Ready to explore Arkansas? Enter your Arkansas pick-up location and dates above to compare real-time prices. We partner with every major car rental brand in Arkansas plus trusted local companies, giving you the widest selection available. From fuel-efficient compacts for city trips to rugged SUVs for mountain adventures, find exactly what you need. Our streamlined booking system lets you filter by vehicle type, compare rates, and reserve in minutes. With free cancellation on most rentals, you can lock in today's rate and adjust later if plans change, no risk, all reward!
Arkansas offers incredible diversity, from mountain peaks to river valleys, vibrant cities to charming small towns, and a rental car is your key to experiencing it all:
(Note: "From" rates reflect current Arkansas market prices. Rates vary by location, dates, and availability. Peak seasons like spring break and fall foliage may have higher prices. Search your specific dates for accurate pricing.)
Arkansas offers diverse driving experiences from urban interstates to winding mountain roads. Here's your comprehensive guide to navigating The Natural State safely:
Arkansas traffic is generally manageable, but certain areas experience predictable congestion. Little Rock sees the worst traffic where I-30 and I-40 intersect – especially challenging during the ongoing "30 Crossing" construction project (through 2026). Rush hours run 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays, with Friday afternoons being particularly heavy.
Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville-Rogers-Fayetteville corridor) has grown dramatically, creating new traffic challenges. The I-49 corridor backs up during rush hours, and University of Arkansas football Saturdays turn Fayetteville into a parking lot. Plan accordingly – arriving very early or staying overnight after games.
Arkansas speed limits are straightforward:
Arkansas State Police actively patrol using radar and aircraft. Speeding fines start at $100 plus court costs. Construction zones double fines with workers present. Small towns along highways often have speed traps where limits drop suddenly – stay alert for signs.
Arkansas takes distracted driving seriously:
Set up navigation before driving. If you must handle your phone, pull over safely and park.
Primary Seat Belt Law: All front seat occupants must wear seat belts. Police can stop you solely for seat belt violations ($25 fine).
Right Lane Rule: Keep right except when passing on multi-lane highways. Left lane camping can result in citations.
Headlight Requirements: Use headlights in rain, fog, or when visibility is under 500 feet.
Move Over Law: Give emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway workers a full lane clearance or slow significantly.
Arkansas weather dramatically impacts driving conditions:
Spring (March-May): Peak tornado season with Arkansas averaging 26 tornadoes annually. Severe thunderstorms bring heavy rain, hail, and flooding. Monitor weather apps closely. If tornado warning issued, exit vehicle and seek lowest ground – never shelter under overpasses.
Summer (June-August): Extreme heat with temperatures 85-95°F and heat indices exceeding 105°F. Afternoon thunderstorms cause flash flooding. Keep AC maintained and carry water. Mountain areas offer cooler relief.
Fall (September-November): Best driving weather with comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage. October brings peak colors to the Ozarks. This is prime tourist season – book accommodations early.
Winter (December-February): Generally mild but ice storms occur every 5-10 years and can be catastrophic. Even light ice makes roads impassable. If ice is forecast, avoid driving. Snow is rare except in northern mountains.
Good news! Arkansas has ZERO toll roads. You can drive the entire state without encountering a single toll. Beware of scam texts claiming you owe Arkansas tolls – they're fake. The state studied tolling I-30 and I-40 but hasn't implemented any toll facilities.
The Ozarks and Ouachitas require special attention:
Popular mountain routes like the Pig Trail (Highway 23) feature hairpin turns and steep drops. Beautiful but demanding – not recommended for large RVs or nervous drivers.
Elk Viewing: The Buffalo River area hosts 600-700 elk. Best viewing: Boxley Valley at dawn (6:30 AM) and dusk (5-6 PM). Maintain 150+ feet distance – they're wild animals.
Deer: Active statewide at dawn and dusk year-round. Arkansas has high collision rates.
Rural Roads: Many feature "seal job" surfaces (oil and gravel over asphalt) that can be slippery. Expect farm equipment during planting and harvest seasons.
