Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Little Rock, AR to Alma, AR

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 31m

Distance

144.2 mi

232 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 22m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 52m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 40m
5 PM
2h 51m
8 PM
2h 26m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Little Rock, AR, AR

Little Rock, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Alma, AR, AR

Alma, AR

Sami Aksu

Trip Overview

This 144.2-mile drive from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Alma, Arkansas, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 31 minutes. Primarily using I-40, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $22, it's an economical choice for exploring within the Southeast region. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on the interstate, so expect a direct and focused travel experience. This trip is best suited for those looking for a quick connection between these two Arkansas cities without extensive detours.

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

72.1 miles from Little Rock, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 138.1 mi 2h 18m
Pike Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
West 7th Street 0.7 mi 1m
Mac Arthur Drive 0.7 mi 1m
Fayetteville Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
Broadway Street 0.5 mi <1m
Broadway Bridge 0.5 mi <1m
US Highway 71 North 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 138.1 mi, about 2h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Little Rock, AR and Alma, AR.

1

Start on this road

385 ft · 35 sec · this road
2

Turn sharp left onto State Capitol

361 ft · 16 sec · State Capitol
3

Continue on State Capitol

528 ft · 23 sec · State Capitol
4

Turn left onto Capitol Mall

116 ft · 7 sec · Capitol Mall
5

Turn right onto State Capitol

387 ft · 22 sec · State Capitol
6

Turn left onto West 7th Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · West 7th Street
7

Turn left onto US 70

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Broadway Street
8

Continue on US 70

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Broadway Bridge
9

Turn left onto AR 365

0.4 mi · 46 sec · West Broadway Street
10

Enter roundabout onto Pike Avenue

22 ft · 0 sec · Pike Avenue
11

Continue on Pike Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · Pike Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on AR 365

0.7 mi · 1 min · Mac Arthur Drive
Use the left lane.
13

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Use the left lane.
14

Merge onto I 40; US 65

138 mi · 2 hr 18 min · I 40; US 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward US 71: Alma
16

Turn left onto US 71

0.5 mi · 50 sec · US Highway 71 North
17

Continue on Fayetteville Avenue

448 ft · 12 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
18

Keep slight left at fork onto Fayetteville Avenue

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
19

Continue on Fayetteville Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Fayetteville Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

Fayetteville Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, and you likely won't need to budget for an overnight stay. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a quick fuel and stretch break or push through the entire 138.1-mile stretch on I-40 if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach Alma, as the $22 fuel cost is an estimate, and actual prices may vary.

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 72.1 miles from Little Rock, AR, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.1 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 32 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.1 miles or 1h 17m 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 4m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Little Rock, 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 Little Rock, AR

This is one driving day of about 144.2 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Little Rock, 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 138.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Arkansas, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Morrilton, AR

72 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

Maumelle, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Russellville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.1 miles from Little Rock, 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 138.1 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 · around the midpoint

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Russellville, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 16m in / 1h 16m to go 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Conway, Arkansas

0.9 mi

The Root Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Little Rock, Arkansas

1.2 mi

Best coffee break

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Little Rock, Arkansas

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Chick-fil-A

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14799670220

Visit website

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

The Root Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15014140423

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019042133

Visit website

Cafe Bossa Nova

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15015046360

Visit website

Rosie's | Pot & Kettle Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15017471456

Visit website

Old South Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Russellville, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14799683789

Visit website

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Reno's Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15013762900

Visit website

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 0.1 and 143.8 — 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 | State Capitol

Turn sharp left onto State Capitol

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~1m in | Capitol Mall

Turn left onto Capitol Mall

Navigation decision point

5
4.6 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
4.8 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 40; US 65

Merge onto I 40; US 65

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
143.8 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | Fayetteville Avenue

Keep slight left at fork onto Fayetteville Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.78 one way

$43.56 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $23.91 $47.81
premium $4.56 $25.88 $51.76
diesel $5.61 $31.84 $63.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.3 0 $15.14 $6.92
Efficient EV 36.1 0 $12.62 $5.77
EV Truck/SUV 57.7 0 $20.19 $9.23

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Little Rock, AR

Morning in Little Rock on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alma, AR

Morning in Alma on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°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

2 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

2h 31m 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?

With 96% of this drive on highways, you'll find yourself on a predominantly interstate experience for most of the 144.2 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 138.1 miles along I-40, emphasizing the continuous nature of this segment. Expect a consistent pace as you travel, with Pike Avenue and West 7th Street serving as your initial and final connections to the interstate. This highway-focused profile means you'll experience a predictable and efficient drive, minimizing time spent on slower local roads.

96% 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: 138.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Pike Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near State Capitol.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 31m 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 0.1 miles (State Capitol): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.2 miles (Capitol Mall): Navigation decision point; at 4.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Little Rock, AR

Full guide →

Little Rock is the capital and the largest city of the state of Arkansas. Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center within Arkansas and the American South. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, along with hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Little Rock's history is available through history museums, historic districts or neighborhoods.

Arriving in Alma, AR

Full guide →

Founded 1874

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 31m. Total distance: 144.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 138.1 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (State Capitol): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.2 miles (Capitol Mall): Navigation decision point; at 4.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Alma, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Alma, AR to Little Rock, AR

Plan the drive back the other way.

143.7 mi 2h 29m

Continue From Alma, AR

Bentonville, AR 70.9 mi · 1h 19m Chester, AR 17.4 mi · 21m Fort Smith, AR 15.2 mi · 20m

More from Little Rock, AR

Bella Vista, AR 222.4 mi · 3h 57m West Fork, AR 177.9 mi · 3h 5m Salem, AR 148.9 mi · 3h 9m Bull Shoals, AR 144.6 mi · 3h 30m De Queen, AR 144.5 mi · 3h 17m Pocahontas, AR 142.9 mi · 2h 36m

More trips to Alma, AR

Benton, AR 161.6 mi Springdale, AR 55.8 mi Fayetteville, AR 46.1 mi
Escape planner: Little Rock, AR Scenic drives in AR

Explore more options from Little Rock, AR or browse trips ending in Alma, AR.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AR road trips.