Road Trip: Driving from Branson to Covington

If you're planning a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Covington, Louisiana, you're probably curious about how long it will take. After all, the last thing you want is to get caught in traffic or end up taking a much longer route than necessary. In this post, we'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the expected time it will take based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Branson to Covington is via I-55 South and I-12 East. This route is approximately 650 miles and will take around 10 hours and 30 minutes with minimal traffic. If you're driving during peak traffic hours, you can expect the journey to take closer to 11-12 hours. However, the upside of this route is that you'll get to see some beautiful sights along the way, including the Mississippi River and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush and want to take the more scenic route, you can take the US-65 South and US-167 South route. While this route is approximately 750 miles, it will take you through the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The journey will take around 12 hours if driving at a steady pace, but the scenery is worth it. Keep in mind that this route has some winding roads, so it's not recommended for those who get carsick easily.

Shortest Route

The shortest route from Branson to Covington is via I-49 South and I-20 East. This route is approximately 550 miles and should take around 9 hours with good traffic. However, this route can get congested during peak traffic hours, so it's worth considering the other options if you're travelling during rush hour.

Traffic Considerations

When considering how long the drive will take, it's essential to take traffic patterns into account. Rush hour traffic can slow down your journey significantly, adding hours to your drive time. If you're driving during peak traffic hours, be prepared to add an extra hour or two to your journey. On the other hand, if you're driving when traffic is minimal, you may beat the estimated drive times by 30 minutes to an hour.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a better understanding of the different routes and how long they'll take, you can plan your road trip accordingly. Keep in mind that traffic patterns can be unpredictable, so it's always worth leaving a little extra time for your journey. Regardless of which route you choose, your trip from Branson to Covington promises to be an adventure worth taking.