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St Louis to Kansas City train

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St Louis - Kansas City Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from St Louis to Kansas City. Traveling by train from St Louis to Kansas City usually takes around 8 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance238 mi (383 km)
Fastest train5h 40m
Lowest price$37.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from St Louis to Kansas City

(Based on 22 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

D'Larce

December 21, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Missouri River Runner

Pros: The train left at the advertised time and arrived on time. The staff was friendly and kind. Cons: Parts of the trip the heat seemed to go out, but I had a blanket and was able to cover up. As a senior citizen, comfortability is important to me. Tips: Enjoy riding...

Pros: The train left at the advertised time and arrived on time. The staff was friendly and kind. Cons: Parts of the trip the heat seemed to go out, but I had a blanket and was able to cover up. As a senior citizen, comfortability is important to me. Tips: Enjoy riding Amtrak!

More

4.0

Muther

December 19, 2022- Business

Amtrak

Pros: The train and the scenery. Cons: Bathrooms cleanliness. Tips: More routes.

Pros: The train and the scenery. Cons: Bathrooms cleanliness. Tips: More routes.

5.0

Sahara

September 16, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The Trip was good and everything went well I liked traveling with wanderu thanks for the safe write. Cons: Nothing much needs to improve only The wife was little bit slow and it was okay. Tips: All travellers were quite good and friendly.

Pros: The Trip was good and everything went well I liked traveling with wanderu thanks for the safe write. Cons: Nothing much needs to improve only The wife was little bit slow and it was okay. Tips: All travellers were quite good and friendly.

5.0

Shirley

August 27, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Missouri River Runner

Pros: I had alot of room the searing was great it was peaceful and quiet I loved it. Cons: Nothing.

Pros: I had alot of room the searing was great it was peaceful and quiet I loved it. Cons: Nothing.

4.0

Raymond

July 30, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Missouri River Runner

Pros: The scenery. Worry-free transportation. Cons: Communication of stations tracking.

Pros: The scenery. Worry-free transportation. Cons: Communication of stations tracking.

What is the price of a train ticket from St Louis to Kansas City?

In the last month, $59.60 was the average price of a train ticket from St Louis to Kansas City. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $7.52 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$105$70$35MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from St Louis to Kansas City will vary between $37 and $97. Planning a train trip to Kansas City within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from St Louis over the next 7 days is $56. 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

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from St Louis to Kansas City by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $40 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from St Louis to Kansas City in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $70 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

$75$60$45$30$153020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Kansas City from St Louis will be about $7.52 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from St Louis to Kansas City?

2 train services operate from St Louis to Kansas City. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak29h 28m$74.75
Amtrak Missouri River Runner15h 40m$43.84

  • 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 St Louis to Kansas City every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.

  • Amtrak Missouri River Runner is a daily passenger train service operated by Amtrak across Missouri. The 283-mile full journey runs alongside the Missouri River, providing excellent views for the journey. The Missouri Runner offers both standard and business-class tickets, and all passengers can enjoy onboard WiFi and a cafe service with food and drinks for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

The distance between St Louis and Kansas City is approximately 238 miles, or 383 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 40 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 St Louis to Kansas City are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs St Louis at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Kansas City. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to St Louis.

City Information

St Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis, MO - STL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

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 St Louis?

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Image credit: Chris Yunker

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

All train stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Where is the train station in Kansas City?

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-0Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-1

Main arrival 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

Get around town with Moovit

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