Major city · United States
BransonBranson, Missouri
Give Branson 3 nights: two for shows and Silver Dollar City, one for Table Rock Lake. Skip it entirely if live music and theme parks are not your trip.
Branson is a small Ozarks town (about 10,500 residents) that runs on live shows, dinner theatres and family attractions along a single strip, Highway 76. Silver Dollar City and three lakes sit within 30 minutes. There is no regular city bus, so plan on a car or rideshare, and expect weekend traffic on the strip from May to October.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), late Nov–Dec weekends (holiday lights crowds)
- Airports
- SGF · BKG · XNA
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Branson911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Branson, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyBranson is a low-crime resort town; the real risks are strip traffic, summer heat and lake swimming outside marked areas.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSGF Springfield–Branson National Airport (About 80 km (50 mi) north; the main airport for the area, roughly 1 h by car.).SGF Springfield–Branson National Airport (About 50 mi (80 km) north; the main airport for the area, roughly 1 h by car.).
- Getting aroundNo regular city bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealBuffet dinner$20–30
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$55
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$85
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SGF Springfield–Branson National Airport (About 80 km (50 mi) north; the main airport for the area, roughly 1 h by car.) · BKG Branson Airport (About 13 km (8 mi) southeast; seasonal service only, one carrier — check before booking.) · XNA Northwest Arkansas National (Bentonville) (About 160 km (97 mi); the drive crosses Mark Twain National Forest with steep curves.)SGF Springfield–Branson National Airport (About 50 mi (80 km) north; the main airport for the area, roughly 1 h by car.) · BKG Branson Airport (About 8 mi (13 km) southeast; seasonal service only, one carrier — check before booking.) · XNA Northwest Arkansas National (Bentonville) (About 97 mi (160 km); the drive crosses Mark Twain National Forest with steep curves.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Avoid*
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Jan (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Branson: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
7 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No regular city bus. Drive or use rideshare; Highway 76 backs up on weekend evenings, so leave 20–30 min of slack before a show. Branson also posts colour-coded alternate routes to dodge strip traffic. The Branson Scenic Railway runs excursions from the downtown depot.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Springfield, Missouri
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US 65 north, about 72 km (45 mi)US 65 north, about 45 mi (72 km)
Bigger-city dining, museums and Bass Pro's flagship store.
Joplin
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
I-44 west via Springfield, about 177 km (110 mi)I-44 west via Springfield, about 110 mi (177 km)
A long return day; better as a stop on a Route 66 drive.
Carthage, Missouri
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
I-44 west, about 145 km (90 mi)I-44 west, about 90 mi (145 km)
Historic courthouse square and Route 66 sights.
Buffalo, Missouri
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min
US 65 north then MO 32, about 137 km (85 mi)US 65 north then MO 32, about 85 mi (137 km)
Small-town stop; combine with a scenic drive.
Mountain View, Missouri
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
US 60 east, about 209 km (130 mi)US 60 east, about 130 mi (209 km)
Music and Ozark folk venues; too far for a comfortable return day.
Shell Knob
goDoor to door: About 50 min
MO 86 west along Table Rock Lake, about 56 km (35 mi)MO 86 west along Table Rock Lake, about 35 mi (56 km)
Lake access and quiet shoreline; good for a half-day.
Rockaway Beach, Missouri
goDoor to door: About 20 min
US 160 east to MO 176, about 19 km (12 mi)US 160 east to MO 176, about 12 mi (19 km)
Small Lake Taneycomo shoreline community; easy add-on.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Highway 76 strip (West 76 Country Blvd)
Walkable to many theatres and attractions; traffic-heavy in the evening. Motels and chain hotels, $60–150.
Branson Landing / downtown
Waterfront shops, restaurants and the fountain show; quieter evenings, 10–15 min drive from the strip theatres.
Table Rock Lake / Indian Point
Cabins, condos and resorts for lake days; 20–30 min drive to the strip, so a car is essential.
Big Cedar / Ridgedale area
Resort and golf base south of town; higher rates, spa and Top of the Rock nearby.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Condo or cabin (up to 4)1 × 3 nights × US$180 | US$540 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$150 | US$900 |
| Silver Dollar City one-day ticket2 × US$90 · check | US$180 |
| Show ticket, mid-tier seat2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$181 |
| Trip total≈ US$332 per person per day, bed included | US$1,991 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Barbecue plate | $12–29 |
| Buffet dinner | $20–30 |
| Show ticketVaries widely by show and seat. | $35–70 |
| Silver Dollar City one-day ticketcheck | $80–95 |
| Rideshare, strip to Branson Landing | $10–18 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Weekend and evening traffic on Highway 76 can be bumper-to-bumper; arrive early for showtimes.
- Show and attraction tickets are often cheaper booked direct or in packages — compare before buying at the door.
- Summer heat and humidity in Jul–Aug; carry water for theme-park days.
- Some lake marinas and attractions close or cut hours outside May–Sep — check ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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BransonBranson, Missouri
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Most countries have no consulate in Branson; nearest consulates are in Kansas City or St. Louis, embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SGF airport → Branson, shuttle or rideshare: about $60–100, about 1 h (check)
- Rideshare, strip → Branson Landing: $10–18
- Silver Dollar City parking: included with park admission (check)
Say or show
- Where is the box office? — Where is the box office?
- Two tickets, please — Two tickets, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Is there parking here? — Is there parking here?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Branson. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), late Nov–Dec weekends (holiday lights crowds) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SGF and BKG: last shuttle and rideshare windows, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the strip, Branson Landing, Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Silver Dollar City, Titanic Museum, Dogwood Canyon, Branson Scenic Railway) and eat pages with last orders.
- Show-night fixtures so late arrivals and sold-out evenings can go green.
Sources
- officialExplore Branson — official destination site
- officialCity of Branson
- officialBranson Airport
- officialSpringfield–Branson National Airport
- officialSilver Dollar City
- officialBranson Scenic Railway
- secondaryWikivoyage: Branson, revision 5240362 (CC BY-SA 4.0)