Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to San Diego
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
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:
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Kansas City to San Diego. Traveling by train from Kansas City to San Diego usually takes 40 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 40 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 1334 mi (2147 km) |
| Fastest train | 40h 36m |
| Lowest price | $164.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Kansas City to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to San Diego by month
Which train should you take from Kansas City to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to San Diego. 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 | 1d 16h 43m | $248.48 |
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 San Diego every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $164.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City to San Diego
The distance between Kansas City and San Diego is approximately 1334 miles, or 2147 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 40 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 40 hours and 36 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Kansas City to San Diego on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 10:00pm and arrives in San Diego around 40 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 San Diego 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.
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
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 San Diego?
Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St
San Diego receives travelers from Kansas City at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Diego:
4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Diego to Kansas City?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Kansas City
- Train from Kansas City to Flagstaff
$173+
- Train from Kansas City to Grand Canyon Village
$243+
- Kansas City to Los Angeles Train
$205+
- Kansas City to Washington D.C. Train
$370+
- Train from Kansas City to Atlanta
$496+
- Train from Kansas City to Chicago
$116+
- Train from Kansas City to Louisville
$209+
- Train from Kansas City to Detroit
$221+
- Train from Kansas City to Hermann
$41+
- Train from Kansas City to La Plata
$41+
- Train from Kansas City to St Louis
$44+
- Train from Kansas City to Albuquerque
$116+
- Train from Kansas City to Cleveland
$246+
- Train from Kansas City to Philadelphia
$344+
- Train from Kansas City to Houston
$266+
- Train from Kansas City to Salt Lake City
$443+
- Kansas City to Alexandria
$327+
- Train from Kansas City to Milwaukee
$171+
Continue by train from San Diego
- San Diego to Flagstaff Train
$113+
- San Diego to Grand Canyon Village Train
$198+
- Train from San Diego to Yuma
$99+
- Train from San Diego to Anaheim
$30+
- Train from San Diego to Irvine
$27+
- Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
$37+
- San Diego to Modesto
$84+
- San Diego to San Francisco Train
$83+
- San Diego to San Luis Obispo
$61+
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.