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Trip from Harrison, AR to Fort Smith, 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 44m

Distance

131.3 mi

211 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 34m ★
6 AM
2h 45m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m

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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seat of Boone County, Arkansas, USA

Harrison, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 131.3-mile drive from Harrison, Arkansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-49, US 412, and AR 45, with 91% of the journey on highways, making it a straightforward, highway-focused experience. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $20. Given its manageable length and focus on main roads, this trip is ideal for a leisurely day of travel within the Southeast region of Arkansas, offering a convenient connection between these two points.

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

65.6 miles from Harrison, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 49 40.4 mi 40m
US 412 40.2 mi 46m
AR 45 16.4 mi 24m
US 62 11.6 mi 17m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
I 40 4.3 mi 4m
East 15th Street 2.5 mi 5m
North Crossover Road 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 49 — 40.4 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Stephenson Avenue

78 ft · 11 sec · West Stephenson Avenue
2

Turn left onto North Main Street

1.7 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
3

Continue on US 62; US 65; US 412

5.0 mi · 7 min · US 62; US 65; US 412
4

Take the exit onto US 62; US 412

6.1 mi · 8 min · US 62; US 412
5

Continue on US 62; US 412

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 62; US 412
Use the straight / left lanes.
6

Turn left onto US 412

40 mi · 46 min · US 412
Use the left lane.
7

Turn left onto US 412B

0.5 mi · 54 sec · US 412B
8

Turn slight left onto AR 45

16 mi · 24 min · AR 45
9

Turn left onto AR 265

2.3 mi · 3 min · North Crossover Road
Use the left lane.
10

Turn slight right

380 ft · 7 sec
Use the right lane.
11

Turn slight right onto AR 16

0.4 mi · 56 sec · East Huntsville Road
Use the right lane.
12

Continue on AR 16

0.3 mi · 41 sec · South Happy Hollow Road
13

Continue on AR 16

2.5 mi · 5 min · East 15th Street
14

Turn left onto South Razorback Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Razorback Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
15

Continue on AR 265

0.4 mi · 40 sec · South Cato Springs Road
16

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 19 sec
Use the left lane.
17

Merge onto I 49

40 mi · 40 min · I 49
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith
19

Merge onto I 40; US 71

4.3 mi · 4 min · I 40; US 71
20

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
22

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
23

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

With a total duration of 2 hours and 44 minutes and a fuel cost of approximately $20, this 131.3-mile trip offers flexibility for when you depart. You can easily complete this drive in one day without needing an overnight stay. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. There's one recommended stop on this route, but with only one longest stretch of 40.4 miles on I-49, you won't feel rushed. A practical tip: keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Fort Smith, as highway services can sometimes be spaced out.

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 65.6 miles from Harrison, AR, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.4 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 29 miles or 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 65.6 miles or 1h 26m 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 17m

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 Harrison, 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 Harrison, AR

This is one driving day of about 131.3 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Harrison, 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 49 for about 40.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Carroll County, Arkansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Berryville, AR

66 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

Berryville, AR to Fort Smith, AR

115.5 mi · 2h 28m

Pacing Suggestions

Green Forest, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fayetteville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65.6 miles from Harrison, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131.3

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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131.3

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131.3

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Harrison, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+18707418704

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131.3

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Gallegos La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 46.9

Huntsville, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14797382000

Visit website

Jamie's Local Flavor

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Harrison, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18703650421

Visit website

Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 46.9

Huntsville, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14797381266

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 131.3

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 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.4 and 118 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
13.4 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 412

Turn left onto US 412

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
70.5 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in | AR 265 / North Crossover Road

Turn left onto AR 265 / North Crossover Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
76.2 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | South Razorback Road

Turn left onto South Razorback Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
5
77.7 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in | I 49

Merge onto I 49

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
118 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 40 West: Van Buren, Fort Smith

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.83 one way

$39.66 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $21.77 $43.54
premium $4.56 $23.57 $47.13
diesel $5.61 $28.99 $57.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.4 0 $13.79 $6.30
Efficient EV 32.8 0 $11.49 $5.25
EV Truck/SUV 52.5 0 $18.38 $8.40

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 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

Harrison, AR

Late night in Harrison on Sunday

Local time

2:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Late night in Fort Smith on Sunday

Local time

2:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°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

1 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 44m 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 for this 131.3-mile journey. With 91% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-49, US 412, and AR 45, you'll experience efficient travel for most of the 2 hours and 44 minutes. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 40.4 miles on I-49, allowing for sustained driving without frequent interruptions. While the profile is highway-focused, be prepared for the transitions as you move between these main arteries.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.4 mi on I 49.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 49 and US 412. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.4 miles in near US 412.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 131.3 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 13.4 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here; at 70.5 miles (AR 265 / North Crossover Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles (South Razorback Road): Lane positioning matters here.

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 44m. Total distance: 131.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 40.4 miles on I 49. 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 Fort Smith, 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 13.4 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here; at 70.5 miles (AR 265 / North Crossover Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles (South Razorback Road): Lane positioning matters here.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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