Expected what the title states, "Scenic Railway". What we got was a train ride through dense woodlands. Both sides mostly trees and heavy shrubs. Plus a half mile tunnel in the dark. Best viewing was last 10 minutes of 2- hour trip when train stopped on trestle over a lake. Gave 2- stars for the conductors and people in reservations, they were very good. The rail cars are vintage 1940 -1950's with different options for seating in each car. Not crowded at all. The price, $30.00 per person and service charges brings the total to $70.00 for two. Better off saving your money for a good dinner. Again, nothing to see in summer, maybe a late fall or winter ride would be better read more

The friendly staff is what keeps this from being a one-star review - that and the train looks cool from the outside. They were all so friendly. But there are so many ways to burn a couple of hours in Branson. The other reviews are right - the view out the window has no vistas until you get to the halfway point (and even then, it's not anything special). The inside of the railway cars: it gets better as you go to the back. In the first few cars, it's literally tables and old banquet room chairs. That turns into old-school first class airline chairs as you move towards the back. We even tried to grab a view from the elevated glass roof section of the railway cars...nothing to see there either. Imagine a straight-line track with a couple of tunnels, and when you look out the windows, all you see are the trees 5 feet away from you. That's 98% of the ride. We played Heads Up on the way there and back. Food: the prices were very reasonable, which frankly explained the quality. Kids *might* like it. Adults will not. The nacho cheese was microwaved and wrinkly. The hot dog was brown. The chili might be ok if it wasn't on that hot dog. If you have to eat, get the packaged food (Oreos, candies, bag of chips, water). Otherwise, go to any of the restaurants within walking distance of the train station. Bright side: We got to converse with the friendly staff, had a good time talking together and playing Heads Up. read more

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This is super fun for kids! I would recommend bringing a small battery operated fan though. The train car was slightly hot due to the record heat when we visited. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! read more

It's a no from me. While it was interesting to ride in an old (over 80 years :) ) train (whatever they say it is not vintage), it is NOT worth the money. Scenic would imply there would be something to look at, nope just rocks and trees and if you're lucky railroad ties. read more

I wouldn't recommend this attraction unless you are looking to nap. The staff is wonderful and try to make it fun, but it's boring. Could have used a stop at the end. read more

all you see are trees don't waste your $$ And people on train are rude & loud can even take a nap read more

The food was ok, we had the prime rib dinner. The ride was mostly trees. The waitress was very nice.

This looked like it might be fun but it was just ok. Scenery was off trees and a small town but that's about it. Information that was provided was good and interesting but would NOT suggest it. There's much more to do than this boring ride. One of the rail attendants just stopped and talked to a couple about his political beliefs the entire time! Not good read more

Polar express To start it is a federal maintained unit, so they "try" and follow the mask guidelines while the whole town on Branson is mask free, which I find more silly than anything because the crowed wait are and such is not ,,,. But that's just me complaint about this silly rule they have. As far as crowd control it's a bit of a mess , the waiting area is what you should expect, anxious people all wanting to get on the train at once, but they do a good job of boarding people by groups and it's not leaving until everyone is on anyway. But the parking lot and crossing the street isn't the best situation,one way in and out for people and cars, the police help at the street crossing so it goes fairly well The train is nostalgic and takes you back to a past that would be hard to know any other way. Just know the restroom as wired in today's starboard, both sex use the same and the toilet has a separate area with a lock but the sink area is not lockable so when you come out you might be surprised who is waiting there, I don't think I let children go alone even is it's only just around the corner. The polar express ride isn't really much of a show just a quick book reading, a little bit of a waiter display and Santa does come to each car, and I think young kids like the Santa part but the rest was so so They do give out hot choc and cookies and we were asked is we wanted seconds which was pretty standard stuff and nothing to get really excited about but kids like it If you looking for the best view if lights it would be the east side if the train on the main floor the done is cool but it's high so hard to look down particularly if your on the west side. All in all I didn't really like the ride that much it just was less than what I thought, which could be just me and since we're in Branson I was expecting a lot more out of it I guess, The overall ride is just go south a bit switch tracks go north to city of lights (which is great if you can see them) then go back the same way. read more

All I can say is make sure the train is running on the south track. Unfortunately for us we went on the north track and we had the opportunity to look at leaves on the trees for most of the ride, very little more. An independent tour guide told us the 9 of 10 times the train runs the south track. Even he was disappointed with the ride on the north track. read more

Vintage railroad .. the track-path was tree lined and visibility limited. Goes through many tunnels. Easy way to spend 2 hours then finish with an eatery at Branson landing. read more

It was nice. The loudspeaker didn't work, so we were without any commentary. To some extent, it made for a boring ride in which we had to listen to the political views of other passengers for two long hours. Bathrooms were gross, hate to say it. Of course, beautiful views. The exterior of the train is really something to see, too. The conductors were incredibly pleasant. read more

My husband loves trains sooo I obliged. The staff and so sweet kind and we did do a lot of laughing with them. If you've never been on Amtrak you should try it. The kids will like it too. I hear they have a wonderful polar express. A highlight was the charcoal plant along the way. Music was very nostalgic which isn't my cup of tea. The scenery looked repetitive to me, but my husband had a great time. Due to federal mandate we did have to wear a mask..... read more

