Origin
Kensett, AR
Morning in Kensett on Tuesday
Local time
7:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kensett, AR to Bentonville, AR
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 15m
Distance
236.3 mi
380 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 2m
★
6 AM
4h 16m
8 AM
4h 42m
10 AM
4h 25m
12 PM
4h 22m
3 PM
4h 26m
5 PM
4h 41m
8 PM
4h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kensett, AR
Md Jawadur Rahman
Bentonville, AR
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 236.3-mile journey from Kensett, Arkansas, to Bentonville, Arkansas, is a straightforward drive that can easily be accomplished in about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40 and I-49, with a segment on US-64, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, it's an economical choice for exploring within the state. Given its relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region for the entirety of this Arkansas adventure.
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
118.2 miles from Kensett, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 113.9 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 49 | 65.6 mi | 1h 8m |
| US 64 | 33 mi | 42m |
| I 57 | 17.6 mi | 17m |
| West Wilbur Mills Avenue | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Southeast 14th Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Southeast J Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| East Central Avenue | 0.7 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 113.9 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kensett, AR and Bentonville, AR.
1
Start on AR 385
245 ft
·
10 sec
·
Northeast 1st Street
2
Turn left onto AR 36
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Wilbur Mills Avenue
3
At end of road, turn left onto East Race Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Race Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
5
Merge onto I 57; US 64; US 167
18 mi
·
17 min
·
I 57; US 64; US 167
6
Take the exit onto US 64
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 64
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64
33 mi
·
41 min
·
US 64
Toward US 64 West: Conway
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
9
Merge onto I 40; US 65
114 mi
·
1 hr 53 min
·
I 40; US 65
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
11
Continue on I 49
46 mi
·
47 min
·
I 49
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 49; US 62; US 71
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto US 62; AR 12
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 62; AR 12
Toward US 62 East, AR 12 East, AR 102 West: Southeast 14th Street, Hudson Road
14
Turn left onto AR 12; US 62
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast 14th Street
15
Turn right onto Southeast J Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast J Street
Use the left lane.
16
Turn left onto East Central Avenue
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
East Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto North Main Street
185 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Main Street
18
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 15-minute travel time, starting your drive from Kensett in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Bentonville without feeling rushed. The route has one primary stop point suggested, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 113.9-mile stretch on I-40, as services might be less frequent. This drive is well-suited for a single day, so you have the flexibility to depart and arrive according to your schedule. A practical tip is to ensure your vehicle is serviced before you leave, as the extensive highway driving can be demanding.
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 118.2 miles from Kensett, AR, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.9 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 52 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.2 miles or 2h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bentonville, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kensett, 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 Kensett, AR
This is one driving day of about 236.3 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Kensett, 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 113.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.2 miles from Kensett, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 234.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
East Race Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto East Race Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
19.9 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
US 64
Take the exit onto US 64 toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe,...
5
20.3 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
US 64
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64 toward US 64 West: Conway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 64 West: Conway
6
213.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 47m in
|
I 49; US 62; US 71
Keep slight left at fork onto I 49; US 62; US 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
234.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
|
Southeast J Street
Turn right onto Southeast J Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.69 one way
$71.37 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $39.18 | $78.35 |
| premium | $4.56 | $42.41 | $84.83 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.17 | $104.34 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.9 | 0 | $24.81 | $11.34 |
| Efficient EV | 59.1 | 0 | $20.68 | $9.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.5 | 1 | $33.08 | $15.12 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Bentonville, AR
Morning in Bentonville on Tuesday
Local time
7:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Delaware, AR
118 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
5 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
4h 15m 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-focused drive for 97% of this trip. The majority of your time will be spent on interstates, offering a consistent and relatively fast pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 113.9 miles on I-40, so plan for fewer opportunities to exit for breaks during that segment. While the route is predominantly interstate, the transition to I-49 will guide you toward your destination. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and ease of navigation, with minimal complex road conditions.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.9 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 around 1.6 miles in near East Race Avenue.
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 15 significant decision points across 236.3 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 1.6 miles (East Race Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Kensett, AR to Bentonville, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Conway along the way.
Conway
19.9 mi in
|
~22m
|
via US 64
About the Cities
Arriving in Bentonville, AR
Full guide →Bentonville is a city of 51,000 people (2018) in the Northwest region of Arkansas. Widely known as the home to the corporate headquarters of retail giant Walmart, the city was noted by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the "Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012".
Top landmarks
- • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — art museum in Bentonville, Arkansas
- • Bentonville Confederate Monument — monument in Bentonville, United States of America
- • Benton County Courthouse — courthouse in Bentonville, Benton County, 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 4h 15m. Total distance: 236.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 113.9 miles on I 40. 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 Bentonville, 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 1.6 miles (East Race Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 19.9 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Bentonville, AR, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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