Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Detroit to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Detroit to Kansas City usually takes 15 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 643 mi (1035 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 22m |
| Lowest price | $152.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| 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:
Detroit to Kansas City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Detroit to Kansas City?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Kansas City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$223.96 | Avg. Price$149.27Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration15h 24mFaster | Duration21h 17m |

There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Kansas City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Kansas City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Kansas City was $152.00. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $150.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Kansas City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Kansas City will cost between $103 and $240. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Kansas City by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit 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 $173. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Kansas City during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $219 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 Detroit to Kansas City on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $150.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Detroit to Kansas City?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 15h 24m | $223.96 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Kansas City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $152.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit 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 Detroit. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Kansas City for $90.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Detroit and Kansas City is approximately 643 miles, or 1035 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 22 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)
643
Distance (km)
1035
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Detroit at 6:26am and arrives in Kansas City around 15 hours later.
First train
6:26am
Last train
6:31am
Trains from Detroit to Kansas City are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Detroit



Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Where is the train station 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 Detroit?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Detroit
Continue by train from Kansas City
- Kansas City to Philadelphia Train$297+
- Kansas City to Austin Train$178+
- Kansas City to La Plata Train$44+
- Kansas City to Lincoln Train$227+
- Kansas City to Denver Train$288+
- Kansas City to Detroit Train$185+
- Kansas City to Warrensburg Train$14+
- Kansas City to St Louis Train$41+
- Kansas City to Baltimore Train$314+
- Kansas City to Galesburg Train$82+
- Kansas City to Cleveland Train$169+
- Kansas City to Washington, DC Train$331+
- Kansas City to Chicago Train$106+
- Kansas City to Garden City Train$68+
- Kansas City to Flagstaff Train$153+
- Kansas City to Springfield Train$95+
- Kansas City to Louisville Train$162+
- Kansas City to Tampa Train$279+
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.




