Getting Around Branson

Neil Sawford • July 4, 2023

Because there are no public transportation options connecting all of the top attractions with local restaurants and accommodations, driving is the best way to get around Branson.

A free trolley connects downtown Branson to Branson Landing, but due to its limited reach and seasonal hours, visitors will need to rely on their own transportation in Branson. A thrilling adventure ride on the Branson mountain coaster is an exciting way to get around Branson.

Without extensive public transportation, driving a car is the most convenient way to get around Branson. Parking is plentiful, and traffic, aside from the Branson Strip, should be minimal. Many rental car companies are represented at all three airports serving the Branson area.

When visiting historic downtown Branson and Branson Landing, the trolley is the second-best way to get around. The trolley is a free and enjoyable option that makes 14 stops on a 20- to 30-minute loop. The trolley runs every day from March to December from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the weeks of January and February.

Travelers arriving by plane can land at Branson Airport (BKG), located about 10 miles south of Branson. The airport has three different car rental agencies on-site. Traditional taxis, limos, vans, and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available to transport passengers from the airport to Branson. The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is roughly52 miles north of Branson.

Travelers coming to Branson will find cheaper airfares if they fly into larger airports such as Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Lambert-St Louis International Airport (STL). Still, the drive to Branson will take approximately two to three hours longer than it does from Springfield.

Though Springfield airport does not provide shuttles to Branson, some accommodations may provide transportation; you can check with your hotel to see if it allows transport.

Getting around can be very simple for getting to shows, attractions, lodging, and shopping, or maybe you want to experience a thrilling ride on the Branson mountain coaster. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Plan With a Map

In today's world of GPS and Google maps, that might seem like futuristic advice, but if it's your first-time visit to Branson, whether you do depend on maps online or by looking at the map in your hand, plan using a map of the route to your initial Branson destination point. You can find many maps available in many hotels but look for the map that features Alternate Colored Routes, which some online map services do not show.

You can view the online map of the Branson Tourism Center, which can be downloaded and printed in PDF format. When you want to know where you want to go in Branson, follow the map as you plan each day, and you will be able to get there safely and efficiently.

When you use Branson's system of three alternate colored routes, it makes it easier for you to get around Branson, and it will provide you with an alternate way to Highway 76. The three routes are the "Blue", "Red", and "Yellow", all of which are overlaid on existing highways and roads and generally run parallel to Highway 76 and are east/west routes.

Familiarizing these colored routes and the north-south connector roads will help you get just about anywhere in Branson with more convenience and, on most days, not getting involved with traffic congestion.

Drive on Highway 76 with zeal.

Hey, it's the "Branson Strip," and you'll want to see it and travel on it, but use a map to plan to drive on an Alternate Colored Route and their north-south connectors whenever possible, especially during high traffic times. Highway 76 is almost always congested in the evening between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. when people are attempting to eat and get to shows, and on Sunday between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. when people are attempting to leave Branson.

When leaving Branson, take the "Red Route" as close to its western junction with Highway 76 as possible, and take it east until it meets Highway 65, where you can exit north or south. This is also a great alternative to Highway 76 for getting to and from Branson Landing; continue east on the Red Route past Highway 65 to the Roundabout, then enter the Landing.

If traffic is terrible when leaving Branson, another option is to take Highway 165 east, over Table Rock Dam, to its junction with Highway 65 in Hollister, and then go north or south. It may be longer, but it can save you time and frustration.

After touring Branson, including a thrilling adventure ride on the Branson Mountain Coaster.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.