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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Kansas City

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Chicago to Kansas City Train Timetable

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Kansas City?

There are usually 7 daily bus trips from Chicago to Kansas City.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£46.71
Avg. Price
£77.18
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
7
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
15h 23m
Duration
12h 48m

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Chicago to Kansas City usually takes 12 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 7 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance412 mi (664 km)
Fastest train7h 23m
Lowest price£50.80
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Kansas City

(Based on 13 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Freeman

22 April 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Everything. Cons: Time.

5.0

Kim

3 October 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The ease of travel. Cons: Nothing’.

5.0

David

17 August 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: I had never travelled with Amtrak before. I loved every moment of it, the scenery, navigating between cars, interacting with staff, everything! Cons: Public bathrooms could be cleaner, but it was at the same level as some discount commercial airlines.

4.0

Neil

26 July 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: It was very comfortable and I enjoyed my first AmTrak experience. Staff were very good and the food provision was surprisingly decent. Cons: No wi-fi at all was disappointing, especially as it was a 7 hour trip and there was no mention of this. Tips: Relax and enjoy.

4.0

Christina

18 March 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Not having to pay for gas. Cons: Cleanliness of the bathrooms.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kansas City?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Kansas City was £69.04. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Kansas City if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £39.45.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Kansas City by travel date

£98£66£33JanJan

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Kansas City will range from £64 to £97. If you're planning to travel by train to Kansas City in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is £66. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

£123£98£74£49£25FMAMJJASONDJ
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Kansas City, with the average price at just £78. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in October, when the average price goes up to £113. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£123£98£74£49£253020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Chicago to Kansas City. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around £39.45. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Kansas City?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Kansas City. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak414h 3m£84.16
Amtrak Southwest Chief17h 23m£94.93

  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Kansas City every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £51.

  • The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Kansas City in about 7 hours and 23 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Kansas City

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Kansas City. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Chicago and Kansas City is approximately 412 miles, or 664 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 23 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Kansas City on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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. 2 of these are direct connections to Kansas City. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station in Kansas City?

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-0Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-1

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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