The Cost of Road Tripping between Branson, Missouri and Knoxville, Tennessee: Navigating Gas Prices

Road tripping can be one of the most enjoyable, freeing ways to explore new places. However, when planning a road trip, it's important to budget and be aware of the costs associated with the journey. This is especially true when considering the distance between two popular tourist destinations in the Midwest: Branson, Missouri and Knoxville, Tennessee. Both Branson and Knoxville offer unique attractions, stunning natural beauty, and a taste of small-town America. But how much will it cost to travel between these two destinations by car? In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Branson, Missouri and Knoxville, Tennessee based on current gas prices and highlight the best route to take based on distance and overall value.

Different Routes and their Associated Costs

Before we dive into the cost and distance of each route, it's important to note that gas prices are constantly fluctuating, making it difficult to estimate an exact cost. For the purpose of this article, we'll be using the national average gas price as of August 2021, which is $3.16 per gallon. Keep in mind that gas prices in specific locations and along certain routes may vary slightly from this average. Additionally, we'll be calculating the cost based on a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon, which is a popular gas mileage rating for small to mid-sized cars. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, your gas mileage may differ.

Route One: Through Springfield, MO and St. Louis, MO

One route option to travel from Branson, MO to Knoxville, TN is through Springfield, MO and St. Louis, MO. According to Google Maps, this route is approximately 710 miles long and would take about 11 and a half hours to complete. The route includes a variety of highways, including US-60 and I-44.

To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we'll divide the total mileage by our assumed gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon. In total, we'd need 28.4 gallons of gas to complete this route. At a gas price of $3.16 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be $89.86.

Route Two: Through Memphis, TN

Another route option for the road trip from Branson, MO to Knoxville, TN is through Memphis, TN. This route is slightly longer, measuring approximately 735 miles and taking about 11 and a half hours to complete. The route includes a variety of highways, including US-65 and I-40.

To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we'll again divide the total mileage by our assumed gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon. In total, we'd need 29.4 gallons of gas to complete this route. At a gas price of $3.16 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be $92.86.

Route Three: Through Little Rock, AR

A final route option for the journey between Branson, MO and Knoxville, TN is through Little Rock, AR. This route is the longest of the three options, measuring approximately 800 miles and taking about 12 and a half hours to complete. The route includes a variety of highways, including US-65 and I-40.

To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we'll divide the total mileage by our assumed gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon. In total, we'd need 32 gallons of gas to complete this route. At a gas price of $3.16 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be $101.12.

Best Route and Overall Value

When considering the cost and distance of each route, it's easy to see that the first route through Springfield and St. Louis offers the best overall value for the trip. While it is the shortest of the three routes, it's only slightly shorter than the Memphis route and only adds about an hour to the driving time compared to the Little Rock route. However, it offers a significant cost savings of nearly $10 compared to the Memphis route and over $10 compared to the Little Rock route. It's worth noting that this route also passes through St. Louis, which is home to many attractions, including the Gateway Arch, making it a great option for those looking to add some sightseeing to their trip.

Conclusion

Road tripping from Branson, MO to Knoxville, TN can be an exciting adventure, but as with any road trip, it's important to budget and be aware of the associated costs. Based on current gas prices and a 25-mile per gallon vehicle, we estimate that the cost of a trip between these two destinations will be around $90 when taking the Springfield and St. Louis route. While it's important to note that gas prices and specific vehicle gas mileage may vary, this estimate provides a helpful guideline for planning your road trip. Ultimately, the best route to take will depend on personal preferences and needs, but for those looking for the most efficient and cost-effective option, the Springfield and St. Louis route is definitely worth considering. Safe travels and enjoy the open road!