- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Cheapest price
£79
Average price
£121
Fastest journey
8 h 16 m
Average duration
17 h 29 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 £121 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.
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 17 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 d 15 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 Service
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
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 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New OrleansOmio 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 £49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 £49, and a flight costs an average of £111.
Distance: 661 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£72 Average Price Cheapest | £88 Average Price | £235 Average Price |
9h 12m Average total duration 8h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration 10h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 7:13 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 8h16 | 15:29 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 7:13 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 14h38 | 21:51 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service | 8:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 14h03 | 22:43 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 8:40 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 11h20 | 20:00 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans | 16:05 Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 39h10 | 7:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 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 8h 16m.
Distance 661 km |
Average train duration 8h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 8h 16m |
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 Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
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