Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu 27 Nov
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 28 Nov

Cheapest price

£119

Average price

£136

Fastest journey

7 h 41 m

Average duration

11 h 59 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

661 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around £136 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £119.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Kansas City, MO for Chicago, IL every day 2 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 11 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 41 m .

The slowest trains will take 14 h 50 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.

Amtrak4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
07:0114h50
Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
21:51Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£1191One-way
1 change
Amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service
08:4014h03
Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
22:43Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£1341One-way
1 change
Amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
08:4011h20
Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
20:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£1351One-way
0 changes
Amtrak4 Southwest Chief
07:017h41
Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
14:42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£1541One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. 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 £39, and a flight costs an average of £95.

Distance: 661 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£93

Average Price

£92

Average Price

Cheapest

£276

Average Price

8h 56m

Average total duration

8h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 57m

Average total duration

11h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 39m

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

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 06:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak4 Southwest Chief13:01 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
7h41
20:42 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
amtrak4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg13:01 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
14h50
03:51 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service14:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
14h03
04:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
amtrak318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner14:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS
11h20
02:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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.

Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

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

The best time to book your train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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 Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £52 but you can travel from only £39 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 41m.

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 £39
Distance
661 km
Average train duration
8h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£52
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
7h 41m
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 £39

Train companies: Amtrak from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL from £39. 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 41m
Cheapest Price
£57
Amtrak frequency
1 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: Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
A day trip from Kansas City, KS to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 41m, and there are 4 trains per day for this route.
The train distance from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL is 661 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train journey from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 661 km and takes approximately 7h 41m. Trains run 4 per day.
The first train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:01.
To get from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The last train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL departs at 21:05.
The train journey from Kansas City, KS to Chicago, IL offers a mix of scenic views, including glimpses of the Missouri River, rolling farmlands, and small Midwestern towns, providing a pleasant and varied landscape throughout the trip.
Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run approximately 4 times per day.
There is no night train service from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL.
Booking trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £52, while the average price tends to be around £93.
The cheapest way to get from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL is by coach, costing approximately £39.
The train station in Kansas City, MO that goes to Chicago, IL is Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

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

Kansas City
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Kansas City is Kansas City Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kansas City Station for your trip from Kansas City to Chicago.
Kansas City StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
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
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Pershing Road.
Dining
Dining
  • Pierpont's at Union Station
  • Harvey's at Union Station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
  • Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
  • Hotel Kansas City
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for trains to various destinations
  • Hall 2: ticketing and waiting area
  • Hall 3: access to restaurants and shops
Public transport options for Kansas City Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Streetcar: KC Streetcar

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

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

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