- Must visit
Eskenazi Museum Of Art
Indiana University’s major art museum with global collections, notable architecture, and free public galleries.
Cheapest price
$171
Average price
$171
Fastest journey
8 h 52 m
Average duration
8 h 52 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $171.
Of the 1 trains that leave Kansas City, MO for Bloomington, IL on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 501 km distance in an average of 8 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 52 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 8 h 52 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $54, and a bus costs an average of $87.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$81 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 16m Average total duration Fastest 8h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 31m Average total duration 18h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, IL:
A train is $31 (€25) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, IL costing on average $111 (€91).
Other travel options to Bloomington, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 1m.
Tickets start at around $81 (€66) compared to roughly $75 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.23 (€-4.28). The journey takes 8h 46m versus 5h 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 Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, IL trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:59 PM Kansas City, MO | 8h33 | 10:32 PM Bloomington, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:59 PM Kansas City, MO | 8h33 | 11:32 PM Bloomington, IL | 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 Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 12:25. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 8h 33m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average train duration 8h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 8h 33m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 12:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bloomington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bloomington trip today.
Indiana University’s major art museum with global collections, notable architecture, and free public galleries.
Local history museum covering Bloomington and Monroe County through exhibits on community life, industry, and culture.
Indiana University museum focused on world cultures, material culture, and changing academic exhibitions.
Bloomington’s best-known downtown street, lined with shops, venues, and a lively college-town atmosphere.
Walkable downtown core centered on the courthouse, popular for events, people-watching, and historic character.
Scenic limestone campus with memorable quads, gates, and paths that make it a highlight of the city.
A Hoosier classic: a pounded, breaded pork cutlet fried crisp and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread.
Indiana's state pie, made with a rich custard-style filling of cream, sugar, and vanilla in a flaky crust.
A hearty Midwestern breakfast staple with soft biscuits covered in peppery sausage gravy, common in diners around southern Indiana.
A well-known old-school steakhouse famed for large steaks, red-sauce dishes, and a celebratory, traditional dining room.
A long-running Bloomington brewery and restaurant known for Indiana craft beer, pub fare, and a lively, casual atmosphere.
An iconic Bloomington institution serving burgers, sandwiches, and classic pub food in a historic college-town atmosphere.
Generally moderate for U.S. travelers. Casual dining and coffee are affordable, while hotels and fine dining can be pricier during peak university or event dates.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 15-20% for delivery; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; round up or tip 10-15% for taxis; a few dollars for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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