The Cost of Driving From Bella Vista to Hot Springs Village: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Bella Vista to Hot Springs Village but don't know which route to choose? Driving between these two charming towns in Arkansas can be a great adventure, but you want to make sure you choose the most cost-effective route that allows you to save money on gas and toll fees. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of three different routes, including the distance, time, gas prices, and tolls, so you can make an informed decision.

Route 1: Via I-49 S

Driving to Hot Springs Village via I-49 S is the shortest route, with a total distance of approximately 136 miles. The estimated driving time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

To calculate gas costs, we used an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the current average gas price of $2.80 per gallon in Arkansas. Thus, the cost of gas for this route would be (136/25) x $2.80 = $15.10.

There are no tolls on this route, so your total cost of driving from Bella Vista to Hot Springs Village would be only $15.10 (excluding any stops you make along the way).

Route 2: Via US-71 S and AR-7 S

If you prefer a slightly more scenic route, you can take US-71 S and AR-7 S, which will take you through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. The total distance of this route is around 165 miles, and the estimated driving time is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Using the same fuel economy and gas prices as above, the cost of gas for this route would be (165/25) x $2.80 = $18.48.

There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost would be $18.48 (excluding any stops you make along the way).

Route 3: Via US-71 S and I-30 E

If you're looking for the fastest route, you can take US-71 S and I-30 E, which is the longest route, but it has a higher speed limit and fewer turns. The distance for this route is approximately 189 miles, and the estimated driving time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Using the same fuel economy and gas prices, the cost of gas for this route would be (189/25) x $2.80 = $21.14.

There is one toll on this route – the Benton toll booth on I-30. The cost for a two-axle vehicle is $1.50 each way, so you'll need to factor in an additional $3 for tolls. Therefore, the total cost for driving from Bella Vista to Hot Springs Village via US-71 S and I-30 E would be $24.14 (excluding any stops you make along the way).

Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's important to consider all the factors that can affect your cost, including gas prices, tolls, and the distance of each route. Depending on your priorities, you might choose the shortest, fastest, or most scenic route. Based on our calculations, the cheapest option for driving from Bella Vista to Hot Springs Village is via I-49 S, where the total cost would be $15.10. Whichever path you take, we hope you have a great time exploring Arkansas!