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Kansas City to Fort Madison train

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Kansas City - Fort Madison Train Schedule

Train
Amtrak Southwest Chief
  1. Sun,
  2. Sat
7:28 AM
Kansas CityUnion Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
10:49 AM
Fort MadisonHistoric Santa Fe Station
from $45.00

Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from Kansas City to Fort Madison per day. The average train journey from Kansas City to Fort Madison takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.

Distance203 mi (326 km)
Fastest train3h 21m
Lowest price$56.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Southwest Chief
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Kansas City to Fort Madison

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Mary

September 11, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Great to get back home in a safe and uneventful way, daytime travel on the train was much better than nighttime trip from Fort Madison to Kansas City. Ride was very rough and lots of noise going but quite nice coming back. Cons: Don't think can control the noise on the tracks because they were trying to make up lost time coming from Chicago. We did arrive on time going to Kansas City but think having to speed up made the sound on the tracks very loud and bumpy ride. Tips: I did not leave my seat going down because walking would have been rough. I did use the bathroom coming home with no problem. I think the staff did the best they could do under the circumstances.

4.0

Deanna

November 21, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: First trip, it was great! Cons: Wipe tables down in observation deck! Tips: Book ahead for cheaper prices!

What is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Fort Madison?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Fort Madison was $56.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $52.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$150$120$90$60$30MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Kansas City to Fort Madison. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $58. If you're planning a trip from Kansas City to Fort Madison during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $131 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from Kansas City to Fort Madison?

Amtrak Southwest Chief is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to Fort Madison. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Southwest Chief13h 22m$60.29

  • 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 Fort Madison in about 3 hours and 22 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 Fort Madison is approximately 203 miles, or 326 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 21 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Kansas City to Fort Madison. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 7:00am and arrives in Fort Madison around 3 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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.

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 Fort Madison?

Main arrival station: Historic Santa Fe Station

Fort Madison has one train station.

All train stations in Fort Madison:

  • Historic Santa Fe Station

Get around town with Moovit

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