The Best and Worst Route to Take When Driving from Branson to Springdale

Are you planning to travel from Branson, Missouri, to Springdale, Arkansas soon? Knowing how long the drive will take can help you plan your trip better. There are different routes you can take, each with its own distance and travel time, depending on the traffic conditions. Here are some options to consider:

The Fast Route

The quickest way to reach Springdale from Branson is by taking US-65 South. This route is approximately 80 miles and should take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Springdale under normal traffic conditions. However, it's worth noting that if you're traveling during peak hours, you can expect the journey to take anywhere between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours.

The Scenic Route

If you have some extra time to spare, you may want to consider taking the scenic route from Branson to Springdale. This route takes you through the Ozark National Forest, which spans approximately 1.2 million acres and is home to beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic vistas. To take this route, take US-65 South, then turn right onto AR-74 East toward Jasper, AR. From there, take AR-7 South toward Russellville, AR, and then take I-40 West toward Springdale.

While the scenic route is longer, approximately 148 miles, it offers some breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains. You should plan for the journey to take around 3 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.

The Slow Route

If you're planning to travel during peak hours or want to avoid major highways, you can take the slower route from Branson to Springdale. This option takes you through small towns and winding roads, but could take longer depending on your departure time. To take this route, take US-65 South to Branson West, then turn right onto MO-13 South toward Kimberling City and Branson West. From there, take MO-86 West toward Eagle Rock and Golden, MO. Continue on AR-39 South toward Shell Knob, MO, and then continue on AR-86 West toward the Arkansas border. In Arkansas, turn left onto AR-72 West, then left onto AR-59 South toward Siloam Springs. From there, take US-412 East toward Springdale.

This route is about 110 miles long and can take around 3 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the way.

The Conclusion

In summary, the travel time from Branson, Missouri to Springdale, Arkansas can take anywhere from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions. The fastest route is to take US-65 South, while the scenic route will take longer but offers beautiful views of the Ozarks. The slower route is an option if you want to avoid major highways or travel during peak hours.

Whichever route you choose, be sure to plan your journey in advance and check traffic conditions ahead of time to avoid unnecessary delays. Safe travels!