- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$182
Fastest journey
15 h 57 m
Average duration
21 h 31 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1035 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI will cost around $182 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
It's difficult to get from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.
4 Southwest Chief · 354 Wolverine
4 Southwest Chief · 48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 6049 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 354 Wolverine
4 Southwest Chief · 48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 6049 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a flight costs an average of $187.
Distance: 643 miles (1035 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$259 Average price | $386 Average price | $129 Average price Cheapest |
14h 11m Average total duration 13h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 0m Average total duration 16h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $130 (€105) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI costing on average $259 (€208).
A bus is $257 (€206) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI costing on average $386 (€310).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 41m.
Bus takes on average 16h 30m.
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief · 354 Wolverine | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 15h57 | 12:10 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 1 transfer | |
4 Southwest Chief · 48 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 23h22 | 7:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 2 transfers | |
4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 6049 AMTRAK | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 23h22 | 7:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 2 transfers | |
4 Southwest Chief · 448 Lake Shore Limited · 6049 AMTRAK | 7:13 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 23h22 | 7:35 AM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $136 (€109) but you can travel from only $96 (€77) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 07:11. The fastest train covers the 643 miles (1035 km) distance in 14h 57m.
Distance 643 miles (1035 km) |
Average train duration 13h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€109) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 14h 57m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 7:11 AM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Detroit, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit, MI trip today.
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
A square deep-dish pizza with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and striped sauce. It is Detroit’s signature pie, born in blue steel auto pans.
A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions on a steamed bun. It is a classic Detroit street food tied to Greek-American diners.
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI trains use the Kansas City Station to Detroit Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Kansas City, MO and Detroit, MI 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.
Detroit Amtrak is 4 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cuisine Restaurant, New Center Eatery
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Detroit Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Detroit Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Detroit Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Regis, The Inn on Ferry Street, MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need