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Trip from Clinton, 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

2h 59m

Distance

147.2 mi

237 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 48m ★
6 AM
2h 59m
8 AM
3h 22m
10 AM
3h 7m
12 PM
3h 5m
3 PM
3h 8m
5 PM
3h 21m
8 PM
2h 52m

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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city in Arkansas, United States

Clinton, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 147.3 miles through the heart of Arkansas, this route from Clinton to Fort Smith typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because the duration is relatively short, you can easily complete this journey in a single day, making it a straightforward trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $23 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the Southeast, the drive connects two distinct Arkansas communities via a combination of Highway 65, Highway 9, and I-40 West. While there are no formal, planned stops included in this itinerary, the flexibility of the route allows you to manage your own pace. It serves as a practical, efficient connection for those moving between these two regional hubs.

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

73.6 miles from Clinton, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 99.8 mi 1h 39m
State Highway 9 33.3 mi 58m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
US Highway 65 4.5 mi 7m
Grand Avenue 1.9 mi 3m
US 65B 0.4 mi <1m
Yellowjacket Lane 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 99.8 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Yellowjacket Lane

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Yellowjacket Lane
2

Turn right onto US 65B

0.4 mi · 41 sec · US 65B
3

At end of road, turn right onto US 65; AR 9

4.5 mi · 7 min · US Highway 65
4

Turn right onto AR 9

33 mi · 58 min · State Highway 9
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 40 West
6

Merge onto I 40

100 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 40
7

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
9

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
10

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable 2-hour and 26-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it best suits your schedule. Try to time your departure to avoid heavy traffic, especially when transitioning onto I-40 West, where congestion can occasionally occur. With a fuel budget of $23, it is wise to fill your tank before leaving Clinton to ensure you have enough range for the entire 147.3-mile stretch. Because the route is turn-heavy, prioritize comfort and stay alert, as you will be navigating local roads for the majority of the time. If you find the technical turns tiring, take advantage of the transition to the interstate to reset your pace before arriving in Fort Smith.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.6 miles from Clinton, AR, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.8 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 32 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.6 miles or 1h 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 2h 29m

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 Clinton, 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 Clinton, AR

This is one driving day of about 147.2 miles and 2h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Clinton, 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 99.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Atkins, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Atkins, AR

74 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

Atkins, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clarksville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.6 miles from Clinton, 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 99.8 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

Halfway reset 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

Halfway reset 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

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

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

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 0.1 and 145 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 65B

Turn right onto US 65B

Navigation decision point

4
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 65; AR 9 / US Highway 65

At end of road, turn right onto US 65; AR 9 / US Highway 65

Navigation decision point

4
5 mi into trip | ~8m in | AR 9 / State Highway 9

Turn right onto AR 9 / State Highway 9

Navigation decision point

5
138.5 mi into trip | ~2h 47m 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
145 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.23 one way

$44.46 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $24.40 $48.81
premium $4.56 $26.42 $52.84
diesel $5.61 $32.50 $65.00

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.2 0 $15.46 $7.07
Efficient EV 36.8 0 $12.88 $5.89
EV Truck/SUV 58.9 0 $20.61 $9.42

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (67% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Clinton, AR

Late night in Clinton on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Late night in Fort Smith on Tuesday

Local time

4:46 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

2 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

2h 59m 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 turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. You will spend your time navigating a mix of local roads, as the route features a highway share of 0% on the primary segments, shifting gears from Highway 65 and Highway 9 before transitioning onto I-40 West. The road demands your attention, requiring you to stay focused on the curves and changes in elevation throughout the 147.3-mile trip. Because this is a technical drive, you will find it quite different from a standard highway sprint. Keep in mind that the character of the road changes as you move from the local Arkansas corridors onto the interstate system, providing a varied experience for the driver.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and State Highway 9. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 65B.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Clinton, AR to Fort Smith, AR is easy. At 2h 59m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 65B): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (US 65; AR 9 / US Highway 65): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

613 ft 306 ft

Total Climb

408 ft

Total Descent

532 ft

Highest Point

613 ft

~21 mi in

Elevation Range

307 ft

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 2h 59m. Total distance: 147.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.8 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 0.1 miles (US 65B): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (US 65; AR 9 / US Highway 65): Navigation decision point; at 5 miles (AR 9 / State Highway 9): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Smith, AR before heading back.

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.

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