- 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
$1780
Average price
$2123
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 19 m
Average duration
2 d 1 h 19 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1492 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO will cost around $2123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1780.
It's difficult to get from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO without transferring at least 2 times.
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
98 Silver Meteor · 51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
98 Silver Meteor · 51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest ChiefOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $126. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $126, and a train costs an average of $400.
Distance: 927 miles (1492 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$815 Average price | $353 Average price | $242 Average price Cheapest | $224 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
35h 32m Average total duration 35h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 16m Average total duration Fastest 6h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 33h 49m Average total duration 33h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $111 (€90) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $353 (€286).
A bus is $573 (€463) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $815 (€659).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 19m.
Train takes on average 35h 2m.
Tickets start at around $815 (€659) compared to roughly $224 (€181) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-590.39 (€-477.53). The journey takes 35h 2m versus 16h 39m 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.
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 Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 49h19 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 2 transfers | |
98 Silver Meteor · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 49h19 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 35h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $400 (€324) but you can travel from only $126 (€102) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 927 miles (1492 km) distance in 50h 14m.
Distance 927 miles (1492 km) |
Average train duration 35h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $400 (€324) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 50h 14m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 Charleston, SC 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.

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