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There are 2 daily trains from Kansas City to Washington. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Washington usually takes around 4 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Missouri River Runner train can make the trip in 4 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 196 mi (315 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 19m |
| Lowest price | $50.77 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Missouri River Runner |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Kansas City to Washington
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Staff, area was clean and was really relaxing not having to drive lol. Cons: Not at all. Tips: Not at all.
Pros: Staff, area was clean and was really relaxing not having to drive lol. Cons: Not at all. Tips: Not at all.
4.0
Pros: Wasn’t very crowded this time so I had more room. Cons: WiFi.
Pros: Wasn’t very crowded this time so I had more room. Cons: WiFi.
In the last month, $50.77 was the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Washington, MO. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 11 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $16.07 more than that for a same-day booking.
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Kansas City to Washington by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for September. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$51 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Kansas City to Washington in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$66 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from Kansas City will be about C$16.07 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
2 train services operate from Kansas City to Washington. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 23m | $65.73 |
| Amtrak Missouri River Runner | 1 | 4h 19m | $56.84 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Kansas City to Washington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $51.
The Missouri River Runner is an Amtrak regional passenger train whose full route runs across Missouri, from Kansas City to St. Louis. Both Coach Class and Business Class passengers will enjoy the free WiFi on board, power outlets at each seat, and the option to purchase snacks in the cafe car. The train departs from Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd in Kansas City and arrives at 301 W Front St in Washington, and tickets on this route start at $51.
Is it safe to travel by train from Kansas City to Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the train journey from Kansas City to Washington?
The distance between Kansas City and Washington is approximately 196 miles, or 315 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 19 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Kansas City to Washington. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Kansas City to Washington?
Trains leave the station in Kansas City twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Washington with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington to 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.
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.
Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Washington has one train station.
301 W Front St
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With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
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