The cheapest and fastest trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
£65
Average price
£108
Fastest journey
7 h 41 m
Average duration
13 h 1 m
Trains per day
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 £108 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.
Of the 5 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 13 h 1 m 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 · 306 Lincoln Service8:4014h03Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS22:43Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£651One-way1 change
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner8:4011h20Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS20:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£701One-way0 changes
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans16:0517h10Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS9:15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1131One-way2 changes
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg7:0114h50Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS21:51Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1401One-way1 change
4 Southwest Chief7:017h41Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS14:42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1521One-way0 changes
4 Southwest Chief7:017h41Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS14:42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1521One-way0 changes
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner8:4011h20Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS20:00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£701One-way0 changes
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service8:4014h03Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS22:43Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£651One-way1 change
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg7:0114h50Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS21:51Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1401One-way1 change
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans16:0517h10Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS9:15Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1131One-way2 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 train with prices starting from £53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. 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 train costs an average of £53, and a flight costs an average of £84.
Distance: 661 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£87 Average Price Cheapest | £109 Average Price | £284 Average Price |
8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 25m Average total duration 10h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, Sunday 12 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans | 21:05 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 17h10 | 14:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 changes | |
| Monday 13 April | |||||
4 Southwest Chief | 12:01 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 7h41 | 19:42 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 12:01 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 14h50 | 2:51 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service | 13:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 14h03 | 3:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 13:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 11h20 | 1:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £53 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 41m.
Distance 661 km |
Average train duration 8h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 41m |
First train 7:01 |
Last train 21:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL from £53. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Pershing Road.
- Pierpont's at Union Station
- Harvey's at Union Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
- Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
- Hotel Kansas City
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: KC Streetcar
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
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