The Cost of Driving from Branson to Freeport: A Road Trip Analysis

Looking to take a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Freeport, Texas? Depending on the route you choose, you could be looking at a total distance of over 1,000 miles and a drive time of 16 hours or more. But what's the cost of such a trip, taking into account current gas prices and other expenses? In this article, we'll break it down for you by exploring the different possible routes, highlighting the distance and cost of each one, and recommending the best overall option.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The most direct route between Branson and Freeport is to take I-44 to I-35 South, and then continue on I-35 until you reach Dallas. From there, take I-45 South towards Houston and then I-10 West towards Freeport. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,140 miles and takes around 17 hours to complete.

Given that the average car gets around 25 miles per gallon, and current gas prices are hovering around $2.50 per gallon in most areas, the cost of gas for this route would come out to around $140 round trip. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of tolls, which can be substantial on certain parts of this route. For example, the Dallas North Tollway alone will cost you roughly $6 each way, while the Harris County Toll Road Authority adds another $5.50 to your total. Therefore, when you add up the cost of gas and tolls alone, you're looking at a total cost of around $320 for this route.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Another option for driving from Branson to Freeport is to take a more scenic route through the Ozarks and Arkansas. This route would take you down Highway 65 through Branson, then east on Highway 412 through Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee, before connecting with I-55 South and I-10 West towards Houston. Overall, this route covers a distance of approximately 1,230 miles and takes roughly 20 hours to complete.

While this route is longer and takes more time than the direct route, it does offer some beautiful scenery and interesting stops along the way. However, it's worth noting that gas prices in Arkansas and Tennessee tend to be slightly higher than in Texas or Missouri, so you'll likely be paying more per gallon on this route. As a result, the total cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $160 round trip.

In terms of tolls and other expenses, you'll encounter fewer tolls on this route compared to the direct route. However, you may need to budget for additional hotel stays or meals, as the longer drive time could mean more stopping points along the way. Overall, the total cost of this route is estimated to be around $420.

Route 3: The Southern Route

A third option for driving from Branson to Freeport is to take the "southern route," which involves traveling west through Oklahoma and Texas before turning south towards Houston. This route would take you down I-44 to Lawton, Oklahoma, then south on Highway 183 towards Austin, before connecting with I-10 towards Houston. Overall, this route covers a distance of around 1,210 miles and takes roughly 19 hours to complete.

On this route, you'll encounter fewer toll roads compared to the direct route, but the cost of gas could be slightly higher due to the increased distance. Taking into account current gas prices, the total cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $150 round trip.

In terms of other expenses, you'll need to budget for meals, hotel stays, and any entertainment or tourist activities along the way. The longer drive time on this route means you might need to factor in an extra night or two of lodging compared to the direct route. Overall, the total cost of this route is estimated to be around $500.

Recommendation: The Direct Route

So which route is the best option for driving from Branson to Freeport? While each route has its pros and cons, we recommend taking the direct route, which is the shortest and most straightforward way to get from point A to point B. While the cost of gas and tolls may be slightly higher on this route compared to the others, the time savings and convenience factor make it the overall best choice.

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Branson, Missouri to Freeport, Texas is a long and potentially expensive undertaking, but there are several different routes you can take to get there. Depending on your priorities and budget, you may want to opt for the direct route, the scenic route, or the southern route. However, in terms of overall cost and convenience, we recommend taking the direct route via I-44, I-35, and I-10. This route covers a distance of roughly 1,140 miles and takes around 17 hours to complete, with an estimated cost of around $320 in gas and tolls. Happy travels!