Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Louisville
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Louisville. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Louisville usually takes 21 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 21 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 479 mi (771 km) |
| Fastest train | 21h 15m |
| Lowest price | $156.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Kansas City to Louisville Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Kansas City to Louisville?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Louisville.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$212.97 | Avg. Price$123.36Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration21h 56m | Duration15h 11mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Louisville:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Louisville?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Louisville was $162.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $78.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Louisville by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Louisville will cost between $151 and $229. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Louisville by month
Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Louisville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $184. If you're thinking of traveling from Kansas City to Louisville during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $219 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Kansas City to Louisville on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $78.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Kansas City to Louisville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to Louisville. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 21h 56m | $212.97 |
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 Louisville every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $156.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City to Louisville
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Louisville for $84.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Kansas City and Louisville is approximately 479 miles, or 771 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 15 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.
Distance (mi)
479
Distance (km)
771
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 7:13am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:40am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
7:13am
Last train
8:40am
Trains from Kansas City to Louisville 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Louisville
A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station 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 is the train station in Louisville?
Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All train stations in Louisville:
- Louisville Bus Station
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