The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
7 h 23 m
Average duration
12 h 11 m
Trains per day
4
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 $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Kansas City, MO on Thu, Nov 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 12 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 23 m .
On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 14 h 8 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.
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
3 Southwest Chief
3 Southwest Chief
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest ChiefTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
Omio 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 bus with prices starting from €45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. 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 bus costs an average of €45, and a flight costs an average of €85.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€90 Average price | €73 Average price Cheapest | €268 Average price |
9h 23m Average total duration 8h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 27m Average total duration 10h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m 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
Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Southwest Chief | 8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 7h23 | 3:48 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 20 | |||||
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 1:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 13h36 | 2:51 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
301 Lincoln Service · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 1:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 13h36 | 2:51 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 1 transfer | |
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief | 1:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 14h08 | 3:48 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
Trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 7h 23m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average train duration 8h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 23m |
First train 07:01 |
Last train 21:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO from $56 (€45). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO
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