Cheap train tickets from Cincinnati to Kansas City

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Cincinnati to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Cincinnati to Kansas City usually takes 19 hours and 32 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
539 mi (868 km)
Fastest train
19h 32m
Lowest price
$295.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Cincinnati to Kansas City Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Cincinnati to Kansas City?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Cincinnati to Kansas City.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$572.33Avg. Price$207.67Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips2
Duration19h 32mDuration14h 25mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Cincinnati to Kansas City?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Cincinnati to Kansas City was $295.00. Considering the distance between Cincinnati and Kansas City, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $561.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Cincinnati to Kansas City by travel date

$210$140$70AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Cincinnati to Kansas City will cost between $173 and $202. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Cincinnati to Kansas City by month

$450$360$270$180$90JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Cincinnati to Kansas City 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 $185. If you're thinking of traveling from Cincinnati to Kansas City during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $439 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$875$700$525$350$175

By booking your train trip from Cincinnati to Kansas City on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about $561.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Cincinnati to Kansas City?

There are multiple trains that travel from Cincinnati to Kansas City, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak119h 32m$572.33
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Cincinnati to Kansas City every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $187.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cincinnati to Kansas City

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to Cincinnati. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Cincinnati to Kansas City for $74.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Cincinnati and Kansas City is approximately 539 miles, or 868 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 32 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)

539

DISTANCE (KM)

868

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Cincinnati at 2:21am and arrives in Kansas City around 19 hours later.

EARLIEST TRAIN

2:21am

LATEST TRAIN

2:21am

Trains from Cincinnati to Kansas City 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Saturday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

Cincinnati

CIN-0CIN-1CIN-2

A city famous for its idyllic beauty and quaint quarters, Cincinnati is the destination for tourists who wish to stay away from a large crowd. On a bright sunny day in Cincinnati, head over to Eden Park. Encompassing over 183 acres of green space and tree groves, the park lives up to its name, and there are some scenic ponds where you can unwind as well as take a few amazing pictures. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum might sound like a scary place to visit, but its tranquility and amazing landscape design, which was ahead of its time, will make it worth the while to check it out. For those who still crave some liveliness, watching a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, will be an unforgettable experience.

Cincinnati features a very diverse food scene in spite of its German roots. If you are looking to try out some refreshing Mediterranean dishes, head over to Abigail Street, one of the local favorites. For authentic German dishes, the door at Mecklenburg Gardens welcomes you.

There’s not a central bus station in the city, as each of the different bus carriers serving Cincinnati operates out of a different location. The principal Amtrak train station is the Union Terminal on Western Ave. Cincinnati is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal line. The city’s main airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located in Hebron, Kentucky.

Kansas City

KCY-0KCY-1KCY-2

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 does the train leave from in Cincinnati?

Main departure station: Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave

Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave  - CINAMT-0Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave  - CINAMT-1Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave  - CINAMT-2

Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is a living museum and train station with service operated by Amtrak. The art deco train station opened in 1933 and is now part of the Cincinnati Museum Center. Visitors can ogle dinosaur skeletons in the Museum of Natural History and travel back in time to an old-fashioned city street in the Cincinnati History Museum. To serve the 1.4 million annual visitors to these museums, the center offers a coat check, gift shops, and three dining rooms where travelers can stop in for ice cream or a draft beer before boarding their train. Amtrak’s Cardinal line runs through Union Terminal on its route from Chicago to New York, and travelers can travel to other cities along this line, such as Toledo and Cleveland.

All train stations in Cincinnati:

  • Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave

Where does the train arrive in Kansas City?

Main arrival station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

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

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

Need a return trip from Kansas City to Cincinnati?

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