Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Kansas City to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Kansas City to San Francisco usually takes 2 days, 1 hour and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days and 53 minutes.

Distance: 1504 mi (2420 km)
Fastest train: 48h 53m
Lowest price: NOK 2,436.42
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Kansas City to San Francisco Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Kansas City to San Francisco?

There are usually 2 daily coach trips from Kansas City to San Francisco.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 3,079.81	Avg. PriceNOK 2,467.11Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration49h 48m	Duration47h 17mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to San Francisco:

Amtrak tickets: NOK 2,436 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Kansas City to San Francisco cost about NOK 2,512 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Kansas City and San Francisco, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 1,137.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to San Francisco by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to San Francisco will cost between NOK 2,512 and NOK 3,655. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only NOK 2,436. If you're thinking of travelling from Kansas City to San Francisco during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 3,456 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Kansas City to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,137.94 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Kansas City to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to San Francisco. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	49h 48m	NOK 3,079.80

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Kansas City to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 2,436.42.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Kansas City to San Francisco

While the train is the main method of transport from Kansas City to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a coach or express shuttle.

Trains leave the station in Kansas City twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your hand luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Kansas City. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Kansas City to San Francisco for NOK 1,473.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Kansas City and San Francisco is approximately 1,504 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 1 hour and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days and 53 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

1504

Distance (km)

2420

The earliest train departs Kansas City at 21:37 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:37. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:37pm

Last train

9:37pm

Trains from Kansas City to San Francisco are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Friday

City Information

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 Art, 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 coach station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers coach 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.

San Francisco

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed “Karl the Fog” by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian “Painted Ladies.” After all, San Francisco is one of the best holiday destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether travelling by coach, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Kansas City?

Main departure station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-0

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-1

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 theatre, 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, toilets, 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.

All train stations in Kansas City:

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a coach station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway coaches, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travellers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

Train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Kansas City?

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