Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Branson is known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World." It is a popular destination for tour groups and reunions. Reaching Branson is not difficult. Two airports are within easy reach of the town of about 10,000, which is home to such live shows as Yakoff Smirnoff, The Osmond Brothers, the Gatlin Brothers and Ray Stevens.
The first commercial flight landed in Branson in May 2009. Three airlines--AirTran, Frontier and Branson AirExpress-- service the airport. The airport is located about 8 miles (about 10 minutes) south of Branson, in Hollister, Missouri. AirTran offers direct flights from Atlanta, Georgia; Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul; and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Frontier flights originate in Denver, Colorado. Branson AirExpress began offering flights in May 2010 to and from Branson; Nashville, Tennessee; Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi; Shreveport, Louisiana; Des Moines, Iowa; and Austin and Houston, Texas. When booking flights, the airport code is BKG.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the airport's only on-site rental car provider. Airport offices are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Call 417-336-200 for information.
Souvenirs are available at Bass Pro Shops General Store in the Branson Airport. For a hearty meal before hopping on the plane home, check out Famous Daves, which is famous for its barbecue ribs.
Located about 40 miles north of Branson, the Springfield-Branson National Airport offers airline service on American, Allegiant, Delta and United. Rental car agencies that serve passengers include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National/Alamo. Souvenirs are available at the Route 66 News and Gifts Store. For the hungry traveler or waiting loved one, McAlister's Deli has locations before security and after.
The Taney County Branson Airport (M. Graham Clark Field) is available for private flights. The FAA indicator is PLK. It offers WiFi connections, a pilots' lounge, rental car service and catering. For information, contact the airport office at 417-332-1848.
