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Trip from Fort Smith, AR to Gosnell, 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 50m

Distance

310.4 mi

500 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 37m ★
6 AM
5h 50m
8 AM
6h 17m
10 AM
6h 0m
12 PM
5h 57m
3 PM
6h 1m
5 PM
6h 15m
8 PM
5h 43m

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 Gosnell, AR, AR

Gosnell, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 310.4-mile journey from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Gosnell, Arkansas, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 71 and US 64, with a segment on East Highland Drive, this route offers a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $47, it's an economical option for traversing the Southeast region of Arkansas. The drive is manageable within a single day, allowing for a straightforward trip without the need for an overnight stay. It presents a practical option for those looking to cover ground efficiently within the state.

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

155.2 miles from Fort Smith, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 71 119.2 mi 1h 59m
US 64 74.6 mi 1h 17m
East Highland Drive 50.8 mi 1h 7m
Vilonia Bypass 25.9 mi 32m
US 78 12.1 mi 13m
Southwest Drive 7.4 mi 9m
I 540 5.7 mi 6m
State Highway 64 5.4 mi 6m
Longest stretch: US 71 — 119.2 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Grand Avenue

2.0 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
2

Turn left

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 540 North, US 71 North
3

Merge onto I 540; US 71

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 540; US 71
4

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71

119 mi · 1 hr 59 min · US 71
Toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward US 64
6

Keep slight left at fork

212 ft · 8 sec
7

Turn left onto US 64

1.8 mi · 3 min · East Oak Street
8

Continue on US 64

5.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 64
9

Continue on US 64

26 mi · 32 min · Vilonia Bypass
Use the straight lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 64

75 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 64
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward AR 226: Jonesboro
12

Keep slight right at fork

346 ft · 8 sec
13

Merge onto US 78; AR 226

12 mi · 13 min · US 78; AR 226
14

Continue on US 49; US 63; US 78

7.4 mi · 9 min · Southwest Drive
15

Turn right onto AR 18

51 mi · 1 hr 7 min · East Highland Drive
16

Continue on US 78; AR 18

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
17

Turn left onto AR 151

3.3 mi · 5 min · Airbase Highway
18

Turn left onto AR 151

0.4 mi · 56 sec · Bevill Avenue
19

Continue on Bevill Avenue

90 ft · 3 sec · Bevill Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

Bevill Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 50-minute duration, departing in the morning from Fort Smith is advisable to allow ample daylight for your 310.4-mile trip to Gosnell. While only one stop is indicated, plan for additional breaks as needed, especially during the longest stretch of 119.2 miles on US 71. The estimated fuel cost of $47 makes this a budget-friendly drive, but be sure to check your fuel levels before heading out. This single-day route offers flexibility, so you can adjust your pace based on traffic and your personal preference for stops.

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 155.2 miles from Fort Smith, AR, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.2 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 68 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 155.2 miles or 2h 47m 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 34m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, AR

This is one driving day of about 310.4 miles and 5h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Fort Smith, 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 US 71 for about 119.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Cabot, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cabot, AR

155 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

Delaware, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cabot, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 155.2 miles from Fort Smith, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.2 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 start, right off the route

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

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Smith, Arkansas

1.5 mi

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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 start, right off the route

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

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 310.4

Gosnell, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+18705325028

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 44.3

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv mile 88.7

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

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

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Sonic Drive-In

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 310.4

Blytheville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+18707639304

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 221.7

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 235.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Turn left toward I 540 North, US 71 North

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 540 North, US 71 North
8
8 mi into trip | ~11m in | US 71

Keep slight right at fork onto US 71 toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Little Rock, Memphis
4
127.2 mi into trip | ~2h 10m in

Take the exit toward US 64

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 64
5
127.4 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
235.2 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in

Take the exit toward AR 226: Jonesboro

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward AR 226: Jonesboro

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.88 one way

$93.76 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 109 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $51.46 $102.92
premium $4.56 $55.71 $111.43
diesel $5.61 $68.53 $137.06

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 93.1 1 $32.59 $14.90
Efficient EV 77.6 0 $27.16 $12.42
EV Truck/SUV 124.2 1 $43.46 $19.87

Gas CO2

109 kg

EV CO2

36 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 15, 2026

Origin

Fort Smith, AR

Evening in Fort Smith on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gosnell, AR

Evening in Gosnell on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Partly Cloudy

SSW 15 mph 4% 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

8 degrees cooler at arrival

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

Road read

5h 50m 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 drive that predominantly features highway travel, with 70% of the route being on highways. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 119.2 miles along US 71, offering a consistent pace. The road character is geared towards efficiency, allowing you to maintain steady progress. While focused on highways, the inclusion of US 64 and East Highland Drive suggests potential shifts in scenery and speed as you transition between different road types. This route prioritizes reaching your destination smoothly.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.2 mi on US 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 71 and US 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.

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 13 significant decision points across 310.4 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: at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8 miles (US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

529 ft 221 ft

Total Climb

170 ft

Total Descent

358 ft

Highest Point

529 ft

~44.3 mi in

Elevation Range

309 ft

About the Cities

Starting 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 50m. Total distance: 310.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.2 miles on US 71. 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 Gosnell, 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: at 2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8 miles (US 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gosnell, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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