The drive from Little Rock to Dallas takes approximately 4h 45min, covering 320 miles via I-20. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $37 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 6–7+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
4h 2m
🔵 Typical
4h 45min
🔴 Heavy traffic
6h 53m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance320 miles (514 km)
Drive Time4h 45min
RouteI-20
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~10.7 gallons
Est. Cost$37
Route Tips: I-20
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Little Rock to Dallas
The best time to drive from Little Rock to Dallas is mid-morning (9-11 am). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.
🟢 Best:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
4h 45min
~$37 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 8m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~38 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
4h 45min
~$37
🚌 Bus
7h 7m
~$26–$58
🚂 Train
5h 49m
~$38–$96
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Shreveport
📍 Hot Springs
📍 Tulsa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Little Rock to Dallas?
The drive from Little Rock to Dallas takes approximately 4h 45min covering 320 miles via I-20. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Little Rock to Dallas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $37 on gas for this 320-mile trip. You'll need about 10.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Little Rock to Dallas?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Little Rock to Dallas route?
There may be minor tolls (around $9) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
