How long does it take to drive from Arkansas to Kentucky?

Have you been considering a road trip from Arkansas to Kentucky but are curious about how long it will take? Look no further! We researched the fastest and slowest routes from Arkansas to Kentucky and have calculated the estimated driving time for each, including both peak and low traffic times.

Fastest Route

If you're looking for the quickest drive time, take the fastest route from Little Rock, Arkansas to Louisville, Kentucky. This route takes drivers on I-40 East and then I-65 North. The distance of this route is approximately 630 miles and should take around 9 hours and 30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic patterns.

During peak traffic times, such as rush hour in larger cities along the route, the drive time can increase to 11 hours or more. However, during low traffic times, such as late at night or in the early morning, you may be able to shave off an hour or more from your drive time.

Scenic Route

Want to take a more scenic route through the Ozarks? Take Highway 62 out of Little Rock and continue through the beautiful forests and rolling hills of northern Arkansas before crossing into southern Missouri. From there, take I-55 South and I-64 East to Louisville. Although this route is approximately 100 miles longer than the fastest route, it's sure to offer some stunning views along the way.

With a distance of approximately 800 miles, driving this route can take around 12 hours depending on traffic. During low traffic times, you might be able to complete the drive in about 11 hours. However, during peak traffic times, particularly in larger cities such as Memphis or St. Louis, you may be looking at 13 or 14 hours of driving.

Slowest Route

If you have extra time to spare or simply want to take a leisurely drive, consider taking Highway 62 West out of Little Rock and heading towards Fort Smith. From there, take Highway 71 North towards Fayetteville and then continue on I-49 North to the Missouri border. Using this route, you'll cross into Kentucky at Paducah before heading east on I-24 to Louisville.

This route offers beautiful views of the Ozarks in Arkansas and the rolling hills of Kentucky, but at a distance of approximately 870 miles, it could take over 14 hours to drive. During low traffic times, you might be able to accomplish this drive in 13 hours. However, during peak traffic times, you're looking at 15 or 16 hours of driving.

No matter which route you choose on your road trip from Arkansas to Kentucky, you're sure to enjoy the journey. Just be sure to take plenty of breaks along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful sights along the way. Safe travels!