- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£73
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£94
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
7 h 41 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
13 h
Trains on 11 Oct
5
Distance
661 km
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 £94 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.
On Sun 11 Oct, we found 5 trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 13 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 17 h 10 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.
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 Connecting Bus · 58 City Of New Orleans
4 Southwest Chief
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 Connecting Bus · 58 City Of New OrleansTrains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 if you book in advance.
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 20m.
Distance 661 km |
Average train duration 9h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 20m |
First train 7:01 |
Last train 21:05 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 7:03 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 7h41 | 14:44 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 7:03 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 14h48 | 21:51 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 Connecting Bus · 58 City Of New Orleans | 16:05 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 39h10 | 7:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt.
Italian beef is thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
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.

Most Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains use the Kansas City Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Kansas City Station is 1 km from Kansas City city centre. Public transport options include:
Kansas City Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Pierpont's at Union Station, Harvey's at Union Station
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kansas City Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kansas City Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kansas City Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kansas City Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kansas City Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, Hotel Kansas City.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need