Chicago to Fort Smith: Road Trip Guide & Distance

578.1 miles 930.4 km · straight line
713.4 miles actual route 1148.1 km · driving distance
13h 9min estimated drive time
$69 - $85 estimated fuel cost
~1h 40min flight time
221° SW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Fort Smith?

The distance from Chicago to Fort Smith is 578.1 miles (930.4 km) as the crow flies. Fort Smith is located SW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 713.4 miles, taking about 13h 9min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 40min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Fort Smith in Arkansas.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Fort Smith. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Fort Smith

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 9min $69 - $85 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 40min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 47min $57–$107* Budget
Train ~17h 6min $86–$250* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Fort Smith

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Fort Smith
35.39°N, 94.40°W
America/Chicago
134m elevation
Explore more routes from Fort Smith

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 193 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 48 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 43.1 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM