The Ultimate Guide to the Travel Time between Branson and St. Louis

If you’re planning a trip to Branson, Missouri, or you’re in Branson and want to explore St. Louis, you may be wondering how long it takes to travel between the two cities. Thankfully, there are a few routes to choose from, and each one has its own pros and cons. In this article, we’ll break down the different travel options between Branson and St. Louis, including the distance and time for each route.

Route 1: Take the I-44 (Approximately 3.5 hours)

One of the most direct routes between Branson and St. Louis is taking the I-44. This highway stretches across Missouri, starting in Oklahoma City and ending in St Louis. From Branson, head north on the US-65, which will take you to the I-44. This route is approximately 235 miles long and takes around three and a half hours to drive.

This route offers some scenic views of the Missouri Ozarks. If you have more time to spare, there are some spots to stop along the way, such as the Ozark Scenic Riverways, the Mark Twain National Forest, and the Meramec Caverns.

Route 2: Take the MO-5 and US-60 (Approximately 4.5 hours)

Another option to travel from Branson to St. Louis is to take the MO-5 and the US-60. This route will take you through some small towns and rural areas, which may take longer but offers more scenic road trips. From Branson, head east on the MO-76, then north on the MO-5 until you reach the US-60 that goes across to St. Louis.

This route is approximately 300 miles long and will take around 4 and a half hours of driving. Though this route may take slightly longer than the I-44, the landscape changes from rolling hills to farmland, forests, and some excellent antique shops and city museums to drop by for souvenir shopping.

Route 3: Take the MO-13 and I-44 (Approximately 4 hours)

If you want to avoid major highways, taking the MO-13 and I-44 could be your best bet. This route is a great option if you’re looking to explore more of the Ozarks because it goes through Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, and the earlier route 1 follows the I-44 highway from Rolla to St. Louis. From Branson, head north on the US-65 into Springfield, hang north on MO-13 until you reach I-44 heading east to St. Louis.

This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes around four hours to drive. Along the way, you can check out Fantastic Caverns, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and some of Missouri's most important historical sites.

Other modes of transportation

For those who don't drive, there are other modes of transportation between Branson and St. Louis. Greyhound Bus Lines, for example, offer buses that run twice daily between the two cities. The bus trip typically takes five hours to complete. If you prefer to travel via plane, Branson Air Express operates a non-stop flight between Branson and St. Louis Lambert International Airport that takes around one hour.

Conclusion

Now you know there are different routes you can take between Branson and St. Louis, each with its duration and attractions to stop by. Choose the one that best suits your schedule, interests, and preferred mode of transportation. However, no matter what route you take, make sure to factor in enough time for stops and other activities along the way. Safe travels!