Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to Kansas City. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Kansas City usually takes 53 hours and 53 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 1504 mi (2420 km) |
| Fastest train | 53h 53m |
| Lowest price | $226.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Francisco to Kansas City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Francisco to Kansas City?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Kansas City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$267.67 | Avg. Price$253.61Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration53h 53m | Duration48h 52mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Kansas City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Kansas City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to Kansas City was $230.00. Considering the distance between San Francisco and Kansas City, 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 $76.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Kansas City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Kansas City will cost between $197 and $249. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Kansas City by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Kansas City often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $241. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Kansas City during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $301 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 San Francisco to Kansas City on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about $76.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Francisco to Kansas City?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Francisco to Kansas City, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 53h 53m | $267.67 |
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 San Francisco to Kansas City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $226.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Kansas City
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 carry-on luggage with you when you transfer 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 Kansas City to San Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Kansas City for $146.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Francisco and Kansas City is approximately 1504 miles, or 2420 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 53 hours 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 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
1504
DISTANCE (KM)
2420
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 10:35pm and arrives in Kansas City around 53 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:35pm
LATEST TRAIN
10:35pm
Trains from San Francisco to Kansas City 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
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 vacation 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 traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
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 does the train leave from in San Francisco?
Main departure 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 bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, 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 travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
All train stations in San Francisco:
- San Francisco, California
Where does the train arrive in Kansas City?
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.
All train stations in Kansas City:
- Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Need a return trip from Kansas City to San Francisco?
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