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Trip from Lepanto, 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

5h 20m

Distance

272.9 mi

439 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 40 min
4 AM
5h 7m ★
6 AM
5h 20m
8 AM
5h 47m
10 AM
5h 29m
12 PM
5h 27m
3 PM
5h 31m
5 PM
5h 46m
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 Lepanto, AR, AR

Lepanto, AR

Aysegul Aytoren

Trip Overview

This 272.9-mile journey from Lepanto to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. You'll navigate through local roads, with no highway driving involved, making it a more engaging, turn-heavy experience. Budget around $42 for fuel for this trip, which features just one recommended stop. Given its manageable length and local road focus, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Both your origin and destination are 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

136.4 miles from Lepanto, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 118.6 mi 1h 58m
I 57 51.9 mi 52m
US 64 33 mi 42m
State Highway 14 22.6 mi 34m
West Jackson Street 12.3 mi 18m
West Broad Street 9.8 mi 17m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
Main Street 6.1 mi 9m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 118.6 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

265 ft · 22 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn sharp right onto AR 135

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Greenwood Avenue
3

Turn left onto AR 14; AR 140

9.8 mi · 17 min · West Broad Street
4

Turn right onto AR 14; AR 140

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Nathan Street
5

Continue on AR 75; AR 14

0.6 mi · 1 min · Gayosa
6

Take the ramp onto AR 14

3.9 mi · 4 min · AR 14
7

Take the exit onto AR 14

0.3 mi · 36 sec · AR 14
8

Turn left onto AR 14

0.5 mi · 44 sec · State Highway 14
9

Continue on AR 14

2.5 mi · 3 min · State Highway 14
10

Continue on AR 14

12 mi · 18 min · West Jackson Street
11

Continue on AR 14

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 14
12

Continue on AR 14

6.1 mi · 9 min · Main Street
13

Continue on AR 14

4.1 mi · 6 min · Amagon Street
14

Continue on AR 14

6.5 mi · 9 min · State Highway 14
15

Continue on AR 14

2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 14
16

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
17

Merge onto I 57

52 mi · 52 min · I 57
18

Take the exit onto US 64

0.4 mi · 49 sec · US 64
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
19

Keep slight right at fork onto US 64

33 mi · 41 min · US 64
Toward US 64 West: Conway
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
21

Merge onto I 40; US 65

119 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 40; US 65
22

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
24

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Starting your 4-hour and 30-minute drive from Lepanto in the morning will give you ample time to reach Fort Smith without feeling rushed. With only one stop planned over 272.9 miles, you can easily manage your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes lead to unexpected detours or slower progress, and your estimated fuel cost is $42. A key tip for this route: pay close attention to local speed limits, which can vary significantly as you pass through different towns.

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 136.4 miles from Lepanto, AR, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 60 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.4 miles or 2h 57m 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 27m

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 Lepanto, 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 Lepanto, AR

This is one driving day of about 272.9 miles and 5h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Lepanto, 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 118.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Conway, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Conway, AR

136 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

McCrory, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vilonia, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.4 miles from Lepanto, 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 118.6 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 end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 272.9

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 272.9

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 272.9

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

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 272.9

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 214.4

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Hunan Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.5

Newport, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18705234600

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 194.9

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

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 272.9

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 233.9

Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14794689463

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 58.5

Newport, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

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 0.1 and 270.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | AR 135 / Greenwood Avenue

At end of road, turn sharp right onto AR 135 / Greenwood Avenue

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

5
112.2 mi into trip | ~2h 25m 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
112.5 mi into trip | ~2h 26m 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
5
264.2 mi into trip | ~5h 8m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith

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

Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
5
270.7 mi into trip | ~5h 15m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.21 one way

$82.43 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $45.24 $90.49
premium $4.56 $48.98 $97.96
diesel $5.61 $60.25 $120.51

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: 95.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.9 1 $28.65 $13.10
Efficient EV 68.2 0 $23.88 $10.92
EV Truck/SUV 109.2 1 $38.21 $17.47

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Lepanto, AR

Evening in Lepanto on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Evening in Fort Smith on Saturday

Local time

8:26 PM

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 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 20m 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 turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 272.9-mile trip, as the highway share is 0%. This means you'll be constantly engaged with the road, likely passing through various towns and communities. Without any significant highway stretches, the longest uninterrupted drive will be determined by local road conditions. This route offers a consistent driving experience, focusing on local thoroughfares rather than high-speed travel.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 57. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near AR 135 / Greenwood Avenue.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 272.9 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (AR 135 / Greenwood Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 112.2 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.5 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.

On the drive from Lepanto, AR to Fort Smith, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Conway along the way.

Conway

112.2 mi in | ~2h 25m | via US 64

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 5h 20m. Total distance: 272.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.6 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.

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 0.1 miles (AR 135 / Greenwood Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 112.2 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.5 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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

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