Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Lawrence

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Kansas City to Lawrence. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Lawrence usually takes one hour and 8 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
36 mi (58 km)
Fastest train
1h 8m
Lowest price
$17.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Southwest Chief
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:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Kansas City to Lawrence Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Kansas City to Lawrence?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Lawrence.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$19.15Avg. Price$13.47Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips4
Duration1h 8mDuration1h 3mFaster
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Lawrence was $17.00. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Lawrence by travel date

$30$20$10AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Lawrence will cost between $13 and $17. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Lawrence by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Kansas City to Lawrence usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $22 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$5

The price of train trips from Kansas City to Lawrence doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

What train companies travel from Kansas City to Lawrence?

There are multiple trains that travel from Kansas City to Lawrence, including Amtrak Southwest Chief. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Southwest Chief11h 8m$19.15
  • 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 Lawrence in about 1 hours and 8 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 about traveling by train from Kansas City to Lawrence

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Lawrence 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 Lawrence to Kansas City. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Lawrence for $10.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

1

The distance between Kansas City and Lawrence is approximately 36 miles, or 58 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 8 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

DISTANCE (MI)

36

DISTANCE (KM)

58

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 9:37pm and arrives in Lawrence about an hour later.

EARLIEST TRAIN

9:37pm

LATEST TRAIN

9:37pm

Trains from Kansas City to Lawrence 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Wednesday

City Information

Kansas City

KCY-0KCY-1KCY-2

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.

Lawrence

Lawrence, KS, US - LRC-0

Lawrence is the sixth largest city in Kansas and is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. The city is home to different museums for historical exhibits, art objects from around the world, and hands-on exhibits. Some top museums include the KU Natural History Museum and Watkins Museum of History. Young creatives and students in the city enjoy visits to the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Museum of Art. On the south of Lawrence, nature lovers can go birdwatching on Baker Wetlands, home to hundreds of bird species. Hikers and outdoor lovers can check out the trail in Clinton State Park or go fishing at Clinton Lake.

As a university city popular among students and young professionals, Lawrence boasts a vibrant downtown area with exciting entertainment, shopping, and dining districts. Massachusetts Street has been named one of the most beautiful main streets in the US, where you can find pubs, coffee shops, and shopping centers.

If you're visiting Lawrence, you can do so by train with Amtrak and Amtrak Southwest Chief train services. Book with Greyhound or Jefferson Lines for intercity bus service. The Lawrence Transit system provides public transport across the city for students, locals, and visitors.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in Kansas City?

Main departure station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

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

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 does the train arrive in Lawrence?

Main arrival station: 413 E 7th St

Lawrence has one train station.

All train stations in Lawrence:

  • 413 E 7th St

Need a return trip from Lawrence to Kansas City?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.