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Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to San Francisco

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Kansas City to San Francisco Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Kansas City to San Francisco. Traveling by train from Kansas City to San Francisco usually takes 48 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 46 hours and 38 minutes.

Distance1504 mi (2420 km)
Fastest train46h 38m
Lowest price$193.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

What is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to San Francisco?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Kansas City to San Francisco was $207.67. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Francisco if you book your train tickets at least 19 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $83.33.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to San Francisco by travel date

$300$200$100OctNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to San Francisco will cost between $201 and $286. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$325$260$195$130$65DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during November. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Kansas City to San Francisco, with the average price at just $217. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in June, when the average price goes up to $315. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$325$260$195$130$653020100

By booking your train trip from Kansas City to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $83.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Kansas City to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to San Francisco. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak22d 0h 37m$245.38
  • 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 Kansas City to San Francisco every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $193.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City to San Francisco

While the train is the main method of transportation from Kansas City to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Kansas City and San Francisco is approximately 1504 miles, or 2420 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 48 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 46 hours and 38 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 San Francisco are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday 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. 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 San Francisco 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 Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Kansas City?

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd  - KCYAMT-0Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd  - KCYAMT-1

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 Francisco?

Salesforce Plaza - SFOBLT-0

Image credit: 146109843@N05

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

All train stations in San Francisco:

  • San Francisco, California

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