Getting to Branson

Located in southwest Missouri, about 56kms south of Springfield, within the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson boasts many interesting sites and is the major entertainment town in the area. Getting to Branson is best done by air. However, if you come from a nearby city, driving to Branson is also very easy, as the city is easily accessible by two main highways.

By air

Travellers can arrive in Branson by air at the Springfield/Branson Airport, which offers flights to and from many domestic destinations. The airlines servicing the airport include American Airlines, Delta, Northwest and United Airlines.

The airport is one of the fastest growing small hubs in the United States. Even though the facilities are quite limited, the terminal is spacious and the long-term parking spaces are aplenty.

From the airport, there are plenty of shuttle bus services that connect the airport and the city centre of Branson. The two prominent companies are Gray Line Tours (tel: +1 800 542 6768; or: www.bransongrayline.com) and Best Price Shuttles and Tours (tel: +1 417 251 0153). Other companies that also offer shuttle services include A-1 Airport Shuttle (tel: +1 417 335 6001), Airport Shuttle Shuttle (tel: +1 417 336 8244) and Hillbilly Shuttle (tel: +1 417 334 5678).

By rail

Amtrak (www.amtrak.com) provides occasional and very limited services to and from Little Rock, while the Branson Scenic Railway has a regular schedule out of the old Branson station, north along Roark Creek and south across Lake Taneycomo, up Turkey Creek and into Arkansas. It is a scenic ride, so do not expect cars to be equipped with all facilities.

By car

The city is easily reached from US highways 65 and 13. From St Louis, Joplin or Tulsa, take I-44 to Highway 65 South, about 80kms from Branson. If you travel from Kansas City, take Highway 71 South to Highway 13 South and then on to Highway I-44 East. From here you need to take Highway 65 South to Branson. From Columbia, take Highway 63 South to Highway 54 South, then I-44 West to Springfield. From here take Highway 65 South to Branson. From Little Rock, Arkansas, you can simply take Highway 65 North to Branson.

Getting around Branson is best done with a car, as there are not many forms of public transport.

Taxis

There are many taxis waiting in crowded areas of the city to take you about. You can also call in advance for reservations. Taxi services in Branson include Branson City Cab (tel: +1 417 334 5678) and Yellow Cab (tel: +1 417 862 5511).