Blytheville, AR 183.6 mi · 3h 10m

More from Cave Springs, AR

Springdale, AR 11 mi · 19m

More trips to North Little Rock, AR

Bentonville, AR 210.2 mi Tontitown, AR 195.8 mi Eureka Springs, AR 195.8 mi Lincoln, AR 191 mi Berryville, AR 164.5 mi Fort Smith, AR 154.3 mi
Escape planner: Cave Springs, AR Scenic drives in AR

Explore more options from Cave Springs, AR or browse trips ending in North Little Rock, AR.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AR road trips.