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Trip from Wynne, AR to Fort Smith, AR

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

Drive Time

4h 27m

Distance

254.2 mi

409 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 14m ★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 19m

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 Wynne, AR, AR

Wynne, AR

Ila Bappa Ibrahim

Trip Overview

This 236.1-mile drive from Wynne to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll primarily be on I-540 South and Grand Avenue, with a 0% highway share, indicating a more local, turn-heavy experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $36, this trip is an economical option for exploring the Southeast region of Arkansas. The route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. Expect a driving experience that involves frequent changes in direction rather than long stretches of uninterrupted highway.

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

127.1 miles from Wynne, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 231 mi 3h 53m
North Falls Boulevard 11.9 mi 16m
US 71 6.5 mi 7m
AR 1 2.2 mi 3m
Grand Avenue 1.9 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 231 mi, about 3h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Wynne, AR and Fort Smith, AR.

1

Start on AR 1

12 mi · 16 min · North Falls Boulevard
2

Turn right onto AR 1

2.2 mi · 3 min · AR 1
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
4

Merge onto I 40

231 mi · 3 hr 53 min · I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Take the exit onto US 71

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 71
Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue
7

Turn right onto Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
8

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hour and 45 minute duration and turn-heavy nature of this 236.1-mile drive, starting your journey in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. With only one stop suggested along the way, plan for a mid-drive break to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, keeping the $36 fuel cost in mind. The flexibility of this one-day trip means you can depart when convenient, but be prepared for the constant navigation required. A specific tip for this route would be to ensure your GPS or navigation system is fully charged and updated, as the frequent turns will be key to staying on track efficiently.

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 127.1 miles from Wynne, AR, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 231 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 56 miles or 1h 3m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 127.1 miles or 2h 15m 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 37m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Wynne, 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 Wynne, AR

This is one driving day of about 254.2 miles and 4h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Wynne, 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 231 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

127 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

Carlisle, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Conway, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 127.1 miles from Wynne, 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 231 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

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.2

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Smith, Arkansas

0.8 mi

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clarksville, Arkansas

1.2 mi

George's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.2

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14797851199

Visit website

Phở Việtnam

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.2

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm

+14797823227

Visit website

Crosswoods Restaurant & Sports Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 199.7

Clarksville, Arkansas

Hours: 3 pm–12 am

+14797548080

Visit website

Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.2

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14797692095

Visit website

Lewis' Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.2

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+14796464309

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.3

Brinkley, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 127.1

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 127.1

Conway, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Wynne, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 18.2

Forrest City, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.9 and 252.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
11.9 mi into trip | ~16m in | AR 1

Turn right onto AR 1

Navigation decision point

3
14.2 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

5
14.5 mi into trip | ~21m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
245.5 mi into trip | ~4h 15m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith

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

Toward I 540 South, US 71 South: Fort Smith
5
252.1 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Take the exit toward Grand Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 6 Toward Grand Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.39 one way

$76.78 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $42.14 $84.29
premium $4.56 $45.63 $91.25
diesel $5.61 $56.12 $112.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 76.3 0 $26.69 $12.20
Efficient EV 63.6 0 $22.24 $10.17
EV Truck/SUV 101.7 1 $35.59 $16.27

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Wynne, AR

Night in Wynne on Saturday

Local time

11:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Smith, AR

Night in Fort Smith on Saturday

Local time

11:33 PM

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 27m 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 route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll encounter numerous turns and changes in direction as you navigate from Wynne to Fort Smith. With a 0% highway share, expect to spend your time on local roads rather than high-speed interstates. While there isn't a specific longest uninterrupted stretch noted, the profile suggests a continuous engagement with the road, requiring your attention throughout the 236.1-mile journey. This type of driving can be engaging, offering a more intimate connection with the landscape as you pass through various communities.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
8 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 231 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and North Falls Boulevard. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 11.9 miles in near AR 1.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 27m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 11.9 miles (AR 1): Navigation decision point; at 14.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 14.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Smith, AR

Full guide →

Fort Smith is in northwest Arkansas and borders Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Sebastian County. The city has a population of 80,286 which makes it the third largest city in Arkansas behind Little Rock and Fayetteville. It is located in the River Valley of Arkansas between the Ouachita mountains in the south and the Boston and Ozark mountains of the north and a gateway city to the Ozarks.

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 27m. Total distance: 254.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 231 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 11.9 miles (AR 1): Navigation decision point; at 14.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 14.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Smith, 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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