Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Topeka
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Kansas City to Topeka. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Topeka usually takes one hour and 44 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 60 mi (96 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 44m |
| Lowest price | $20.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Southwest Chief |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Kansas City to Topeka Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Kansas City to Topeka?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Topeka.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$23.55 | Avg. Price$18.73Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration1h 44m | Duration1h 31mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Kansas City to Topeka (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
January 2, 2024 - Solo travel
Amtrak Southwest ChiefThere are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Topeka:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Topeka?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Topeka was $21.33. 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 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $5.35 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Topeka by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Topeka will cost between $20 and $23. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Topeka by month
Taking the train from Kansas City to Topeka usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $23 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Kansas City to Topeka 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 Topeka?
There are multiple trains that travel from Kansas City to Topeka, including Amtrak Southwest Chief. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 1h 44m | $23.55 |
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 Topeka in about 1 hours and 44 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 Topeka
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Topeka 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 Topeka to Kansas City. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Topeka for $14.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Kansas City and Topeka is approximately 60 miles, or 96 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 44 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
DISTANCE (MI)
60
DISTANCE (KM)
96
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 9:37pm and arrives in Topeka about an hour later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
9:37pm
LATEST TRAIN
9:37pm
Trains from Kansas City to Topeka 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Topeka?
Main arrival station: 500 SE Holliday Pl
Topeka has one train station.
All train stations in Topeka:
- 500 SE Holliday Pl
Need a return trip from Topeka to Kansas City?
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