Driving Cost from Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Box Elder, South Dakota and Branson, Missouri

With summer vacations just around the corner, people are starting to plan their trips. Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri is a popular route for people who want to explore the beauty of the Midwest. The trip is full of scenic drives, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. However, before setting out on any trip, it's essential to consider the cost of travel. Based on the current gas prices, this article will outline the expenses of different routes and recommend the best route for the trip.

Possible Routes

The trip from Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri is about 897 miles, depending on the route you choose.

Route 1: Via I-90 E and I-29 S

This route is about 879 miles, and it takes approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes. The route goes through South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri, passing by some major towns such as Sioux Falls, Sioux City, and Des Moines.

Route 2: Via I-90 E and I-35 S

This route is also about 879 miles, with an estimated travel time of 13 hours and 40 minutes. The route goes through South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and passes through some major towns like Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City.

Route 3: Via I-90 E and I-44 E

This route is about 933 miles, with an estimated travel time of 14 hours and 30 minutes. The route goes through South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma, passing through some major towns such as Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Tulsa.

Route 4: Via US-18 E and I-29 S

This route is about 890 miles, with an estimated travel time of 15 hours and 10 minutes. The route goes through South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri, passing through some major towns such as Sioux Falls, Sioux City, and Des Moines.

The Cost of Travel

The cost of travel is not just limited to the price of gas; other factors like lodging, meals, and toll fees all add up. However, for this article, we will only consider the cost of gas.

Route 1: I-90 E and I-29 S

The distance for this route is the shortest, and it is the most direct route from Box Elder, South Dakota, to Branson, Missouri. However, with a distance of 879 miles, it is not surprising that the gas cost will be the most expensive on this route. Based on the current gas price of $2.85 a gallon and an average car mileage of 25 MPG, the cost of gas for the trip will be $127.50.

Route 2: I-90 E and I-35 S

This route passes through major towns and cities, but it adds an extra 20 minutes to the estimated travel time. However, the good news is, the extra minutes spent driving may result in saving money on gas. Based on the current gas price of $2.85 a gallon and an average car mileage of 25 MPG, the cost of gas for this trip will be $126.00.

Route 3: I-90 E and I-44 E

This route is the longest and passes through four state lines and may result in higher gas costs. The extra leg of the journey may cost travelers more, but the route also provides the opportunity to visit a few more cities along the way. Based on the current gas price of $2.85 a gallon and an average car mileage of 25 MPG, the cost of gas for this trip will be $136.70.

Route 4: US-18 E and I-29 S

This route is the second longest, and while it takes a more scenic route, it adds to the gas cost. Based on the current gas price of $2.85 a gallon and an average car mileage of 25 MPG, the cost of gas for this trip will be $131.10.

Based on the cost of gas and the estimated travel time, Route 2 via I-90 E and I-35 S is the recommended route. It allows travelers to pass through major towns and cities, which is beneficial for rest stops, meals, or sightseeing. While it's longer than Route 1, it saves money on gas and is a more scenic drive than Route 4. However, travelers can choose the route that fits them best based on their needs.

Conclusion

Box Elder, South Dakota, to Branson, Missouri, may be a long journey, but with proper planning and budgeting, it can be a fun and exciting road trip. Route 2 via I-90 E and I-35 S is the recommended route for this trip as it saves money on gas and offers a chance to experience some fantastic sights. Whether it's Route 1, 2, 3, or 4, the most important thing is to be safe, stay within your budget, and most importantly, enjoy the drive.