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Trip from Lincoln, AR to New Caledonia, AR

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

Drive Time

6h 7m

Distance

324.3 mi

522 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
5h 55m ★
6 AM
6h 7m
8 AM
6h 33m
10 AM
6h 16m
12 PM
6h 14m
3 PM
6h 18m
5 PM
6h 32m
8 PM
6h 0m

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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city in Arkansas, United States

Lincoln, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown New Caledonia, AR, AR

New Caledonia, AR

Dominik Ruhl

Trip Overview

This 324.3-mile journey from Lincoln, Arkansas, to New Caledonia, Arkansas, is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 6 hours and 7 minutes of driving time. With 94% of the route on highways, it's a direct drive, designed for efficient travel across the Southeast region. The estimated fuel cost is approximately $50, making it a budget-friendly option. This route is best suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop, and offers a straightforward experience for those looking to cover ground.

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

162.1 miles from Lincoln, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 140.4 mi 2h 21m
US 167 113.3 mi 2h 14m
I 49 32.7 mi 32m
I 530 10 mi 10m
Hogeye Road 9.8 mi 17m
East Pridemore Drive 6.4 mi 9m
US 65 4.6 mi 6m
US 79 4.1 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 140.4 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lincoln, AR and New Caledonia, AR.

1

Start on Boyer Avenue

228 ft · 15 sec · Boyer Avenue
2

Turn left onto West Park Street

139 ft · 8 sec · West Park Street
3

Turn right onto Main Street

476 ft · 24 sec · Main Street
4

Turn left onto US 62

6.4 mi · 9 min · East Pridemore Drive
5

Turn right onto Hogeye Road

5.6 mi · 9 min · Hogeye Road
6

At end of road, turn left onto AR 265

0.1 mi · 10 sec · South State Highway 265
7

Turn straight onto AR 156

4.2 mi · 7 min · Hogeye Road
8

At end of road, turn left onto AR 170

457 ft · 9 sec · Phillips Street
9

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 19 sec
10

Merge onto I 49

33 mi · 32 min · I 49
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
12

Merge onto I 40; US 71

140 mi · 2 hr 21 min · I 40; US 71
13

Take the exit onto US 65

4.6 mi · 6 min · US 65
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

10.0 mi · 10 min · I 530; US 65; US 167
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto US 167

56 mi · 1 hr 5 min · US 167
Toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dorado Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Turn right onto US 79; US 167

4.1 mi · 6 min · US 79; US 167
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167

42 mi · 50 min · US 167
Toward US 167: El Dorado
18

Take the exit onto US 167

16 mi · 18 min · US 167
Toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Junction City
19

Turn left onto Caledonia Road

1.8 mi · 6 min · Caledonia Road
20

Arrive at destination

Caledonia Road

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 7-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lincoln, AR, to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed arrival in New Caledonia, AR. With a single recommended stop, plan this break strategically. The longest stretch is over 140 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $50 is a good baseline, but always factor in a little extra. Given the highway-heavy nature, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on US-167, is a practical tip.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 162.1 miles from Lincoln, AR, or about 2h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.4 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 71 miles or 1h 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 162.1 miles or 2h 54m 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 52m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, AR

This is one driving day of about 324.3 miles and 6h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Lincoln, 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 140.4 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

162 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

Kibler, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Conway, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 162.1 miles from Lincoln, 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 140.4 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

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 92.6

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

East End Cafe II

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hensley, Arkansas

1.3 mi

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Conway, Arkansas

1.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cravings Coffee Bar and Bistro

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hensley, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 208.5

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15018608689

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 92.6

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

East End Cafe II

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 208.5

Hensley, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15018884444

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.1

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 115.8

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

Cafe Bossa Nova

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 185.3

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15015046360

Visit website

Uncle Henry’s BBQ

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.6

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18709423937

Yellowjacket Drive-In

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 231.6

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+18709422486

Lady Birds Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 231.6

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+18709424163

Cravings Coffee Bar and Bistro

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 208.5

Hensley, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15018608689

Visit website

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 185.3

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 185.3

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 162.1

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 162.1

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 49.5 and 306.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
49.5 mi into trip | ~1h in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock

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

Toward I 40 East: Alma, Little Rock
6
195.1 mi into trip | ~3h 29m in | I 530; US 65; US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
205.1 mi into trip | ~3h 39m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dorado

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward US 167 South: Sheridan, Fordyce, El Dora...
5
265.1 mi into trip | ~4h 51m in | US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167 toward US 167: El Dorado

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 167: El Dorado
7
306.8 mi into trip | ~5h 42m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Junction City

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

Toward US 167 South, AR 7 South: El Dorado, Jun...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.98 one way

$97.95 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 114 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $53.76 $107.53
premium $4.56 $58.21 $116.42
diesel $5.61 $71.60 $143.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 97.3 1 $34.05 $15.57
Efficient EV 81.1 0 $28.38 $12.97
EV Truck/SUV 129.7 1 $45.40 $20.76

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 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 18, 2026

Origin

Lincoln, AR

Evening in Lincoln on Saturday

Local time

8:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New Caledonia, AR

Evening in New Caledonia on Saturday

Local time

8:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 5 to 10 mph 8% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 17 at 8:46PM CDT until April 18 at 2:00AM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK

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

6h 7m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 the majority of this trip, with 94% of the 324.3 miles spent on major arteries like I-40, US-167, and I-49. The bulk of your time will be spent on I-40, which includes the longest uninterrupted stretch of 140.4 miles. This indicates a predominantly fast-paced experience with limited opportunities for spontaneous detours. The character of the drive is largely consistent, emphasizing forward momentum and covering distance efficiently rather than offering varied scenery.

94% 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: 140.4 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 167. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 49.5 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 17 significant decision points across 324.3 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 49.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.1 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Lincoln, AR and New Caledonia, AR, road signs point toward Little Rock, Fordyce, El Dorado and Junction City.

Little Rock

49.5 mi in | ~1h

Fordyce

205.1 mi in | ~3h 39m | via US 167

El Dorado

205.1 mi in | ~3h 39m | via US 167

Junction City

306.8 mi in | ~5h 42m | via US 167

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 324.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 140.4 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 New Caledonia, 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 49.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.1 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New Caledonia, 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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