Road Trip! How Long does it take to drive from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Forest, Mississippi?

Are you planning a road trip from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Forest, Mississippi? Then, this is the guide for you! Driving down to Mississippi can be quite a memorable experience, but no one wants their trip to be ruined by long hours in traffic. So, let's get started and determine the best route and driving time for you!

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The shortest and fastest route from Cape Girardeau to Forest is via I-55 and I-20. It has a distance of approximately 485 miles, and it takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes to reach Forest, Mississippi, without any traffic or stops.

However, if you want to avoid the highways, then the slowest route is to take the US-51 S and MS-43 S route. It has a distance of approximately 535 miles, and it takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes to reach Forest, Mississippi.

Traffic Patterns

The peak traffic hours can increase the driving time, especially if you choose to take the shortest and fastest route. Rush hours are usually between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays. Based on this, it can take you up to 9 hours to reach your destination.

If you decide to travel during the weekends or outside the peak hours, the traffic would be less crowded, and you can save some time. When there is no traffic, it takes about 7 hours to get to Forest, Mississippi.

Other Route Options

If you are looking for an alternative route, you can take the I-55 South to Memphis, then take I-69 South to Tupelo, Mississippi, and from there take US-45 South to Forest. This route may take you about 8 hours and 40 minutes to get to your destination, but it is a beautiful scenic route, so don't forget to enjoy the views along the way.

Alternatively, if you prefer taking smaller roads, you can take the US-60 East to the US-45 Southeast, then take the MS-16 East to Forest, Mississippi. This route may take longer, as it is approximately 605 miles and can take up to 11 hours, but you would see stunning landscapes, beautiful farms, and quaint towns along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Forest, Mississippi, can take between 7 to 11 hours, depending on your chosen route and traffic. We recommend leaving outside of peak traffic hours to save time and avoid being stuck in traffic. However, whichever route you choose, make sure to have a great time and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!