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Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Kansas City

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Washington DC to Kansas City Train Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Washington to Kansas City.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$223.35

Avg. Price

$281.38

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

1

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

1d 19h 13m

Duration

1d 8h 40m

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Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from Washington DC to Kansas City per day. The average train journey from Washington DC to Kansas City takes 32 hours and 19 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 30 hours and 43 minutes.

Distance940 mi (1514 km)
Fastest train30h 43m
Lowest price$169.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Washington to Kansas City, MO was $205.00. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Kansas City if you book your train tickets at least 18 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $98.25.

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

$350$280$210$140$70DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during April. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Washington DC to Kansas City, with the average price at just $220. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to $332. 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

$625$500$375$250$1253020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Washington to Kansas City. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 18 days before departure, you can save around $98.25. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Kansas City. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 8h 20m$277.43
  • 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 Washington to Kansas City every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $169.

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

The distance between Washington DC and Kansas City is approximately 940 miles, or 1514 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 32 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 30 hours and 43 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Kansas City. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 7:00am and arrives in Kansas City around 30 hours later.

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 Washington DC.

City Information

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 neighborhood 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 transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

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 Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers 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 bus travel, serving as the main bus 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, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers 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.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

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.

All train stations in Kansas City:

  • Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Kansas City to Washington DC?

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