Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO train with Amtrak

Sun 23 Nov
+ Add return
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO

Showing times and prices for 24 Nov

Cheapest price

£51

Average price

£110

Fastest journey

10 h 21 m

Average duration

13 h 31 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

661 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO will cost around £110 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Kansas City, MO every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 13 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 21 m .

The slowest trains will take 17 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
09:5010h21
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
20:11Independence Station, Independence, MO
£511One-way
0 changes
Amtrak301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
07:1512h56
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
20:11Independence Station, Independence, MO
£1091One-way
1 change
Amtrak59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner
20:0517h15
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
13:20Independence Station, Independence, MO
£1681One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, and a flight costs an average of £79.

Distance: 661 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£84

Average Price

£68

Average Price

Cheapest

£247

Average Price

9h 23m

Average total duration

8h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 27m

Average total duration

10h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 38m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

2.0 - 4.0kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Sunday 23 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 02:53
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner13:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
13h36
02:51 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS1 change
amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief13:40 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
14h08
03:48 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS1 change
amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner15:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
11h01
02:51 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS0 changesdirect
amtrak3 Southwest Chief20:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
7h23
03:48 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 661 km distance in 7h 23m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £42
Distance
661 km
Average train duration
8h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£54
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
7h 23m
First train
07:01
Last train
21:05
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £42

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 23m
Cheapest Price
£52
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kansas City, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
In Kansas City, KS, you can enjoy family fun at Schlitterbahn Waterpark and catch a game with the Kansas City T-Bones at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Experience medieval-themed entertainment at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, or pick apples at Cider Hill Family Orchard. Visit Moon Marble Company to watch marble-making demonstrations. Explore cultural heritage at the Strawberry Hill Museum, attend NASCAR events at Kansas Speedway, or enjoy outdoor activities at Wyandotte County Lake Park. Shop and dine at Legends Outlets Kansas City, and learn about agricultural history at the National Agricultural Centre and Hall of Fame.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS is not feasible, as the journey takes 7h 23m and covers 661 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully explore Kansas City, KS, and experience its main attractions, spending around 2 to 3 days would be ideal. This allows time to visit highlights such as the Kansas Speedway, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, and enjoy the local cuisine and culture.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS offers travellers a glimpse of the Midwest's diverse landscapes, including rolling farmlands, small towns, and the Mississippi River, providing a pleasant and somewhat scenic experience.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £84.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO covers a distance of 661 km and takes approximately 7h 23m. Trains run 4 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO is by coach, costing approximately £42.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Kansas City, MO is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO leaves at 7:01.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO is 661 km.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO departs at 21:05.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO

Chicago
Kansas City
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Kansas City.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Kansas City, MO

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Kansas City, MO Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone