- Must visit
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for its wide-ranging collections, sculpture park, and iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$229
Average price
$255
Fastest journey
1 d 11 h 7 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 7 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO will cost around $255 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $229.
Of the 2 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Kansas City, MO on Thu, May 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 2180 km distance in an average of 1 d 11 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 11 h 7 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 1 d 11 h 7 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 Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $109. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 2.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $109, and a train costs an average of $162.
Distance: 1354 miles (2180 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$324 Average price | $284 Average price | $233 Average price Cheapest | $325 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 5m Average total duration 19h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 46m Average total duration Fastest 11h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 22m Average total duration 37h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 6.5 - 13.1kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 5.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $284 (€229).
A bus is $91 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $324 (€261).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 35m.
Bus takes on average 37h 52m.
The journey is about 3h 35m faster (19h 35m by train vs 23h 10m by car) and roughly $2 (€1) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($324 (€261) vs $325 (€263)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 5:19 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 35h07 | 6:26 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
![]() | 12:19 AM Los Angeles, CA | 35h07 | 11:26 AM Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:19 AM Los Angeles, CA | 35h07 | 12:26 PM Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO run on average 1 times per day, taking around 19h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $162 (€131) but you can travel from only $109 (€88) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 11:26, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 1354 miles (2180 km) distance in 35h 7m.
Distance 1354 miles (2180 km) |
Average train duration 19h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $162 (€131) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 35h 7m |
First train 11:26 AM |
Last train 10:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 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 its wide-ranging collections, sculpture park, and iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
National museum dedicated to the First World War, with immersive exhibitions, artifacts, and strong historical interpretation.
Celebrated museum preserving the history of Negro Leagues baseball through powerful exhibits in the historic 18th & Vine district.
Historic outdoor shopping and walking district with Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, and strong visitor appeal day and night.
Culturally important district tied to Kansas City jazz and Black history, home to museums, clubs, and heritage landmarks.
Creative neighborhood known for galleries, murals, converted warehouses, and a lively arts atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
A broad barbecue tradition known for slow-smoked meats, thick sweet-tangy tomato-molasses sauce, and burnt ends. It is the city’s signature food culture.
Cubed, twice-cooked point-cut brisket ends with deep bark and smoky flavor. They are the most iconic Kansas City barbecue specialty.
Pork ribs smoked low and slow, often finished with Kansas City’s rich, sticky sauce. A classic order at local smokehouses.
Legendary casual barbecue institution famous for Z-Man sandwiches, ribs, and burnt ends in an unfussy setting.
Polished sit-down barbecue restaurant popular for burnt ends, hickory-smoked meats, and hearty sides in a more upscale setting.
Classic steakhouse and jazz venue in a historic building, known for steaks, cocktails, and an atmospheric Kansas City dining experience.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Barbecue, casual dining, and transport are fairly priced; top hotels and fine dining cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Tipping is expected for table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA 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.

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