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.
Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Kansas City and Detroit. The average train journey from Kansas City to Detroit takes 21 hours and 45 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 16 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 643 mi (1035 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 9m |
| Lowest price | $106.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Detroit?
The average price for a train ticket from Kansas City to Detroit is $181.11, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 21 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $54.41 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Detroit will range from $158 to $273. If you're planning to travel by train to Detroit in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Kansas City you can find in the next 7 days is $182. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Kansas City to Detroit on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $54.41 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Kansas City to Detroit?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Kansas City to Detroit. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 21h 46m | $195.15 |
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 Detroit every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $106.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kansas City and Detroit is approximately 643 miles, or 1035 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 9 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.
Trains from Kansas City to Detroit are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Detroit 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.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Image credit: JasonParis
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave
Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
11 W Baltimore Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Detroit to Kansas City?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Kansas City
- Kansas City to Sacramento
$224+
- Train from Kansas City to San Francisco
$231+
- Kansas City to Denver
$251+
- Kansas City to Washington D.C. Train
$342+
- Kansas City to Tampa
$462+
- Train from Kansas City to Chicago
$97+
- Train from Kansas City to Indianapolis
$140+
- Kansas City to Garden City Train
$71+
- Train from Kansas City to Newton
$43+
- Train from Kansas City to Wichita
$59+
- Kansas City to Boston Train
$374+
- Train from Kansas City to Hermann
$37+
- Kansas City to Jefferson City Train
$31+
- Train from Kansas City to St Louis
$41+
- Kansas City to New York Train
$327+
- Kansas City to Dallas
$151+
- Kansas City to Fort Worth Train
$145+
- Train from Kansas City to Houston
$257+
Continue by train from Detroit
Check out these popular routes
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.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more