River Crossings: Low water bridges flood quickly during rain. Never drive through flowing water.
Gravel Roads: Common in rural areas. Reduce speed and increase following distance.
Logging Trucks: Frequent on highways near forests. Give extra space – logs can shift.
Little Rock: Downtown uses ParkWhiz app. Meters cost $0.50-$2/hour. River Market has affordable garages.
Northwest Arkansas: Free parking abundant outside downtown cores. Bentonville's Square has 2-hour limits.
Tourist Areas: Hot Springs National Park has metered street parking and paid lots. Eureka Springs is challenging – use trolley lots and walk.
Arkansas's central location and natural beauty create perfect road trip opportunities. Here are three detailed routes showcasing the state's diversity:
Distance: 55 miles one-way (1 hour drive, full day with activities) Route: I-30 West to US-70 West or scenic Highway 10 Best Time: Year-round destination, spectacular in fall
Highlights: Begin your journey in Little Rock with breakfast in the vibrant River Market District. You have two route options: I-30/US-70 is faster (55 minutes), while Highway 10 offers a scenic alternative through the Ouachita foothills (add 20 minutes but worth it for the views).
Approaching Hot Springs, you'll see steam rising from the historic Bathhouse Row. This unique national park is centered in downtown – the only one with a brewery inside park boundaries! Park along Central Avenue (metered parking) or in the visitor center garage.
Start at Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to understand the spa city's history. Take the Grand Promenade brick walkway behind Bathhouse Row for thermal spring displays. For active adventure, hike the Hot Springs Mountain Trail to the observation tower – spectacular views reward the climb.
Don't miss Superior Bathhouse Brewery – the world's only brewery using thermal spring water. Quapaw Baths and Spa offers modern soaking if you want the traditional experience. The town features art galleries, unique shops, and excellent restaurants along Central Avenue.
For extended adventure, continue on scenic Highway 7 North through Ouachita National Forest. This route passes Lake Ouachita (crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming) and numerous hiking trailheads. The drive to Mount Ida (30 minutes) enters quartz crystal territory – try your luck at a dig-your-own mine!
Tips: Weekends get crowded – visit Tuesday-Thursday if possible. Book spa treatments in advance. Parking is easier early morning or late afternoon. Many restaurants close Monday-Tuesday. The scenic routes are narrow and winding – not ideal for large RVs. Cell service is spotty once you leave Hot Springs.
Distance: 216 miles direct, 250+ miles via scenic route (4-5 hours driving) Route: I-40 West to Highway 23 North (Pig Trail) to I-49 North Best Time: April-November (Pig Trail hazardous in ice)
Highlights: This journey showcases Arkansas's cultural evolution and natural beauty. From Little Rock, take I-40 West through the Arkansas River Valley. After about 90 minutes, exit at Ozark for the legendary Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23 North).
The Pig Trail earns its name from twisting "pig tail" curves through the Boston Mountains. This 19-mile stretch features steep grades, hairpin turns, and stunning vistas. Stop at the overlooks – on clear days you can see for miles. The route is popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
Emerging near the college town of Fayetteville, you've entered a different Arkansas. The University of Arkansas campus is worth exploring – Old Main and the Senior Walk are iconic. Dickson Street offers eclectic dining and nightlife.
Continue to Rogers and Bentonville, the epicenter of Arkansas's transformation. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (free admission!) houses world-class collections in stunning architecture. The museum's forest trails feature outdoor sculptures. Downtown Bentonville has evolved into a cycling mecca with sophisticated restaurants and boutique hotels.
Don't miss the Walmart Museum on Bentonville Square – it's more interesting than it sounds, showcasing Sam Walton's original 5&10 store. The square hosts a vibrant Saturday farmers market.
For the return, take I-49 South to I-40 East for speed, or explore Highway 71 through the Boston Mountains for more scenery.
