- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$155
Fastest journey
8 h 16 m
Average duration
17 h 29 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $155 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 5 trains that leave Kansas City, MO for Chicago, IL on Mon, Aug 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 17 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 16 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 1 d 15 h 10 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.
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New OrleansTrains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) if you book in advance.
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 41m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average train duration 8h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 41m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 9:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 8h16 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 14h38 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service | 8:40 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 14h03 | 10:43 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans | 4:05 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 39h10 | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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