Origin
Southside, AR
Late night in Southside on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Southside, AR to Fayetteville, AR
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 29m
Distance
246.5 mi
397 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 16m
★
6 AM
4h 29m
8 AM
4h 56m
10 AM
4h 39m
12 PM
4h 36m
3 PM
4h 40m
5 PM
4h 55m
8 PM
4h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Southside, AR
WoodysMedia
Trip Overview
Southside, AR to Fayetteville, AR is 246.5 miles and takes about 4h 29m via I 40 and I 49, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive primarily on major interstates, making it a convenient option for getting between two points in Arkansas. You'll spend most of your time on I 40 and then transition to I 49, both of which are well-maintained highways. Given the relatively short duration and focus on highway travel, this route is ideal for a single-day trip where efficiency is key. It's a practical choice if you're looking to cover ground without extensive detours.
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
123.3 miles from Southside, AR
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 113.9 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 49 | 40.3 mi | 40m |
| US 64 | 33 mi | 42m |
| Batesville Boulevard | 27.9 mi | 35m |
| US 167 | 27.1 mi | 27m |
| South Razorback Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| South Nelson Hackett Boulevard | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 113.9 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southside, AR and Fayetteville, AR.
1
Start on US 167
28 mi
·
35 min
·
Batesville Boulevard
2
Take the exit onto US 167
27 mi
·
27 min
·
US 167
3
Take the exit onto US 64
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 64
Toward US 64 West, I 57 Business North: Beebe, Conway
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64
33 mi
·
41 min
·
US 64
Toward US 64 West: Conway
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
6
Merge onto I 40; US 65
114 mi
·
1 hr 53 min
·
I 40; US 65
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 49 North: Fayetteville
8
Continue on I 49
40 mi
·
40 min
·
I 49
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward AR 112, AR 265
10
Turn slight right onto AR 265
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Cato Springs Road
11
Continue on South Razorback Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Razorback Road
12
Turn right onto AR 180
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto South School Avenue
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
South School Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn slight right onto South Nelson Hackett Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Nelson Hackett Boulevard
15
Continue on South College Avenue
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
South College Avenue
16
Turn right onto East Center Street
147 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Center Street
17
Turn right
79 ft
·
5 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 29m estimated duration, departing Southside in the morning will comfortably get you to Fayetteville before evening. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The fuel cost is estimated at $37, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you set off, especially before reaching the longest stretch of 113.9 miles on I 40. While the route is primarily highway, keep an eye on traffic conditions as you approach urban areas. A good tip for this drive is to utilize the westbound I 40 for the initial part, as it's generally less congested in the mornings.
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 123.3 miles from Southside, AR, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.9 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 54 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.3 miles or 2h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fayetteville, AR than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Southside, 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 Southside, AR
This is one driving day of about 246.5 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Southside, 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 113.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.3 miles from Southside, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.9 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 55 and 245.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
55 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m 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
55.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m 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
242.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward AR 112, AR 265
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward AR 112, AR 265
5
244.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
|
AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Turn right onto AR 180 / West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
245.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m in
|
South School Avenue
Turn left onto South School Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.23 one way
$74.45 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $40.87 | $81.73 |
| premium | $4.56 | $44.24 | $88.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $54.42 | $108.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74 | 0 | $25.88 | $11.83 |
| Efficient EV | 61.6 | 0 | $21.57 | $9.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.6 | 1 | $34.51 | $15.78 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Fayetteville, AR
Late night in Fayetteville on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°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
5 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
4h 29m 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?
This drive is heavily focused on highway travel, with an 87% share on major roads like I 40 and I 49. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 113.9 miles on I 40 where you can settle into a rhythm. The profile is largely a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll experience the predictable nature of interstate travel. While there are no significant changes in road type, the transition from I 40 to I 49 marks a clear shift in your journey's direction as you head west towards Fayetteville.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.9 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 49. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 55 miles in near US 64.
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 246.5 miles you will encounter 11 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 55 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 242.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 Southside, AR to Fayetteville, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Conway along the way.
Conway
55 mi in
|
~1h 2m
|
via US 64
About the Cities
Arriving in Fayetteville, AR
Full guide →Fayetteville is a city of 87,000 people (2018) in the Ozarks and the Ozarks Region of Arkansas. It is home for the main campus of the University of Arkansas, and has many characteristics of a college town, including many bars, restaurants and specialty stores. It serves as a regional hub for live music and performances, with several venues. Fayetteville is also part of the booming Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers-Bentonville metropolitan area in Northwest Arkansas, and has experienced dramatic growth since the 1990s. Fayetteville's core area of interest centers around the historic downtown square and Dickson Street, which runs between Highway 71B (also known as College Avenue) and the University of Arkansas campus, and is the "main drag" for restaurants and bars.
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 4h 29m. Total distance: 246.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m 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 113.9 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.
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 55 miles (US 64): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.3 miles (US 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 242.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Fayetteville, 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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