While Amtrak doesn't offer train service to Branson, several routes stop in St. Louis -- about 250 miles away -- including daily trips from San Antonio and Chicago. There is bus service to Branson from St. Louis and from Kansas City, Mo., which is located 211 miles away.
Amtrak's Trails and Rails program places an interpretative guide from the National Park Service on board many trains to educate travelers about parks and wildlife.
America by Rail offers tours to Branson from California, British Columbia and Oregon/Washington. Each train tour travels to the closest train station, then switches to a tour bus for travel through the Ozarks to Branson. As of late 2010, America by Rail has started posting its 2011 trips, including schedules, prices and a list of concerts taking place in Branson. The California trip includes 19 meals, four nights on the train, four nights in hotels in Branson and five shows in Branson.
The Branson Scenic Railway offers a 40-mile tour of the Ozarks. The train runs up to five times a day, depending upon the season. On Saturdays, from April through December, a supper train tour includes a four-course meal.
From mid-November to mid-December, the Branson Scenic Railway offers a Polar Express train tour, based on the book and movie of the same name. Each trip includes a make-believe visit to the North Pole, hot chocolate, caroling and a chance to meet Santa.
