The cheapest and fastest trains from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$268
Average price
$268
Fastest journey
1 d 16 h 50 m
Average duration
1 d 16 h 50 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $268 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $268.
Of the 1 trains that leave Kansas City, MO for San Diego, CA on Sat, May 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 09 the direct trains cover the 2147 km distance in an average of 1 d 16 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 16 h 50 m .
On Sat, May 09 the slowest trains will take 1 d 16 h 50 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.
4:17 AM40h50Kansas City, MO9:07 PMSan Diego, CA$2681One-way0 transfers
4:17 AM40h50Kansas City, MO9:07 PMSan Diego, CA$2681One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $115. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 16h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $115, and a train costs an average of $198.
Distance: 1334 miles (2147 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$296 Average price | $197 Average price Cheapest | $232 Average price | $341 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
38h 19m Average total duration 37h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 38m Average total duration Fastest 16h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 10m Average total duration 37h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA:
A flight is $35 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA costing on average $232 (€185).
A flight is $100 (€80) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA costing on average $296 (€237).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 37h 40m.
Train takes on average 37h 49m.
Tickets start at around $296 (€237) compared to roughly $341 (€273) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€36). The journey takes 37h 49m versus 23h 40m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
Trains from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 37h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $198 (€158) but you can travel from only $115 (€92) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 11:03, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 1334 miles (2147 km) distance in 40h 50m.
Distance 1334 miles (2147 km) |
Average train duration 37h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $198 (€158) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 40h 50m |
First train 11:03 AM |
Last train 10:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Kansas City, MO and San Diego, CA from $115 (€92). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
- 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
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Kansas City, MO
More options for your journey from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


