The Cost of a Trip Between Branson, Missouri and Meridian, Texas

Are you planning a road trip between Branson, Missouri and Meridian, Texas? One of the first things you'll want to know is how much it will cost. The cost of your trip will depend on a number of factors, including the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, the current gas prices, and the route you choose. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the different routes you could take and estimate the cost of each so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Route 1: The Straight Shot

The most direct route from Branson, Missouri to Meridian, Texas is a straight shot down U.S. Route 65 South and U.S. Route 75 South. This route is approximately 648 miles and will take you through Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma before reaching Texas. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Missouri is $2.92 per gallon and in Texas, it's $2.85 per gallon.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need to buy approximately 26 gallons of gas for this trip. At the current average prices, that would cost you around $76.32. Keep in mind that this estimate does not include any additional expenses, such as tolls or food.

Route 2: Taking a Detour through Tulsa

If you're looking for a slightly longer but more scenic route, you could consider taking a detour through Tulsa, Oklahoma. This route adds about 100 miles to your trip but takes you through some beautiful parts of the Ozarks and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.

To follow this route, take U.S. Route 65 South until you reach Springfield, Missouri. From there, take Highway 60 West to Highway 13 South and follow that until you reach U.S. Route 412 West. Take this route until you reach Tulsa, then take Interstate 35 South and U.S. Route 77 South to Meridian, Texas.

This route is approximately 745 miles and, assuming the same fuel efficiency as before, would require approximately 30 gallons of gas. At the current average prices, that would cost you around $85.50.

Route 3: The Scenic Route through the Ozarks

If you have a little more time and want to take a truly scenic route through the Ozark Mountains, you could consider this option. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Missouri and Arkansas, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures or enjoy the scenery.

To follow this route, take U.S. Route 65 South to Branson, Missouri, then take Highway 76 West to Arkansas. Follow Highway 23 South until you reach Interstate 40 West, then take Highway 71 South until you reach U.S. Route 82 West. Follow this route until you reach Sherman, Texas, then take Interstate 35 South to Meridian.

This route adds approximately 100 miles to your trip, for a total of around 746 miles. Assuming the same fuel efficiency as before, you would need approximately 30 gallons of gas, which would cost you around $85.50 at the current average prices.

Route 4: The Route with the Lowest Gas Prices

If you're looking to save some money on gas, you could consider taking a different route that takes advantage of lower gas prices in certain areas. For example, right now, the current average gas price in Oklahoma is only $2.71 per gallon, which is significantly less than the prices in Missouri and Texas.

To follow this route, take U.S. Route 65 South to Branson, Missouri, then take Highway 76 West to Arkansas. Follow Highway 23 South until you reach Interstate 40 West, then take that all the way to Henryetta, Oklahoma. From there, take U.S. Route 75 South to Meridian, Texas.

This route is approximately 770 miles and, assuming the same fuel efficiency as before, would require approximately 31 gallons of gas. At the current average price in Oklahoma, that would cost you around $84.01.

The Best Route

Based on our estimates, the best route for your trip between Branson, Missouri and Meridian, Texas depends on what you're looking for. If you want the most direct and shortest way, stick to Route 1, which will cost around $76.32 in gas. If you want to take a slightly more scenic route, consider Route 2 or Route 3, which will both cost around $85.50 in gas. If you want to save some money on gas, consider Route 4, which will cost around $84.01 in gas but is slightly longer.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you're looking for in your trip. No matter which route you choose, make sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the journey.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip from Branson, Missouri to Meridian, Texas will require some careful consideration of different factors that could impact your travel costs. By evaluating different routes and gas prices, you can make an informed decision, whether by choosing a direct route, a scenic route, or one with lower gas prices. Whichever route you choose, don't forget to stay safe and enjoy the scenery along the way!