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Trip from Hughes, AR to Fayetteville, AR

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

Drive Time

5h 19m

Distance

297.5 mi

479 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 6m ★
6 AM
5h 20m
8 AM
5h 47m
10 AM
5h 29m
12 PM
5h 26m
3 PM
5h 30m
5 PM
5h 45m
8 PM
5h 12m

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 Hughes, AR, AR

Hughes, AR

ARMAN ALCORDO JR.

Downtown Fayetteville, AR, AR

Fayetteville, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 297.5-mile journey from Hughes to Fayetteville, Arkansas, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 94% of the drive utilizing major interstates, specifically I-40 and I-49, before concluding on Main Street. With a projected fuel cost of around $45, it's an efficient trip for those looking to cover ground. While it's a manageable day trip, the longest continuous stretch is a significant 234.2 miles on I-40, so be prepared for extended periods on the interstate. This drive stays within the Southeast region of Arkansas.

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

148.7 miles from Hughes, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 234.2 mi 3h 56m
I 49 40.3 mi 40m
Main Street 11.9 mi 20m
AR 50 4.2 mi 7m
North Jefferson Street 2.5 mi 4m
South Razorback Road 1.4 mi 2m
West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard 0.9 mi 2m
South Nelson Hackett Boulevard 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 234.2 mi, about 3h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hughes, AR and Fayetteville, AR.

1

Start on Jeff Davis Street

123 ft · 7 sec · Jeff Davis Street
2

Turn right onto Cowan Street North

335 ft · 15 sec · Cowan Street North
3

Turn right onto AR 38

12 mi · 20 min · Main Street
4

Turn left onto AR 50

4.2 mi · 7 min · AR 50
5

Turn right onto AR 50

2.5 mi · 4 min · North Jefferson Street
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
7

Merge onto I 40

234 mi · 3 hr 56 min · I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
9

Continue on I 49

40 mi · 40 min · I 49
Use the slight right lane.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Toward AR 112, AR 265
11

Turn slight right onto AR 265

0.2 mi · 23 sec · South Cato Springs Road
12

Continue on South Razorback Road

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Razorback Road
13

Turn right onto AR 180

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Turn left onto South School Avenue

0.1 mi · 15 sec · South School Avenue
Use the left lane.
15

Turn slight right onto South Nelson Hackett Boulevard

0.4 mi · 52 sec · South Nelson Hackett Boulevard
16

Continue on South College Avenue

0.2 mi · 26 sec · South College Avenue
17

Turn right onto East Center Street

147 ft · 8 sec · East Center Street
18

Turn right

79 ft · 5 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour and 19-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Hughes to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, it's wise to fill up before leaving Hughes. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 234.2 miles on I-40, so plan for at least one substantial stop for fuel and a break around the halfway point. Given the highway focus, utilize rest areas or services conveniently located along I-40 and I-49.

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 148.7 miles from Hughes, AR, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 234.2 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 65 miles or 1h 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 148.7 miles or 2h 45m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hughes, 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 Hughes, AR

This is one driving day of about 297.5 miles and 5h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Hughes, 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 234.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Maumelle, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Maumelle, AR

149 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

Carlisle, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Maumelle, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 148.7 miles from Hughes, 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 234.2 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

Hughes Drive Inn Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hughes, Arkansas

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18703393200

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

1.6 mi

Madison Place

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Arkansas

1.4 mi

Hughes Drive Inn Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hughes, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18703393200

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Madison Place

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Madison, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+18706308050

Visit website

Bobby's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 6:30 am–7:30 pm

+15018517888

Pizza Hut

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv

Forrest City, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+18706339118

Visit website

Ole Sawmill Cafe

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Forrest City, Arkansas

Hours: 7 AM–8 PM

+18706302299

Visit website

Ridgerunner Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

West Fork, Arkansas

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+14797613843

Visit website

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

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

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019047269

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Forrest City, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Overlook Rest Area - Westbound

0 mi from route

Ozark Rest Area – Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

White River Rest Area - Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

White River Rest Area - Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Ozark Rest Area - Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Forrest City Rest Area - Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Big Piney Rest Area – Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Tobo's 66 Travel Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Big Piney Rest Area - Westbound

0.1 mi from route

I 40 Truck Rest Area Eastbound

0.2 mi from route

I 40 Truck Rest Area Westbound

0.2 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

TA

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Forrest City Rest Area - Eastbound

0.3 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

ONE9 Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.3 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.3 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 19 and 297.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
19 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
293.8 mi into trip | ~5h 11m in

Take the exit toward AR 112, AR 265

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward AR 112, AR 265
5
295.9 mi into trip | ~5h 15m in | AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

Turn right onto AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
296.8 mi into trip | ~5h 17m in | South School Avenue

Turn left onto South School Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
297.4 mi into trip | ~5h 19m in | East Center Street

Turn right onto East Center Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.30 one way

$82.60 round trip

$3.53/gal 25.4 MPG avg 104 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $3.95 $46.21 $92.41
premium $4.29 $50.24 $100.47
diesel $4.80 $56.17 $112.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 104.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 89.3 1 $31.24 $14.28
Efficient EV 74.4 0 $26.03 $11.90
EV Truck/SUV 119 1 $41.65 $19.04

Gas CO2

104 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (66% 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 Jul 17, 2026

Origin

Hughes, AR

Night in Hughes on Saturday

Local time

9:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

92°F

Sunny

W 5 to 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:33PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

Destination

Fayetteville, AR

Night in Fayetteville on Saturday

Local time

9:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

88°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 10 mph 26% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:33PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN

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 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 19m 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 highway-centric experience for the vast majority of this trip, with 94% of the 297.5 miles on interstates. You'll spend a considerable amount of time on I-40, including a long, uninterrupted stretch of 234.2 miles. The transition to I-49 will offer a slight shift in scenery and road feel before you eventually navigate through local streets on Main Street in Fayetteville. This route is built for steady progress rather than winding exploration.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 234.2 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 49. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 19 miles in near I 40.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 19m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 19 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 293.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 295.9 miles (AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,477 ft 192 ft

Total Climb

1,421 ft

Total Descent

219 ft

Highest Point

1,477 ft

~276.2 mi in

Elevation Range

1,285 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Hughes, AR

Full guide →

Arriving in Fayetteville, AR

Full guide →

Fayetteville is a city of 87,000 people (2018) in the Ozarks and the Ozarks Region of Arkansas. It is home for the main campus of the University of Arkansas, and has many characteristics of a college town, including many bars, restaurants and specialty stores. It serves as a regional hub for live music and performances, with several venues. Fayetteville is also part of the booming Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers-Bentonville metropolitan area in Northwest Arkansas, and has experienced dramatic growth since the 1990s. Fayetteville's core area of interest centers around the historic downtown square and Dickson Street, which runs between Highway 71B (also known as College Avenue) and the University of Arkansas campus, and is the "main drag" for restaurants and bars.

Top landmarks

  • • Campus of the University of Arkansas — College campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas, US
  • • Chi Omega Greek Theatre — outdoor theater on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • • Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery — military cemetery in Arkansas

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 19m. Total distance: 297.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 234.2 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 29 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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. There are 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 19 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 293.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 295.9 miles (AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fayetteville, 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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