- Must visit
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
One of the nation’s leading museums on baseball’s Negro Leagues, with powerful exhibits on sport, civil rights, and Black history nearby in Missouri.
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
7 h 23 m
Average duration
13 h
Trains per day
5
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 5 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Kansas City, MO on Mon, Aug 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the 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 23 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 19 h 45 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
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
3 Southwest Chief
3 Southwest Chief
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River RunnerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. 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 $69, and a flight costs an average of $151.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$95 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price | $330 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 37m Average total duration 9h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO costing on average $97 (€78).
A train is $235 (€189) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO costing on average $330 (€265).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 7m.
Bus takes on average 11h 7m.
Tickets start at around $95 (€76) compared to roughly $106 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€9). The journey takes 9h 7m versus 7h 32m 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 Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 13h36 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 9:50 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 11h01 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
3 Southwest Chief | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 7h23 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
59 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner | 6:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 19h45 | 1:50 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€55) but you can travel from only $55 (€45) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 7h 23m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average train duration 9h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€55) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 23m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 10:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Kansas City, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kansas City, MO trip today.
One of the nation’s leading museums on baseball’s Negro Leagues, with powerful exhibits on sport, civil rights, and Black history nearby in Missouri.
Large encyclopedic museum known for classic and contemporary works, special exhibitions, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on its grounds.
Regional history museum in the 1911 city hall, covering Wyandotte County stories with exhibits on immigration, industry, and local life.
Historic hilltop neighborhood known for ethnic heritage, churches, murals, and some of the best skyline views in Kansas City, Kansas.
Downtown civic and entertainment district with galleries, venues, historic buildings, and regular events that showcase the city’s urban revival.
Large nature park with wooded trails, lake access, and a bison enclosure, making it one of the region’s best outdoor escapes.
Slow-smoked pork ribs with a peppery bark and tender bite. Kansas City barbecue is a regional icon known for long smoking and rich sauce options.
Burnt ends are caramelized cubes of smoked beef brisket point. They are a Kansas City specialty prized for smoky flavor, bark, and juicy texture.
Slow-smoked pulled pork, often piled on a bun and topped with sauce. It is a staple at local barbecue joints across the Kansas City area.
Legendary casual barbecue counter known for burnt ends, ribs, and brisket. Busy, no-frills, and one of the metro's most famous smokehouses.
Historic Mexican-American institution in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated for tacos, burritos, and comforting house specialties in a casual setting.
Refined modern restaurant in Strawberry Hill with seasonal American cooking, craft cocktails, and a polished neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger metros, while car travel and limited transit can add costs for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars; $1-2 or rounding up is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, 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.

Most Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trains use the Union Station to Kansas City Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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