Cheap train tickets from Madison to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Madison to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Madison to Kansas City usually takes 24 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 16 hours and 6 minutes.
- Distance
- 385 mi (619 km)
- Fastest train
- 16h 6m
- Lowest price
- $107.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Madison to Kansas City Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to Kansas City?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Madison to Kansas City.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$143.29Cheaper | Avg. Price$147.68 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration24h 30m | Duration21h 39mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Madison to Kansas City:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Madison to Kansas City?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Kansas City was $122.00. 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 $81.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Kansas City by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to Kansas City will cost between $107 and $122. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Kansas City by month
Ticket prices for the train from Madison to Kansas City often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $115. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to Kansas City during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $148 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 Madison to Kansas City on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $81.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Madison to Kansas City?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Kansas City. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 24h 30m | $143.29 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Kansas City
There are 3 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to Kansas City for $87.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Madison and Kansas City is approximately 385 miles, or 619 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 6 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)
385
Distance (km)
619
The earliest train departs Madison at 2:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:50am. 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
2:30am
Last train
10:50am
Trains from Madison to Kansas City are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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
Wednesday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Madison



Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.
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 Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
There are two stations in Madison where you can board the train to Kansas City.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in Kansas City?
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
Plan your next adventure
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