Cheap train tickets from Topeka to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Topeka to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Topeka to Kansas City usually takes 2 hours and 11 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 60 mi (96 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 11m |
| Lowest price | $20.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Topeka to Kansas City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Topeka to Kansas City?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Topeka to Kansas City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$23.80 | Avg. Price$18.80Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration2h 11m | Duration1h 29mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Topeka to Kansas City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Topeka to Kansas City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Topeka to Kansas City was $20.00. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $8.13 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Topeka to Kansas City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Topeka to Kansas City will cost between $20 and $23. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Topeka to Kansas City by month
Taking the train from Topeka to Kansas City usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $23 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Topeka to Kansas City doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
What train companies travel from Topeka to Kansas City?
There are multiple trains that travel from Topeka to Kansas City, including Amtrak Southwest Chief. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 2h 11m | $23.80 |
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Topeka to Kansas City in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Topeka to Kansas City
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Kansas City with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to Topeka. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Topeka to Kansas City for $13.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Topeka and Kansas City is approximately 60 miles, or 96 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 11 minutes, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
DISTANCE (MI)
60
DISTANCE (KM)
96
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Topeka at 4:17am and arrives in Kansas City around 2 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:17am
LATEST TRAIN
4:17am
Trains from Topeka to Kansas City 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
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 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 Topeka?
Main departure station: 500 SE Holliday Pl
There is one train station in Topeka.
All train stations in Topeka:
- 500 SE Holliday Pl
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 Topeka?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Topeka
Continue by train from Kansas City
- Kansas City to Sedalia Train$20+
- Kansas City to Louisville Train$180+
- Kansas City to Philadelphia Train$302+
- Kansas City to Springfield Train$77+
- Kansas City to Denver Train$281+
- Kansas City to Baltimore Train$320+
- Kansas City to Detroit Train$186+
- Kansas City to Warrensburg Train$14+
- Kansas City to Lincoln Train$263+
- Kansas City to Naperville Train$93+
- Kansas City to Garden City Train$79+
- Kansas City to Tampa Train$279+
- Kansas City to Chicago Train$104+
- Kansas City to Indianapolis Train$145+
- Kansas City to Colorado Springs Train
- Kansas City to St Louis Train$41+
- Kansas City to Reno Train$394+
- Kansas City to Flagstaff Train$150+
Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