It was a great experience if you have never been on a train. But not very scenic. Train is clean and nice, but older. TAKE CASH, no outside foo an only cash is taken at the concession car We took our 3 children (7,5,2) and they enjoyed the fist 30 minutes but by the en of the trip one was sleeping an the other two were on our iPhones. The staff on the train were so friendly though. Just try to get a long numbered ticket and sit I. The last two cars, they have LARGE Recliners in them and a lot of room. read more

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For the price I expected something a lot more fantastic. To be fair the staff was wonderful. The lady at the depot even put our water bottles (which you can't carry unto the train!) in the fridge until we got back. The lack of real scenery wasn't the fault of the operators, if you go South into Arkansas prepare yourself to see a lot of trees, two tunnels and a trestle bridge, not much else sadly. With top speeds of about 25 miles per hour it wasn't a thrill ride, but it could be improved greatly! Some helpful suggestions for the management: -With a round trip travel time of two hours, please don't play a music soundtrack that plays for 40 minutes and loops. By the third time we heard the same songs the charm was worn out. -At least one train car was WAY too hot to sit in and enjoy. Heard other travelers saying they heard the A/C was out completely in it? -The train cars really need a complete redecorating, I was shocked to see "waiting room" type chairs just lined up on either side. From the outside the train cars are beautiful and seem to promise a great vintage experience but the inside was disappointing. read more

A total waste of time and money. The only scenic part was at the end when we were sitting on the bridge over the river, waiting to change tracks to end the boring trip. You can see more scenic views from Your car, driving around Branson. read more

I guess I dont understand why there are so many bad reviews of this attraction. My husband and myself took our three elementary aged kids on an afternoon ride. I thought the sites were quite pretty, the two tunnels entertained my kids. We sat near the engine in nice comfortable seats that reclined. We first tried the upper dome seats but they were a little warm and stuffy for us. When my youngest got a little antsy on the way back we found our car had a great room with open space for him to bounce around and get his wiggles out. My older two enjoyed grabbing a snack and exploring the different cars. There are lots of restrooms on the train, that was my biggest worry. So don't worry about having that large glass of ice tea before you head out. read more

This was a must, as my 4 year old is a train fanatic. The ride takes you into Arkansas and lasts about 2 hours, we went through 2 tunnels and were able to see several beautiful views. There is a lot of foliage throughout the ride but the experience in itself was one we'll remember for years to come! They have a snack cart and you're free to walk at your own will. Try and buy your tickets early since they board the train in groups of 25 based on your ticket numbers. The last cart had very comfortable reclining seats in groups of 4 which made the ride even better!! The conductor shares bits of history as you travel and he was very humorous! read more

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I don't know what train the other people were on but this was great!!! While it was not a stylish upscale luxury train it was a delight! The prices for food were not bad... $6.50 for a sandwich, chips, and a drink is not bad at all. The views were great and the in trip commentary was fun and informational! I will say go to the front of the train as soon as you can it is the best place on the train! read more

Branson Scenic Railway - Amusement Parks Near Me - Branson, Missouri

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This is very wonderful experience. I would do it again. Ask for the dome dinning. You are higher up but it worth it. The food was good. The staff was very nice and friendly. read more

Branson Scenic Railway - Amusement Parks Near Me - Branson, Missouri

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Ehhh. It's okay. Not that great. They don't let you take your own drink in but they're glad to sell you one at a premium. If you like trains go ahead and try it out. It's expensive. If you are not the first one to get tickets you won't get the cool upper seating. They don't serve alcohol which would be one thing that would make this boring trip a little more bearable. A slow 1 1/2 hour train ride that would only be cool if you were 10 years old or if you've never been on a train before. Would never go back again. They'd have to pay me next time. 2 stars for being ehhh okay. read more

Branson Scenic Railway - Amusement Parks Near Me - Branson, Missouri

There's not much of a scenic view, the boarding is terrible. The ride is smooth, but again nothing scenic about it

We went on the dinner train and found it absolutely delightful. We had the prime rib. The horseradish sauce was so good I could have eaten it with a spoon. The servers were professional and all decked out in elegant attire. The boston creme cake dessert was delectable. The scenery was gorgeous and we had a great time. The only thing I would change is we were unable to hear the narrator because we were next to the serving kitchen. I am surpisred this didn't more stars in Yelp. We recommend it over many of the cheesy Branson shows. read more

There is not much scenery except when you can see through gaps in the trees. The experience of riding the train was good, but the scenery was hard to find. The narrator was very informative about the area, but again it was mostly hard to see what he was talking about. read more

You can not see anything but trees along the tracks. No narrative from them. Said speakers were broke on our car. Then why put people on that train car. Save your money and don't do it. read more

Very disappointing. Wish we would have spent our entertainment bucks elsewhere. I really thought we would have learned a lot more about the history of the railroad and community. Not much commentary and we were unable to hear over all the yakking riders. Not much for scenery, just a lot of trees and dumping grounds along the way. Oh yes, I almost forgot, the dirty windows. I would think for the prices they charge, they could hire someone to hose them off. Sharie S. 6/22/2021 read more

Great train ride for the family! Staff was super friendly! Only reason I didn't give a 5 star, thought we would see more on the ride.

