The Cost of Driving From Branson, MO to Joplin, MO: A Guide Based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Branson to Joplin, Missouri? Before hitting the road, it's important to calculate the cost of the trip. From gas prices to tolls, there are several expenses to consider. In this guide, we'll break down the cost of three possible routes to take and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Route 1: Via MO-13 N and I-44 W

Distance: 160 miles Time: 2 hours 44 minutes

The first possible route many drivers like to take is by heading North on Highway 13 before hopping on to I-44. This is a pretty straightforward route that should take you just under 3 hours from start to finish.

However, there are some things to consider when it comes to costs. Gas prices in Missouri fluctuate, but as of September 2021, the average gas price in Missouri is around $3.00 per gallon. Given this data, we can estimate that it would cost around $40 for a roundtrip from Branson to Joplin. Furthermore, there are tolls to be mindful of. Toll prices vary depending on your vehicle's type, but trucks and larger vehicles will be more expensive. For this route, we estimate tolls at around $7-$10 one way, depending on your vehicle's size.

Route 2: Via US-65 N and I-44 W

Distance: 166 miles Time: 2 hours 56 minutes

Another possible route to take is by heading north on US-65 before merging onto I-44. Though it's slightly longer in distance, it might be worth considering if you want to avoid traffic or if it's a more scenic route for your tastes.

As for costs, you can expect them to be similar to the first route. We estimate that it would cost around $42 for a roundtrip from Branson to Joplin based on current gas prices. With this being said, we also estimate that tolls will again be around $7-$10 one way for this route, depending on your vehicle.

Route 3: Via I-44 W

Distance: 129 miles Time: 2 hours 11 minutes

The final route option is the shortest of all: taking I-44 straight from Branson to Joplin without any other highways involved. While this isn't the most direct route in terms of mileage, it has the shortest estimated driving time of just over 2 hours depending on traffic.

Similarly to the other routes, gas costs will likely hover around $3.00 per gallon. Based on that, it'd be about $34 for a round trip from Branson to Joplin. For this route, we are happy to report that there are no tolls to account for!

Conclusion

Of course, there are factors beyond gas and tolls that one must consider before embarking on any long-distance journey. Traffic, weather, and road closures can quickly throw a wrench in your travel plans. However, having a general idea of the costs associated with a trip from Branson to Joplin is a good place to start.

We hope this guide has been helpful in mapping out the possible expenses on a drive from Branson, MO, to Joplin, MO. Safe travels, and happy driving!