Origin
Pine Bluff, AR
Late night in Pine Bluff on Sunday
Local time
2:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pine Bluff, AR to Bay, AR
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
179.8 mi
289 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pine Bluff, AR
Wikimedia Commons
Bay, AR
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Pine Bluff, AR to Bay, AR is 179.8 miles and takes about 3h 16m via I 57 and I 530, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Arkansas, primarily traversing the Southeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that should feel efficient for getting you from point A to point B without much fuss. If you're looking for a quick hop between these two points, this drive offers a practical option for a single-day journey.
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
89.9 miles from Pine Bluff, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 102.7 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 530 | 35 mi | 35m |
| US 78 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| Joe N Martin Expressway | 9.6 mi | 10m |
| Southwest Drive | 6.1 mi | 7m |
| Martha Mitchell Expressway | 4.6 mi | 7m |
| I 30 | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| US 67 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 102.7 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pine Bluff, AR and Bay, AR.
1
Start on South Main Street
46 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Main Street
2
Turn right onto West 2nd Avenue
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
West 2nd Avenue
3
Turn right onto South Walnut Street
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Walnut Street
4
Turn left onto US 65B
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Martha Mitchell Expressway
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 65B
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 65B
6
Merge onto I 530; US 65
35 mi
·
35 min
·
I 530; US 65
7
Continue on I 30; US 65; US 67; US 167
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
I 30; US 65; US 67; US 167
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67; US 167
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
US 67; US 167
Exit 143B
Toward I 40 East, US 67 North, US 167 North: Jacksonville, Memphis
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57; US 167
28 mi
·
29 min
·
I 57; US 167
Toward Saint Louis
Use the slight left lane.
10
Continue on I 57; US 64; US 167
74 mi
·
1 hr 16 min
·
I 57; US 64; US 167
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward AR 226: Jonesboro
12
Keep slight right at fork
346 ft
·
8 sec
13
Merge onto US 78; AR 226
12 mi
·
13 min
·
US 78; AR 226
14
Continue on US 49; US 63; US 78
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Southwest Drive
15
Take the exit onto US 49; US 78
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 49; US 78
16
Merge onto I 555; US 49; US 78
9.6 mi
·
10 min
·
Joe N Martin Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward AR 463: Bay
18
Turn right
126 ft
·
3 sec
19
Turn right onto AR 463
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
AR 463
20
Turn left onto AR 158
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Elder Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto AR 158
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Main Street
22
Arrive at destination
AR 158
Trip Plan
Given this is a 1-day trip covering 179.8 miles, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Aiming to leave in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the drive, which lasts about 3 hours and 16 minutes. With only one planned stop and a fuel cost estimated around $27, you won't need many extensive breaks. Pay attention to your fuel gauge as you approach Bay, AR, as the longest stretch on I 57 is over 100 miles, leaving little room for unexpected detours without a gas station nearby.
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 89.9 miles from Pine Bluff, AR, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.7 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 40 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.9 miles or 1h 38m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bay, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pine Bluff, 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 Pine Bluff, AR
This is one driving day of about 179.8 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Pine Bluff, 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 57 for about 102.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.9 miles from Pine Bluff, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.7 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 179.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Walnut Street
Turn right onto South Walnut Street
Navigation decision point
7
44.9 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
US 67; US 167
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67; US 167 toward I 40 East, US 67 North, US 167 North: Jacksonville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 143B
Toward I 40 East, US 67 North, US 167 North: Ja...
7
46.5 mi into trip
|
~53m in
|
I 57; US 167
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57; US 167 toward Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Saint Louis
5
168.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 2m in
|
I 555; US 49; US 78 / Joe N Martin Expressway
Merge onto I 555; US 49; US 78 / Joe N Martin Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
179.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 16m in
|
AR 158 / North Main Street
At end of road, turn right onto AR 158 / North Main Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.15 one way
$54.31 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $29.81 | $59.62 |
| premium | $4.56 | $32.27 | $64.54 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.70 | $79.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.9 | 0 | $18.88 | $8.63 |
| Efficient EV | 45 | 0 | $15.73 | $7.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.9 | 0 | $25.17 | $11.51 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Bay, AR
Late night in Bay on Sunday
Local time
2:34 AM
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
3h 16m 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?
Expect a drive that is 96% highway, meaning you'll be on major roads for almost the entire 179.8 miles. You'll experience a long stretch of 102.7 miles on I 57, which suggests extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will be minimal, likely occurring only in the final moments of your trip. This focus on highways means you'll likely encounter fewer intersections and more consistent speed limits for most of the drive.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.7 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 530. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near South Walnut Street.
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 16 significant decision points across 179.8 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 0.2 miles (South Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 44.9 miles (US 67; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.5 miles (I 57; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Between Pine Bluff, AR and Bay, AR, road signs point toward Memphis and Saint Louis.
Memphis
44.9 mi in
|
~50m
|
via US 67; US 167
Saint Louis
46.5 mi in
|
~53m
|
via I 57; US 167
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 179.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.7 miles on I 57. 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 Bay, 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 0.2 miles (South Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 44.9 miles (US 67; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.5 miles (I 57; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Bay, 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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