Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Detroit
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Detroit. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Detroit usually takes 21 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 57 minutes.
| Distance | 643 mi (1035 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 57m |
| Lowest price | $123.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Kansas City to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Kansas City to Detroit?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$235.78 | Avg. Price$150.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration21h 33m | Duration20h 23mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Detroit?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Detroit was $185.55. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $110.49 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Detroit will cost between $167 and $281. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Detroit 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 $194. If you're thinking of traveling from Kansas City to Detroit during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $259 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 Detroit on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $110.49 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Kansas City to Detroit?
There are multiple trains that travel from Kansas City to Detroit, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 21h 33m | $235.78 |
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 $123.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City to Detroit
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Detroit for $90.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
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 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 57 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)
643
DISTANCE (KM)
1035
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 7:13am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:13am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:13am
LATEST TRAIN
7:13am
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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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 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 Detroit?
Main 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
Need a return trip from Detroit to Kansas City?
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