Road Tripping from Bella Vista to Shreveport - How Long Does it Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Shreveport, Louisiana? Driving is a great option when you want to take in the scenery and explore small towns and cities along the way. But how long does it actually take to get from Bella Vista to Shreveport? In this blog post, we’ll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distances involved, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you’re looking to get to Shreveport as quickly as possible, the fastest route is via I-49 S. This route covers approximately 185.7 miles and takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes without any stops. However, this drive can get boring as it doesn't provide much in terms of sightseeing and breaks.

In contrast, if you want to take a leisurely journey and explore some of the local attractions, you can opt for US-71 S. While this route is a bit longer, around 245.5 miles, it takes you through charming towns like Fort Smith, Mansfield, and Coushatta, making it perfect for a scenic drive with lots of stops. Nonetheless, the downside to this route is that it can take up to 4 hours and 15 minutes to reach Shreveport.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The travel time can vary greatly depending on seasonal rush-hour traffic and the time you decide to hit the road. Rush hour times are the ones most commuters avoid, and so should you if you want to make the quick run to Shreveport. The best time to start your journey is between 10 am and 3 pm. This is considered a low traffic time and you can make good time no matter which route you pick.

If you decide to start your journey at peak traffic time, however, things could get a little rough. This would cause you to spend more time on both routes, but the US-71 S route is still preferred. At peak traffic hours, this route would add approximately an hour to your driving time, making the drive around 5 hours. The I-49 S route would add approximately 45 minutes to your overall time, making the drive around 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

When planning a road trip, it’s important to consider different routes and what works best for your schedule. The fastest route is not always the best option if you have the time to enjoy the trip. If you want to experience Arkansas and Louisiana up close and personal, take the US-71 S and enjoy the scenery. However, if you want to get to Shreveport as quickly as possible, take the I-49 S. Regardless of which route you select, make sure you avoid peak traffic hours to reduce your driving time. Happy and safe travels!