Driving Cost from Branson, Missouri to Springfield, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Branson and Springfield: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a trip from Branson to Springfield in Missouri, and wondering about the cost? While there are several travel options, the most popular ones are driving, flying, and taking a bus. In this guide, we break down the different routes, their costs, and time taken to help you make an informed decision.

Driving from Branson to Springfield

The most scenic and convenient way to travel between Branson and Springfield is by car. The driving distance between the two cities is around 45 miles, and it should take you approximately an hour to get to Springfield.

Route Options and Costs

There are two major routes you can take when driving from Branson to Springfield.

  1. US-65 N: This is the quickest route, taking you through Ozark: Total Distance is 43.3 mi, and the estimated driving time is 52 minutes(traffic may vary).
  2. MO-13 N and MO-7 N: This route is a more scenic option with distance and estimated time. Total Distance is 50 mi, and the estimated driving time is 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Cost Breakdown

When driving from Branson to Springfield, the cost largely depends on your vehicle and the gas prices. Suppose we assume that your car gets 25 miles to the gallon, and gas prices are currently $2.70 per gallon, then you will need about 1.8 gallons of gas, costing you $4.87 for a one-way trip using the fastest route. The more scenic route with MO-13 N and MO-7 N will cost an additional $.86 due to the longer distance.

Flying from Branson to Springfield

If you are short on time, another option to consider is flying between Branson and Springfield. There are several airlines you can choose from that have daily flights between the two cities.

Route Options and Costs

There are two airlines that offer daily flights between Branson and Springfield:

  1. Branson AirExpress: They have two flights daily that take approximately 20 minutes and cost around $200 for a round-trip ticket.
  2. ViaAir: They have a flight daily that takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around $150 for a round-trip ticket.

Cost Breakdown

When flying from Branson to Springfield, you have to take into account the additional cost of getting to and from the airports. In Branson, you will be departing from the Branson Airport, while in Springfield, you will be arriving at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. Fortunately, both airports offer shuttles, and Uber and Lyft services are available for about $20 to $30 per ride.

Taking a Bus from Branson to Springfield

If you prefer to sit back and relax as you travel, taking a bus from Branson to Springfield is an excellent option. There are several bus companies offering daily services between the two cities.

Route Options and Costs

Greyhound is the only bus company that operates between Branson and Springfield, offering two daily trips. The route is directly from Branson to Springfield.

Cost Breakdown

When taking a bus, you have to consider the additional cost of getting to the bus station in Branson and the cost of transport from the bus station to your destination in Springfield. The bus ticket cost from Branson to Springfield is approximately $20 for a one-way trip, totaling $40 for a round trip. Uber and Lyft services are available for about $20 to $30 per ride.

The Best and Most Cost-Effective Route

After analyzing the cost and distance of the different routes, driving is the best and most cost-effective travel option.

While flying is faster, it is also the most expensive, and you have to add the cost of getting to and from the airports, which increases the cost even further. Taking a bus is an affordable option, but it takes longer and involves additional costs.

Driving is a cost-effective and flexible option, allowing you to stop at any interesting location along the way. Also, you can reserve your car in advance and save even more money.

Conclusion

Traveling from Branson to Springfield can be an exciting adventure, but it is essential to plan and budget accordingly. While driving is the most cost-effective option, flying and taking a bus are still viable alternatives.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences on the mode of transportation, the total travel time, and your budget. With this guide, you can make an informed decision and focus on making memories while exploring the beauty of Missouri.