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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Lawrence to Mendota. The train trip from Lawrence to Mendota is usually about 11 hours and 1 minute long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 368 mi (593 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 50m |
| Lowest price | $80.50 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Lawrence to Mendota?
2 train services operate from Lawrence to Mendota. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 14h 12m | $89.00 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 7h 50m | $72.00 |
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 Lawrence to Mendota every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $89.
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Lawrence to Mendota in about 7 hours and 50 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Lawrence and Mendota is approximately 368 miles, or 593 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 50 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 departing from Lawrence to Mendota tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Lawrence at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Lawrence twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Mendota faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Mendota to Lawrence.
City Information
Lawrence
Image credit: Unsplash
Lawrence is the sixth largest city in Kansas and is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. The city is home to different museums for historical exhibits, art objects from around the world, and hands-on exhibits. Some top museums include the KU Natural History Museum and Watkins Museum of History. Young creatives and students in the city enjoy visits to the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Museum of Art. On the south of Lawrence, nature lovers can go birdwatching on Baker Wetlands, home to hundreds of bird species. Hikers and outdoor lovers can check out the trail in Clinton State Park or go fishing at Clinton Lake.
As a university city popular among students and young professionals, Lawrence boasts a vibrant downtown area with exciting entertainment, shopping, and dining districts. Massachusetts Street has been named one of the most beautiful main streets in the US, where you can find pubs, coffee shops, and shopping centers.
If you're visiting Lawrence, you can do so by train with Amtrak and Amtrak Southwest Chief train services. Book with Greyhound or Jefferson Lines for intercity bus service. The Lawrence Transit system provides public transport across the city for students, locals, and visitors.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Lawrence?
Main departure station: 413 E 7th St
There is one train station in Lawrence.
All train stations in Lawrence:
413 E 7th St
Where is the train station in Mendota?
Main arrival station: 783 Main St
Mendota has one train station.
All train stations in Mendota:
783 Main St
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