Tips: The Pig Trail is challenging – avoid in rain or if uncomfortable with mountain driving. Gas up before starting the scenic section. Bentonville restaurants book up – make reservations. Crystal Bridges is closed Mondays. The area has become a mountain biking destination – consider renting bikes to explore the extensive trail system.
Distance: 150 miles to Buffalo Point (2.5 hours), 300+ mile loop possible Route: US-65 North to various river access points Best Time: April-October for floating, year-round for hiking
Highlights: This trip explores America's first National River and surrounding wilderness. From Little Rock, take US-67/167 North through Cabot and Searcy. The landscape transitions from delta flatlands to Ozark foothills.
At Marshall, turn onto Highway 27 toward the river. Your first glimpse of the Buffalo's turquoise waters against towering bluffs is unforgettable. Stop at Tyler Bend Visitor Center for orientation and trail maps.
The Buffalo offers numerous activities: canoeing/kayaking (best in spring), swimming holes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Easy trails include the Buffalo Point Trail, while experienced hikers tackle the challenging Goat Trail with its narrow ledge along bluffs.
Continue upstream to Ponca, the outdoor recreation hub. Lost Valley Trail leads to a cave and waterfall – perfect for families. Steel Creek Campground offers the iconic view of river bluffs often seen in Arkansas tourism photos.
For elk viewing, drive Highway 43 through Boxley Valley early morning or late afternoon. These majestic animals graze in meadows – bring binoculars and maintain safe distances.
The route continues through the Victorian mountain town of Eureka Springs, known for its entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. The town clings to hillsides with winding streets and no traffic lights. Visit the Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural marvel of glass and wood.
Return via Highway 65 South through Harrison, creating a loop showcasing the best of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Tips: River levels vary dramatically – check conditions for floating. Many river services close November-March. Cell service is nonexistent in most areas. Bring cash – many small businesses don't accept cards. Book Eureka Springs lodging well in advance during peak season. The winding roads to Eureka Springs can cause motion sickness – take precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best rates typically occur in January-February and July-August (except in tourist areas). Prices increase during: Razorback football season (September-November), spring break (March), Bikes Blues & BBQ motorcycle rally in Fayetteville (late September), and fall foliage season (October). Book 2-3 weeks in advance for optimal rates. Weekly rentals offer better per-day value than short-term. Mid-week pickups (Tuesday-Thursday) cost less than weeken
No! Arkansas has ZERO toll roads – you can drive the entire state without paying a single toll. This is a major advantage over neighboring states. Beware of scam texts claiming you owe Arkansas tolls – they're fraudulent. The state has studied adding tolls to I-30 and I-40 but hasn't implemented any. If you drive to neighboring states, be prepared: Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas all have toll roads. Ask about toll payment options if planning interstate travel.
Arkansas weather varies dramatically by season. Spring brings severe storms – Arkansas averages 26 tornadoes annually. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms causing flash floods. Fall offers perfect weather but brings tourist crowds. Winter is generally mild, but ice storms can make roads impassable – even small amounts of ice shut down the state since Arkansas lacks extensive ice removal equipment. Always check forecasts, especially in spring. Have a weather app with alerts enabled.
Arkansas mountain roads offer spectacular scenery but require attention. The Pig Trail (Highway 23) features 15-25 mph hairpin turns and steep grades – beautiful but challenging. Highway 7 through the Ouachitas is less demanding but still curvy. Avoid these routes in rain, ice, or if you're uncomfortable with mountain driving. Large RVs should skip the most scenic routes. Cell service is limited to nonexistent. Download offline maps before departing. Take breaks to enjoy views and let locals pass – they know these roads better.
Parking is generally plentiful and affordable in Arkansas. Little Rock downtown uses meters ($0.50-2/hour) and garages. Use the ParkWhiz app for easy payment. Northwest Arkansas has abundant free parking except in entertainment districts. Hot Springs can be challenging – use paid lots during peak times. Eureka Springs is notoriously difficult – park in trolley lots and walk or ride. State parks typically charge $5-7 day use fees including parking. College towns restrict parking on game days. Most attractions outside cities offer free parking.