Arkansas has an extensive network of interstate and U.S. highways that connect key cities and support commerce across the state. The main interstates include I-40, running east-west through cities like Little Rock and Fort Smith, and I-30, connecting Little Rock to Texarkana. U.S. Highways such as US-67 and US-71 further enhance connectivity, linking Arkansas to neighboring states. Together, these highways cover over 16,000 miles, facilitating both local and interstate travel, supporting Arkansas’s economy, and connecting rural areas to urban centers.
| Interstate Highway | Route Length (miles) | Primary Cities | Endpoints | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-30 | 143 | Little Rock, Benton, Texarkana | Texas border near Texarkana – I-40 in Little Rock | Major east-west route linking to Texas and central Arkansas |
| I-40 | 284 | Fort Smith, Conway, Little Rock, West Memphis | Oklahoma border near Fort Smith – Tennessee border near West Memphis | Crosses entire state east-west, links to Memphis and Oklahoma City |
| I-49 | 66 | Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers | Louisiana border (future) – Missouri border | Connects Northwest Arkansas to Missouri; part of the future I-49 corridor |
| I-55 | 73 | West Memphis, Blytheville | Tennessee border near West Memphis – Missouri border near Blytheville | Major north-south route, connects to Memphis and St. Louis |
| I-530 | 46 | Little Rock, Pine Bluff | Little Rock – Pine Bluff | Direct link between Little Rock and Pine Bluff |
| I-540 | 14 | Fort Smith | Fort Smith – I-40 near Van Buren | Connector between Fort Smith and I-40 |
| I-630 | 7 | Little Rock | I-30 in Little Rock – I-430 in Little Rock | Known as the Wilbur D. Mills Freeway, serves central Little Rock |
| I-430 | 12.5 | Little Rock | I-30 in Little Rock – I-40 in North Little Rock | Bypass around western Little Rock, connects I-30 to I-40 |
| I-440 | 10 | Little Rock, North Little Rock | I-30 in Little Rock – I-40 in North Little Rock | Eastern bypass around Little Rock, near the Little Rock Airport |
| I-555 | 44 | Jonesboro | I-55 near Turrell – Jonesboro | Connects Jonesboro to I-55, key regional route |
| I-69 (Future) | — | Eastern Arkansas (planned) | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Proposed interstate as part of the national I-69 corridor |
| U.S. Highway | Route Length (miles) | Primary Cities | Endpoints | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US-49 | 121 | West Helena, Jonesboro, Piggott | Mississippi border – Missouri border | Major north-south route in eastern Arkansas, connecting agricultural regions |
| US-59 | 22 | Siloam Springs | Oklahoma border – Missouri border | Part of the international trade corridor linking to Canada and Mexico |
| US-62 | 329 | Fayetteville, Harrison, Mountain Home | Oklahoma border – Missouri border | Runs across northern Arkansas, popular for scenic drives in the Ozarks |
| US-63 | 191 | Jonesboro, Pine Bluff | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Connects agricultural areas and regional trade hubs |
| US-64 | 246 | Fort Smith, Conway, Augusta | Oklahoma border – Tennessee border | Parallel to I-40, connecting western and eastern Arkansas |
| US-65 | 308 | Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Harrison | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Major north-south highway through central Arkansas |
| US-67 | 296 | Little Rock, Newport, Walnut Ridge | Texas border – Missouri border | Key north-south route, connects to St. Louis and serves as an alternative to I-30 |
| US-70 | 286 | Little Rock, Hot Springs, Forrest City | Oklahoma border – Tennessee border | Parallel to I-40, connecting major cities from west to east |
| US-71 | 305 | Texarkana, Fort Smith, Bentonville | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Major north-south route, part of the future I-49 corridor |
| US-79 | 199 | Pine Bluff, Clarendon | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Connects agricultural communities in eastern Arkansas |
| US-82 | 190 | El Dorado, Magnolia | Texas border – Mississippi border | East-west route through southern Arkansas, linking to Texas and Mississippi |
| US-165 | 103 | North Little Rock, Dumas | Little Rock – Louisiana border | Serves southeastern Arkansas, connecting to rural and agricultural areas |
| US-167 | 220 | Batesville, El Dorado | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Key route for north-south travel, connects central Arkansas to Missouri |
| US-270 | 93 | Hot Springs, Malvern | Oklahoma border – White Hall | Provides access to Hot Springs National Park |
