What's the best Route from Memhis to Branson?

[Flysmallie]

Drive 160 every year on our way to Alabama. From here to Memphis is the worst part of that trip. Especially east of West Plains. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

10 hours ago, laker67 said:

I thought you were headed out to go fish. 

I fished Sunday, Monday afternoon and going again today.  Had to work more yesterday.  Poor fishing with stinky murky water.  My results are similar to the one cast Duane is doing.  They just aren't on fire.  Lots of chasing and nipping.  Probably average a couple fish per hour.  

[Quillback]

14 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

What about 64 to 65???

Man I hate driving 65 through Harrison.  Pretty unavoidable however when I drive over to the White river.  I wish they would build a 4 lane bypass around that burg.  

[Dutch]

17 hours ago, Phil Lilley said:

Across 40 to 65. Pretty simple. 

The north route is ok too. About the same time. 

I have been most of the routes possible to get to Memphis.  For a young woman traveling alone I am with Phil 40 to 65.

[moguy1973]

15 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

What about 64 to 65???

Google maps shows 40 to 65 being 5 hours and 8 minutes and 64 to 65 being 5 hours and 4 minutes.  Difference in mileage is about 37 miles less taking the latter.  Looks like 64 is a 2 lane highway for most of it. and there's several towns it goes through that could slow things down.

[snagged in outlet 3]

She's goin 40 west to 65.  Thanks guys!  We prefer interstate travel over anything else.  

[Mr. Smallfish]

I go 63 to 412 to 65.

 

[jdmidwest]

Hit 60 east at Springfield, then south on 55 at Sikeston.  Probably not much farther and good roads with lots of holiday traffic.

I like 160/142 in the fall pulling a boat for the scenes.  Fuel consumption much less at 55-60 than running 80.