- Must visit
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for its broad collection spanning Asian art, European painting, contemporary works, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on the lawn.
Cheapest price
$84
Average price
$238
Fastest journey
8 h 12 m
Average duration
10 h 14 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO will cost around $238 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
Of the 6 trains that leave Bloomington, IL for Kansas City, MO on Sun, Jun 14, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 14 the direct trains cover the 501 km distance in an average of 10 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 12 m .
On Sun, Jun 14 the slowest trains will take 11 h 37 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.
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
8893 AMTRAK · 3 Southwest Chief
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
302 Lincoln Service · 3 Southwest ChiefOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $47, and a bus costs an average of $89.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $107 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration Fastest 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 3m Average total duration 21h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO:
A train is $44 (€36) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO costing on average $107 (€87).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 33m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8893 AMTRAK · 3 Southwest Chief | 9:00 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 11h53 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 1 transfer | |
302 Lincoln Service · 3 Southwest Chief | 9:16 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 11h37 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 1 transfer | |
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 9:16 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 11h35 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 1 transfer | |
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 9:16 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 10h55 | 8:11 PM Independence Station, Independence, MO | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 11:59 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 8h12 | 8:11 PM Independence Station, Independence, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 11:59 AM Uptown Station, Normal, IL | 8h52 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bloomington, IL to Kansas City, MO run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 11:59. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 8h 12m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average train duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 8h 12m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 11:59 AM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Kansas City — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kansas City trip today.
Major art museum known for its broad collection spanning Asian art, European painting, contemporary works, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on the lawn.
The United States’ official World War I museum, presenting powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and a memorial complex with sweeping city views.
Highly regarded museum celebrating the history, athletes, and cultural impact of Negro Leagues baseball in the United States.
Signature shopping and walking district known for Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, lights, and one of the city’s most polished urban experiences.
Creative neighborhood filled with galleries, murals, studios, and warehouses, especially popular for art walks and photography.
Historic riverfront district with walkable streets, older commercial buildings, and a lively local atmosphere near downtown.
Slow-smoked pork ribs coated with a thick, sweet, tomato-molasses sauce. They are one of the signature foods most associated with Kansas City barbecue.
Smoky, caramelized cubes cut from the point end of a beef brisket, prized for their bark and rich flavor. Burnt ends are a classic Kansas City barbecue specialty.
Beef brisket seasoned with a spice rub and smoked low and slow until tender. It is a staple of Kansas City barbecue culture and often served with sauce on the side.
Iconic casual barbecue spot famous for ribs, burnt ends, and the Z-Man sandwich, with a lively no-frills atmosphere.
Modern, chef-driven barbecue restaurant serving polished versions of Kansas City staples in a more upscale, comfortable setting.
Established local favorite with a broader menu, excellent smoked meats, and a refined barbecue experience suited to groups and dinners.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels vary by season and events.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and round up for cafés if you like.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bloomington, 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.

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