The Cost of a Trip from Branson, Missouri to Coolidge, Arizona

Have you been planning a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Coolidge, Arizona? If so, you'll need to consider the cost of the trip. Gas prices vary greatly from state to state, and the distance between the two cities is quite significant. To help you budget accordingly, we've broken down the cost of a trip between Branson and Coolidge into sections based on the different possible routes.

The Different Possible Routes

There are several possible routes to take when driving from Branson to Coolidge. The most direct route would be to drive straight across the country on Interstate 40. However, there are also alternative routes that may be more scenic or offer other advantages.

Direct Route via I-40

The direct route from Branson to Coolidge is 1,315 miles and will take approximately 19 hours to drive straight through. This route requires taking I-44 W to I-40 W and driving through Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico before reaching Arizona. Gas prices along this route can vary depending on the state, but the average gas price as of writing this article is $2.89 per gallon.

Based on the average gas mileage of a car, you can expect to pay around $160 for gas for the entire trip. Additionally, you may need to budget for tolls, food, and lodging along the way.

Scenic Route via US-60

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you might consider taking US-60 through the Ozark Mountains and across the Great Plains. This route is slightly longer at 1,420 miles and will take approximately 20 hours to complete. The average gas price along this route is also $2.89 per gallon.

Because this route is more scenic, you may encounter more tourist traffic, leading to more stops. Factor in the additional stops, and you can expect to pay roughly $185 for gas. Be sure to account for tolls, food, and lodging along the way.

Northern Route via I-70

Another option is to take I-70 W across Kansas and Colorado, then head south on I-25 S and eventually I-40 W. This route is 1,483 miles long and will take approximately 22 hours to complete. Gas prices along this route range from $2.50-3.10 per gallon.

With this route being the longest, you will need to budget for roughly $200 for gas, tolls, food, and lodging.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost and time taken, the most recommended route for this trip would be the direct route via I-40. With a mileage of 1,315 miles, this route offers the shortest travel time of approximately 19 hours.

Also, since the two other routes take more time and distance, they would consume more fuel, increasing the cost of the trip.

Conclusion

In summary, taking a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Coolidge, Arizona requires a considerable amount of planning and budgeting. The direct route via I-40 seems to provide the best balance of distance, gas requirements, and time. Additionally, assuming an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, it would cost roughly $160 for gas, and the trip would span 19 hours.

Once you've planned and budgeted for the trip, all that's left is to pack your bags, load up the car, and hit the open road. Safe travels!