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Trip from Elm Springs, AR to Conway, AR

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

Drive Time

2h 57m

Distance

170.7 mi

275 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 46m ★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 20m
10 AM
3h 5m
12 PM
3h 3m
3 PM
3h 6m
5 PM
3h 19m
8 PM
2h 51m

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 Elm Springs, AR, AR

Elm Springs, AR

Rodion Kutsaiev

Downtown Conway, AR, AR

Conway, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Elm Springs to Conway, this 170.6-mile journey takes approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations along the way. You should budget roughly $26 for fuel to cover the distance, making this an economical choice for a quick regional trip. Navigating through the Southeast, the drive relies on local roads rather than major interstates, offering a more intimate look at the area. Since you will only need about one stop to complete the trek comfortably, it is an ideal route for those who prefer a straightforward, manageable travel day.

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

85.4 miles from Elm Springs, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 112.1 mi 1h 52m
I 49 51.4 mi 52m
North Maestri Road 2.3 mi 4m
West Sunset Avenue 1.4 mi 2m
Harkrider Street 1.3 mi 1m
East Henri de Tonti Boulevard 0.4 mi <1m
Oak Street 0.4 mi <1m
Skyline Drive 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 112.1 mi, about 1h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elm Springs, AR and Conway, AR.

1

Start on School Street

113 ft · 10 sec · School Street
2

Turn left onto AR 112

0.1 mi · 15 sec · South Elm Street
3

Continue on AR 112

2.3 mi · 4 min · North Maestri Road
4

Turn left onto US 412

0.4 mi · 36 sec · East Henri de Tonti Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on US 412

1.4 mi · 2 min · West Sunset Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto I 49; US 62; US 71

51 mi · 52 min · I 49; US 62; US 71
Use the straight lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
9

Merge onto I 40; US 71

112 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 40; US 71
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward US 65 North, US 65B South
11

Keep slight right at fork

498 ft · 12 sec
12

Turn slight right onto US 65B

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Skyline Drive
13

Continue on US 64; US 65B

0.5 mi · 41 sec · Harkrider Street
14

Enter roundabout onto Harkrider Street

181 ft · 2 sec · Harkrider Street
15

Continue on Harkrider Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Harkrider Street
16

Enter roundabout onto Harkrider Street

162 ft · 2 sec · Harkrider Street
17

Continue on Harkrider Street

0.5 mi · 49 sec · Harkrider Street
18

Turn right onto Oak Street

492 ft · 9 sec · Oak Street
19

Keep slight left at fork onto Oak Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Oak Street
20

Turn left onto Locust Avenue

497 ft · 19 sec · Locust Avenue
21

Turn left onto Main Street

104 ft · 4 sec · Main Street
22

Arrive at destination

Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 41 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though starting early helps you avoid mid-day congestion on local roads. Since this is a turn-heavy route, keep your navigation tools handy and stay alert for intersections that require quick adjustments. You only need one stop to maintain your energy levels, so choose a location roughly halfway through to stretch your legs. Because fuel costs are estimated at $26, filling up before you leave Elm Springs is a smart way to simplify your travel logistics. Use the lack of highway segments to your advantage by planning a leisurely pace that allows you to safely navigate the frequent turns.

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 85.4 miles from Elm Springs, AR, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.1 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 38 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 85.4 miles or 1h 30m 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 24m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Elm 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 Elm Springs, AR

This is one driving day of about 170.7 miles and 2h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Elm 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 112.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

highland region in central-southern United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ozark, AR

85 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

Ozark, AR to Conway, AR

91.6 mi · 1h 35m

Pacing Suggestions

Prairie Grove, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ozark, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 85.4 miles from Elm 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 112.1 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

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Conway, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.7

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

1 mi

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

West Fork, Arkansas

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14792943041

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.7

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 97.6

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 122

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.4

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

Mandalay Fusion

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.2

Farmington, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14792679494

Visit website

Simple Simon's Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.2

Farmington, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14793002222

Visit website

Ridgerunner Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.6

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+14797613843

Visit website

West Fork Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.4

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14792943041

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 170.7

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 170.7

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 55.8 — 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 | AR 112 / South Elm Street

Turn left onto AR 112 / South Elm Street

Navigation decision point

5
2.4 mi into trip | ~4m 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
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the exit

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

Use the right lane.
5
4.4 mi into trip | ~7m 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
55.8 mi into trip | ~1h 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

$25.78 one way

$51.56 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $28.30 $56.60
premium $4.56 $30.64 $61.28
diesel $5.61 $37.69 $75.38

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.2 0 $17.92 $8.19
Efficient EV 42.7 0 $14.94 $6.83
EV Truck/SUV 68.3 0 $23.90 $10.92

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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 15, 2026

Origin

Elm Springs, AR

Night in Elm Springs on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Conway, AR

Night in Conway on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Ozark, AR

85 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

2h 57m 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 that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route keeps you engaged with local thoroughfares like South Elm Street, North Maestri Road, and East Henri de Tonti Boulevard. Because the highway share is 0%, you won't be cruising at high speeds on wide-open freeways, but rather navigating the nuances of local infrastructure. The road's personality is defined by its winding, technical nature, which requires a steadier pace than typical highway travel. Be prepared for a hands-on driving experience where the road conditions change frequently as you transition between these specific local roads.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near AR 112 / South Elm Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 170.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (AR 112 / South Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Elm Springs, AR to Conway, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

55.8 mi in | ~1h

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 57m. Total distance: 170.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 112.1 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Conway, 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 (AR 112 / South Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (US 412 / East Henri de Tonti Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Conway, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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