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Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Carbondale to Kansas City. The train trip from Carbondale to Kansas City is usually about 16 hours and 26 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 10 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 305 mi (491 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 20m |
| Lowest price | $99.74 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Kansas City?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Carbondale and Kansas City cost $138.76, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $110.09 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Kansas City will range from $135 to $191. If you're planning to travel by train to Kansas City in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Carbondale you can find in the next 7 days is $135. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Carbondale to Kansas City often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $146,
If you're thinking of traveling from Carbondale to Kansas City during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $249 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Carbondale to Kansas City, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $110.09 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Kansas City?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Carbondale to Kansas City. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 16h 27m | $156.09 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Carbondale to Kansas City every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Carbondale and Kansas City is approximately 305 miles, or 491 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 20 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Carbondale to Kansas City tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to Carbondale.
City Information
Carbondale
Carbondale, one the best vacation destinations in Illinois, is best known for its proximity to Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods: one of the most Instagrammed sites in the state. This quiet paradise is filled with lush trees bordering miles of hiking trails and scenic drives. The enormous sandstone bluffs in Giant City State Park attract rock climbers and rappellers looking for their next adventure. Boo Rochman Memorial Park offers a unique, family-friendly experience– a park filled with wooden sculptures of dragons, unicorns, wizards, and more. The park’s centerpiece, a massive wood and stone castle, features an elaborate jungle gym with stairs, tunnels, and an ogre or two.
Threaded by Main Street, downtown Carbondale is known for its Historic Town Square and charming, old-school architecture. The whole area is easily walkable, so you can peruse local shops for bike gear, art, vintage clothes, musical instruments, and everything in between. The SIU University Museum is a must-see, with no entry fee and a variety of exhibitions about the history and culture of the region. While in the area, explore Campus Lake and Pulliam Hall clocktower, or catch a football game at Saluki Stadium.
Bus services connect Seattle, Chicago, and Phoenix to Carbondale. Amtrak has multiple lines from the city to Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The nearest airport is Marion Williamson County Regional.
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Carbondale?
Main departure station: 401 S Illinois Ave
There is one train station in Carbondale.
All train stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
Where is the train station in Kansas City?
Main arrival station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Union Station in Kansas City is a grand, historic station dating back to 1914 with an imposing columned facade and intricately carved coffered ceilings. The station is truly a destination in itself, where you can explore a series of museums, a planetarium, a 3D theater, and upscale dining options. Train service still runs through Union Station, though, and you can catch the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis or the Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles. Paid parking, restrooms, and a mothers’ nursing room can be found at the station. Just steps outside are some of the highlights of Kansas City, from Legoland Discovery Center to Penn Valley Park’s various memorials and museums.
Train stations in Kansas City:
Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
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