| US-278 | 183 | Camden, Monticello | Oklahoma border – Mississippi border | East-west route through southern Arkansas, supports rural connectivity |
| US-371 | 31 | Prescott, Magnolia | Prescott – Louisiana border | Serves southwestern Arkansas, connecting to smaller communities |
| US-412 | 290 | Springdale, Harrison, Paragould | Oklahoma border – Missouri border | Crosses northern Arkansas, serving as a secondary east-west route |
| US-425 | 58 | Monticello | Louisiana border – Missouri border | Connects rural areas, runs parallel to US-65 in southern Arkansas |
| US-49B | — | West Helena | US-49 – US-49 | Bypass route around West Helena |
| US-64B | — | Beebe, Conway | US-64 – US-64 | Business route in Beebe and Conway |
Arkansas’s interstate and U.S. highway systems are critical transportation networks that facilitate travel, trade, and connectivity across the state. With a combination of major interstate routes and a comprehensive U.S. highway network, Arkansas’s roadways link key cities, rural areas, and neighboring states. Together, these highways support the state’s economy, enable efficient transportation, and provide essential connections between urban centers, agricultural regions, and natural attractions. Here is an in-depth look at the major highways of Arkansas, including their routes, primary cities, and significant features.
Interstate 30 spans 143 miles within Arkansas, connecting the Texas border near Texarkana to Little Rock, the state capital. I-30 is an essential east-west route, linking Arkansas with Dallas, Texas, to the southwest. Passing through cities like Benton and Bryant, it serves as a major corridor for commercial and commuter traffic, contributing to Arkansas’s regional connectivity.
Interstate 40 is one of Arkansas’s primary highways, running for 284 miles from the Oklahoma border near Fort Smith to the Tennessee border near West Memphis. I-40 crosses the state from west to east, passing through major cities such as Little Rock and Conway. This interstate is heavily used for cross-country travel, as it connects the east and west coasts, and is a significant route for the transportation of goods. I-40 parallels U.S. Highway 64 in many parts of the state, providing alternate travel options for local and long-distance travelers.
Interstate 49, currently covering 66 miles within Arkansas, runs north-south through the state’s northwest region, connecting Fort Smith with Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers. I-49 is an important link for the rapidly growing region of Northwest Arkansas. Plans are underway to extend I-49 south to connect with Louisiana, forming a corridor that will span from Louisiana to Missouri, significantly enhancing north-south connectivity.
Interstate 55 covers 73 miles in eastern Arkansas, running from the Tennessee border near West Memphis northward to the Missouri border near Blytheville. I-55 is a crucial route for north-south travel, linking Memphis to St. Louis, and facilitates the movement of goods through Arkansas’s eastern corridor. This route also supports agricultural and industrial activities in eastern Arkansas by providing reliable access to interstate markets.
U.S. Highway 67 is a critical north-south route spanning 296 miles within Arkansas. It begins at the Texas border and runs through Little Rock, Newport, and Walnut Ridge, eventually connecting to the Missouri border. US-67 parallels portions of I-30 and is commonly used for regional and local travel, as well as a popular alternative to interstate routes.
U.S. Highway 71 is a north-south highway extending 305 miles through Arkansas, from the Louisiana border near Texarkana to the Missouri border. It passes through cities like Fort Smith and Bentonville and plays an important role in connecting southern and northern Arkansas. This route is a primary corridor in western Arkansas, serving both commuter and freight traffic.
U.S. Highway 65 runs for 308 miles from the Louisiana border through Little Rock and up to the Missouri border. It passes through towns such as Pine Bluff and Harrison, providing access to central and northern Arkansas and serving agricultural and industrial regions. US-65 also intersects with major highways and interstates, facilitating easy access to neighboring states.
U.S. Highway 64 covers 246 miles across Arkansas, extending from the Oklahoma border to the Tennessee border. This route passes through key cities like Fort Smith, Conway, and Augusta. It is a significant east-west corridor that parallels I-40 in many sections, providing an alternate route for cross-state travel.
