Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Kansas City usually takes 32 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 29 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 940 mi (1514 km) |
| Fastest train | 29h 56m |
| Lowest price | $214.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Kansas City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Kansas City?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Kansas City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$415.96 | Avg. Price$230.39Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration32h 33mFaster | Duration34h 22m |

There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Kansas City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Kansas City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Kansas City was $295.41. Considering the distance between Washington DC 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $627.14 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Kansas City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Kansas City will cost between $252 and $774. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Kansas City by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Kansas City 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 $299. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Kansas City during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $617 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Kansas City on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $627.14 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Kansas City?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington 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 | 2 | 32h 33m | $415.96 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $210.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Kansas City
Trains leave the station in Washington DC 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 carry-on 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 Kansas City to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Kansas City for $103.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
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 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 29 hours and 56 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)
940
DISTANCE (KM)
1514
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 10:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:35am
LATEST TRAIN
3:57pm
Trains from Washington DC to Kansas City are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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 does the train leave from in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
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 Washington?
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