The Cost of a Trip between Branson, Missouri and Alexander, Kansas
If you plan to take a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Alexander, Kansas, you’ll likely be interested in finding out the cost of the trip. While it’s not easy to predict the cost of any road trip down to the last cent, it’s possible to estimate the cost of traveling a certain distance and to give a general idea of the expenses you can expect. This article will break down the cost of a trip between Branson and Alexander, exploring the different routes available and helping you prepare your budget.
Choosing a Route
One of the most significant factors that affect the cost of the trip between Branson and Alexander is the route you choose. Here are the possible routes for this trip:
Route #1: Via US-65 N and US-54 W
The first route takes you from Branson, Missouri, to Alexander, Kansas, via the US-65 N and US-54 W routes. This is the shortest route available, covering a distance of approximately 193 miles.
Route #2: Via I-44 W and US-50 W
Another possible route takes you from Branson to Alexander, via the I-44 W and US-50 W routes. This route is approximately 250 miles long.
Route #3: Via I-44 W, US-400 W, and KS-14 N
If you’re looking for a longer, scenic route, you could take I-44 W, which merges with US-400 W, then turn north on KS-14 N towards Alexander. This route is approximately 305 miles long.
Estimating the Cost
Now that you know the different routes available, it’s time to take a closer look at the estimated cost of each. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on your specific vehicle, gas prices, and the time of year you take the trip.
Route #1: US-65 N and US-54 W
Using this route, you will need to cover approximately 193 miles. Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you might need to fill up twice or three times. If we assume a fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon, you would need around 8.39 gallons of fuel for this trip. Using the current average gas price in Missouri of $2.516 per gallon, the gas cost for the trip would be around $21.10.
Route #2: I-44 W and US-50 W
With this route, you will need to travel approximately 250 miles. Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you may need to fill up three or four times. If we assume the same fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon, you would need around 10.86 gallons of fuel for this trip. Using the current average gas price in Missouri of $2.516 per gallon, the gas cost for this trip would be around $27.32.
Route #3: I-44 W, US-400 W, and KS-14 N
If you choose this route, you’ll need to travel approximately 305 miles. Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you might need to fill up around four times. If we still assume the same fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 13.26 gallons of fuel for this trip. The current average gas price in Missouri of $2.516 per gallon, the gas cost for this trip would be around $33.10.
Recommended Route
Based on the distance and estimated cost of each route, we recommend taking Route #1. Not only is it the shortest route, but it is also the most cost-effective. You’ll only need to fill up twice or three times, and spend around $21.10 on gas.
It’s worth noting that, regardless of the route you choose, you will need to factor in other expenses such as snacks, meals, lodging, and other travel-related expenses. Don’t forget to consider any additional expenses when creating your budget for this trip.
Conclusion
Taking a road trip from Branson, Missouri, to Alexander, Kansas, is a great way to explore the region. With three different routes to choose from, you can tailor your trip based on how much time you have, your budget, and personal preferences. Based on the estimated gas cost and distance, Route #1 (via US-65 N and US-54 W) appears to be the most cost-effective and efficient route. You can expect the trip to take around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.