Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Washington DC

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Washington DC. Travelling by train from Kansas City to Washington DC usually takes 1 day, 8 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 5 hours and 7 minutes.

Distance: 940 mi (1514 km)
Fastest train: 29h 7m
Lowest price: US$183.00
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Kansas City to Washington DC Train Timetable

There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Washington DC:

Amtrak tickets: US$175 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Kansas City to Washington DC cost about US$311 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Kansas City and Washington DC, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$279.75 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Washington DC by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Washington DC will cost between US$251 and US$763. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Washington DC by month

Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$323. If you're thinking of travelling from Kansas City to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$510 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Kansas City to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about US$279.75 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Kansas City to Washington DC?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	32h 10m	US$385.62

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 Washington DC every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$175.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Kansas City to Washington DC

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 Washington DC to Kansas City.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Kansas City and Washington DC is approximately 940 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 8 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 5 hours and 7 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)

940

Distance (km)

1514

The earliest train departs Kansas City at 7:03 while the last train of the day leaves at 7:03. 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

7:03am

Last train

7:03am

Trains from Kansas City to Washington DC are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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

Tuesday

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.

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.

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 Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transport hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity coach travel, serving as the main coach station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, local bus and tram services, as well as commuter rail for travellers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

Train stations in Washington DC:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Washington DC to Kansas City?

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