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Trip from New Caledonia, AR to Charleston, 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 18m

Distance

273.9 mi

441 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 5m ★
6 AM
5h 18m
8 AM
5h 45m
10 AM
5h 28m
12 PM
5h 25m
3 PM
5h 29m
5 PM
5h 44m
8 PM
5h 10m

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 New Caledonia, AR, AR

New Caledonia, AR

Dominik Ruhl

city in Arkansas, USA

Charleston, AR

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from New Caledonia to Charleston, Arkansas, you are looking at a 273.9-mile journey that typically takes 5 hours and 18 minutes. Since this is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $42 for fuel to cover the entire distance. Navigating through the Southeast region, you will primarily utilize US 65, US 167, and Lee Street to reach your destination. While the route is direct, the time behind the wheel is significant enough that you may want to plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refresh.

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

137 miles from New Caledonia, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 65 115.9 mi 1h 57m
US 167 51.3 mi 1h 1m
Lee Street 35.7 mi 43m
Sheridan Bypass 17.9 mi 20m
Junction City Highway 15 mi 16m
Ozark Bridge 13.3 mi 18m
West Walnut Street 10 mi 14m
Calion Highway 9.8 mi 12m
Longest stretch: US 65 — 115.9 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Caledonia Road

1.8 mi · 6 min · Caledonia Road
2

At end of road, turn right onto US 63; US 167

9.0 mi · 10 min · Junction City Highway
3

Continue on US 63; US 167; AR 7

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Barnett Drive
4

Continue on US 63; US 167; AR 7

6.1 mi · 6 min · Junction City Highway
5

Take the exit onto US 167

0.4 mi · 40 sec · US 167
Toward US 167 North, US 167B South: Fordyce, Little Rock
6

Continue on US 167

9.8 mi · 12 min · Calion Highway
7

Merge onto US 167

36 mi · 43 min · Lee Street
8

Turn left onto US 167

36 mi · 44 min · US 167
9

Continue on US 167

18 mi · 20 min · Sheridan Bypass
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167

15 mi · 16 min · US 167
Toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North: Little Rock
11

Keep slight left at fork onto US 65

0.3 mi · 35 sec · US 65
Exit 143A Toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Conway, Fort Smith
12

Keep slight left at fork onto US 65

116 mi · 1 hr 56 min · US 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward AR 219: Ozark
14

Keep slight left at fork

142 ft · 5 sec
15

Turn left onto AR 219

2.1 mi · 3 min · AR 219
16

Turn right onto US 64

0.3 mi · 30 sec · West Commercial Street
17

Turn left onto AR 23

0.1 mi · 18 sec · South 7th Street
18

Continue on AR 23

13 mi · 18 min · Ozark Bridge
19

Turn right onto AR 22

10 mi · 14 min · West Walnut Street
20

Turn left onto South Hancock Street

6 ft · 0 sec · South Hancock Street
21

Arrive at destination

South Hancock Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 5-hour and 18-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid midday congestion on the busier highway sections. Since the trip requires only one stop, look for a convenient location around the midpoint to refuel and grab a quick snack, keeping your total cost near the $42 estimate. Pay close attention to the transition when you exit US 65, as the road character shifts noticeably when you merge onto Lee Street. Because this is a one-day trip, your schedule remains flexible, allowing you to tailor your departure time to fit your personal travel preferences. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that 115.9-mile stretch on US 65 to ensure you don't run low before reaching more populated areas.

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 137 miles from New Caledonia, AR, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.9 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 60 miles or 1h 16m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 137 miles or 2h 47m 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 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving New Caledonia, 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 New Caledonia, AR

This is one driving day of about 273.9 miles and 5h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from New Caledonia, 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 US 65 for about 115.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Little Rock, AR, AR

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Little Rock, AR

137 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

Pine Bluff, AR

Fuel and coffee

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

Little Rock, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 137 miles from New Caledonia, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.9 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

Jo's Diner

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sheridan, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18709421345

Yellowjacket Drive-In

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sheridan, Arkansas

0.9 mi

Lady Birds Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sheridan, Arkansas

1 mi

Jo's Diner

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+18709421345

Yellowjacket Drive-In

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+18709422486

Lady Birds Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+18709424163

Wright's Ranch House

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm

+18709172121

Visit website

Uncle Henry’s BBQ

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18709423937

Two Brothers Hibachi

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+18709410559

El buen sazón 2

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 97.8

Sheridan, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18708834848

The Patio Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 156.5

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15013583556

Visit website

River City Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137

Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15016611496

Visit website

Dark Side Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 137

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Visit website

Cravings Coffee Bar and Bistro

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.4

Hensley, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15018608689

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 156.5

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 156.5

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 132.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.8 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway

At end of road, turn right onto US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway

Navigation decision point

5
17.1 mi into trip | ~24m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward US 167 North, US 167B South: Fordyce, Little Rock

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

Toward US 167 North, US 167B South: Fordyce, Li...
6
117.2 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto US 167 toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North: Little Rock

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

Toward I 530 North, US 65 North, US 167 North:...
7
131.9 mi into trip | ~2h 41m in | US 65

Keep slight left at fork onto US 65 toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Conway, Fort Smith

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

Exit 143A Toward I 40 West, US 65 North, AR 107 North: Co...
6
132.1 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in | US 65

Keep slight left at fork onto US 65

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.37 one way

$82.73 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $45.41 $90.82
premium $4.56 $49.16 $98.32
diesel $5.61 $60.47 $120.95

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

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 82.2 1 $28.76 $13.15
Efficient EV 68.5 0 $23.97 $10.96
EV Truck/SUV 109.6 1 $38.35 $17.53

Gas CO2

96 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (67% 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

New Caledonia, AR

Evening in New Caledonia on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Charleston, AR

Evening in Charleston on Saturday

Local time

8:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 18m 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 drive defined by steady highway travel, as 62% of your journey consists of high-speed stretches. The route is anchored by a significant 115.9-mile segment on US 65, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the trip. You will find that the road transitions from major thoroughfares to local access points like Lee Street as you approach Charleston. It is a practical, utilitarian route that prioritizes efficiency over technical winding roads. Be prepared for a consistent pace that keeps you moving steadily toward your destination without much deviation.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 115.9 mi on US 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 65 and US 167. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway.

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 273.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 1.8 miles (US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway): Navigation decision point; at 17.1 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 New Caledonia, AR and Charleston, AR, road signs point toward Little Rock and Fort Smith.

Little Rock

17.1 mi in | ~24m | via US 167

Fort Smith

131.9 mi in | ~2h 41m | via US 65

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 18m. Total distance: 273.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 115.9 miles on US 65. 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 1.8 miles (US 63; US 167 / Junction City Highway): Navigation decision point; at 17.1 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.2 miles (US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Charleston, 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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