Trains from Kansas City to Topeka
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Trip Summary
There are 4 daily trains from Kansas City to Topeka. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Topeka usually takes around 18 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in one hour and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 60 mi (96 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 44m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Topeka?
In the last month, $100.15 was the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Topeka. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 5 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $43.95 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Topeka will vary between $89 and $146. Planning a train trip to Topeka within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Kansas City over the next 7 days is $90. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Kansas City to Topeka by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for November. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $17 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Kansas City to Topeka in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $165 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Topeka from Kansas City will be about $43.95 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Kansas City to Topeka?
2 train services operate from Kansas City to Topeka. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 19h 21m | $119.16 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 1h 44m | $19.73 |
Amtrak
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 4 Amtrak trains from Kansas City to Topeka every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $33.
Amtrak Southwest Chief
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
Is it safe to travel by train from Kansas City to Topeka during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Kansas City to Topeka?
How long is the train journey from Kansas City to Topeka?
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains departing from Kansas City to Topeka tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 1:00am 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.
Is there a direct train from Kansas City to Topeka?
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Kansas City to Topeka. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Topeka 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?
Image credit: Nicolas Henderson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 100 S EK Gaylord Blvd
The Oklahoma City Amtrak Station, also known as the historic Santa Fe Depot, is a stunning Art Deco building designed and built in 1934. Oklahoma City is the origin point for Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer train to Fort Worth, where travelers can connect to other Amtrak trains in the nation’s largest passenger rail network. The station has a few vending machines, restrooms, and a seating area where you may spot a few heads craned back to admire the intricate geometric mosaics on the ceiling. Located in the Bricktown neighborhood of downtown OKC, the station is within walking distance to Paycom Center (home of the NBA’s Oklahoma Thunder) and Bricktown Ballpark (home of the MLB’s OKC Dodgers).
All train stations in Kansas City:
100 S EK Gaylord Blvd
Union Station
Union Station - 400 S Houston St
Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
350 Hoefgen St
250 N Lamar Blvd
100 N Third St
Central Station
Central Station - 545 S Main St
Gateway Center
301 Wharf St
101 Jefferson St
400 S Main St
Multi-Modal Transportation Center
Where is the train station 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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