Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Louisville

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Kansas City to Louisville. Travelling by train from Kansas City to Louisville usually takes 22 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 21 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance: 479 mi (771 km)
Fastest train: 21h 15m
Lowest price: US$169.00
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Kansas City to Louisville Train Timetable

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

There are usually 4 daily coach trips from Kansas City to Louisville.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$210.00	Avg. PriceUS$118.22Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips4
Duration	Duration22h 20m	Duration15h 7mFaster

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

Amtrak tickets: US$169 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Kansas City to Louisville cost about US$180 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$90 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Louisville will cost between US$163 and US$270. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Louisville by month

Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Louisville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only US$190. If you're thinking of travelling from Kansas City to Louisville during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$218 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Kansas City to Louisville on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about US$90 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Kansas City to Louisville?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to Louisville. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	22h 20m	US$210.00

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Kansas City to Louisville every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$169.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Kansas City to Louisville

While the train is the main method of transport from Kansas City to Louisville, 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.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Kansas City to Louisville for US$80.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Kansas City and Louisville is approximately 479 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 15 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)

479

Distance (km)

771

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 7:03 and arrives in Louisville around 21 hours later.

First train

7:03am

Last train

8:40am

Trains from Kansas City to Louisville are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

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.

Louisville

A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honour of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.

Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favourites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.

The central coach station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway coach line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.

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 Louisville?

Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station

The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound coach services. The station is equipped with toilets, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.

Train stations in Louisville:

Louisville Bus Station

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