- Must visit
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for encyclopedic collections, sculpture grounds, and the iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s top cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Jefferson City, MO 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 Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 2 trains that leave Jefferson City, MO for Kansas City, MO on Fri, Jul 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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
311 Missouri River Runner
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
311 Missouri River RunnerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a bus costs an average of $25.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO costing on average $37 (€30).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 14m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $31 (€25) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.93 (€-1.59). The journey takes 3h 14m versus 2h 25m 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 Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
311 Missouri River Runner | 10:35 AM Jefferson City Station, Jefferson City, MO | 3h15 | 1:50 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 5:36 PM Jefferson City Station, Jefferson City, MO | 3h15 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 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 Jefferson City, MO to Kansas City, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:40, the last at 17:36. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 8:40 AM |
Last train 5:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 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 encyclopedic collections, sculpture grounds, and the iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s top cultural attractions.
The United States’ official museum dedicated to World War I, featuring immersive exhibitions and extensive artifacts in a nationally significant setting.
Celebrates the history and legacy of Negro Leagues baseball through engaging exhibits focused on sport, civil rights, and American culture.
Creative district known for galleries, murals, converted warehouses, and a lively street scene that is especially popular with locals and visitors.
Historic neighborhood central to Kansas City’s jazz and Black cultural heritage, anchored by major museums and music history.
Walkable area known for ornate architecture, fountains, and seasonal lights, making it one of the city’s most visited districts.
Slow-smoked pork ribs finished with thick, sweet-tangy tomato-and-molasses sauce. They are a signature of Kansas City barbecue culture.
Smoky, caramelized cubes from the point of brisket, prized for their bark and rich flavor. They are one of Kansas City's most iconic barbecue specialties.
Tender smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with barbecue sauce and pickles. It is a staple order at classic Kansas City barbecue joints.
Legendary casual barbecue spot famous for Z-Man sandwiches, ribs, and brisket in a lively, no-frills setting.
Popular modern barbecue restaurant known for competition-style smoked meats, burnt ends, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Established local chain offering hickory-smoked barbecue, steakhouse touches, and a more upscale sit-down experience.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than larger coastal cities, though car costs and upscale dining can add up.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Jefferson City, MO 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