4.0
Pros: The staff was very helpful and friendly. Cons: The bathrooms were disgusting and could use a deep clean.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Los Angeles. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Los Angeles usually takes 36 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 35 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 1354 mi (2180 km) |
| Fastest train | 35h 18m |
| Lowest price | $145.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Kansas City to Los Angeles
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Los Angeles?
The average price for a train ticket from Kansas City to Los Angeles is $163.00, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $94.00 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Los Angeles often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $194. If you're thinking of traveling from Kansas City to Los Angeles during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $298 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
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around $94.00. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Kansas City to Los Angeles?
2 train services operate from Kansas City to Los Angeles. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 13h 9m | $190.51 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 1d 11h 18m | $167.60 |
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 Kansas City to Los Angeles every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $171.
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 Kansas City to Los Angeles in about 35 hours and 18 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
The distance between Kansas City and Los Angeles is approximately 1354 miles, or 2180 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 35 hours and 18 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.
Trains from Kansas City to Los Angeles 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.
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 10:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Kansas City twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Los Angeles faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Los Angeles to Kansas City.
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.
The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Kansas City?
Main departure 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
Where is the train station in Los Angeles?
Main arrival station: Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
There are more train stations and stops in Los Angeles than most cities. Most trains from Kansas City will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Los Angeles:
All train stations in Los Angeles:
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
Union Station
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth
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