This Scenic train ride was outstanding, packed with history a reasonable snack bar and a fourty mile ride, Super family friendly time well invested, this is one of the finest things I have done in Branson. Consider this for your future visits to Branson. read more

My husband and I took the Branson scenic train ride with two other couples. We were looking forward to it, we thought it would be something fun to do and we were interested in seeing the scenery as described on the website. We were all disappointed in the whole experience! There is nothing to see. Trees, trees and more trees, a trailer park, a dried up river, 2 dark tunnels and that was about it. To make matters worse when the train got to the end of our destination, the train reversed and went back the same way, same route seeing the same things all over again. The speaker system was awful . We couldn't hear or understand anything that was being said. If the cost to ride was half the price what we paid I might say it could be a fun adventure for a family with small children. But not at the current price. To much money! Find something else that is more entertaining! read more

Nothing scenic about this ride unless you wanted to see nothing but trees and rocks. It simply takes you about 20 miles out and then backs up. Instead of spending your $30 here go sit in a woods and stare at a tree read more

A little overpriced for what you are purchasing. I believe a nonresident ticket is around $30. I was surprised they don't run any coupons or groupons for this but I think that keeps the number of people on each train ride down, which is kind of nice because it wasn't crowded at all. It wasn't very scenic either... the best and most scenic view was right where the train stopped to turn back in the middle of the ride (it stops on a bridge over a river overlooking beautiful scenery and an antique bridge). The food and drinks for purchase on the train were good prices but they only accepted cash which was kind of weird for 2019. We brought our almost 2 year old who loved riding the choo choo and made the trip fun. We sat in the second to last train car that had comfy reclining seats and there weren't many other people in that car with us which was nice. read more

Terrible! Not worth your money and a waste of time. As there are no numbered seating if you do not arrive early to purchase tickets for the ride you will be very limited to seats. We sat on a seat with a half window. The scenery is lots of trees some creeks and mountains. We went through a few tunnels. The restroom was so filthy dirty. To place an order at the concession stand you wait like 40 minutes and it's very muggy and warm. Ugh! Well by the time you get back you've already missed 1 hr of the scenery not that the scenery is all that but anyway. read more

Generally I am a HUGE fan of trains and slowing down to enjoy the scenery. This train however does not offer much by means of having much scenery to enjoy. The sights for the majority of the time are limited to simple trees close to the railway. We were seated in an upper observation area on the east side of the car which had very limited leg room. Getting on and off the train was ridiculous and not having assigned seating made the process much slower than it needed to be. read more

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This was totally boring and not worth the money we spent. We took my Mother with us for a day out of assisted living and she said it was the most boring thing she had ever done. She's 95 so has done a lot! read more

I was very, very disappointed. There is no scenic view. You go 10 miles one way enclosed by trees and you return the same way enclosed by trees. You will not get the train experience at all. There was absolutely nothing good about this ride. One tunnel. They talk it up, but what they are talking about and what you see are in two different worlds. I wouldn't recommend it at all. read more

Very nice ride!! Loved it great scenery. For the price great thing to do for the kids. First time ever riding a train.. would do again when we come back.. small selection of snacks available on one of the cars.. crackers a few select chips candy and fountain sodas in a cute train cup read more

overrated and not very scenic. If you like riding on a train going nowhere, looking at ordinary trees, hills, grass, etc, while listening to music from the 40's and 30's then all right for you. I was a little bored and so were the passengers there, judging from their faces. (The woman sitting opposed to me was more interesting/ski nose, large eyes, full lips.) My sandwich lunch was good and very fair prices. This ride is overpriced. read more

If you're looking for almost a two hour train ride to be cool and rest this is your activity. All you see are trees that are grown up all around the tracks. The tables and chairs in the car we sat in were horribly uncomfortable and obviously not time period correct. Way overpriced at 28 and some change a person. Do not recommend at all. read more

It was over $100 for our family of four and all we did was sit in some barely comfortable seats for two hours while we looked at rocks. There was nothing interesting to do or look at on or off the train. The novelty of being on the train itself wore off after the first 10 minutes, which is how long it takes to pass the lake, stream, and the town of Hollister. read more

If by scenic you mean looking at the various trees 12 feet on either side of the tracks then yes, it is VERY "scenic". More like "seen it." If you have issues with motion sickness/car sickness you will want to take Dramamine or skip this entirely. Seriously there is the town of Hollister then leftover crumble of one building, two tunnels, a cow pasture and a bridge. The cow pasture did have a recliner couch overlooking the creek, so there's that. Not worth the money. Maybe in early spring or fall when the trees have lost their leaves it would be better but I won't waste $28 to find out. There is a snack bar for the kids but a Bar car for adults would add a little more zing and much needed relief from the monotony. The people were extremely friendly. Great staff. Just nothing to work with. read more