- Must visit
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for encyclopedic collections, sculpture grounds, and the iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s top cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$275
Average price
$562
Fastest journey
22 h 5 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 46 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1097 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO will cost around $562 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $275.
It's difficult to get from New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO without transferring at least once.
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner
58 City Of New Orleans · 3 Southwest Chief
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
58 City Of New Orleans · 3 Southwest ChiefOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $104. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $104, and a train costs an average of $184.
Distance: 681 miles (1097 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$317 Average price | $218 Average price Cheapest | $267 Average price | $162 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 5m Average total duration 21h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 32m Average total duration 23h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 14m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $267 (€219).
A bus is $98 (€81) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $317 (€260).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 21h 35m.
Bus takes on average 23h 2m.
Tickets start at around $317 (€260) compared to roughly $162 (€133) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-154.59 (€-127.12). The journey takes 21h 35m versus 12h 35m 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 New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 3:45 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 29h06 | 8:51 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 2 transfers | |
58 City Of New Orleans · 8358 AMTRAK · 311 Missouri River Runner | 3:45 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 22h05 | 1:50 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 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 New Orleans, LA to Kansas City, MO run on average 3 times per day, taking around 21h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $184 (€151) but you can travel from only $93 (€76) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 16:41. The fastest train covers the 681 miles (1097 km) distance in 24h 5m.
Distance 681 miles (1097 km) |
Average train duration 21h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $184 (€151) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 24h 5m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 4:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 42 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 encyclopedic collections, sculpture grounds, and the iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s top cultural attractions.
The United States’ official museum dedicated to World War I, featuring immersive exhibitions and extensive artifacts in a nationally significant setting.
Celebrates the history and legacy of Negro Leagues baseball through engaging exhibits focused on sport, civil rights, and American culture.
Creative district known for galleries, murals, converted warehouses, and a lively street scene that is especially popular with locals and visitors.
Historic neighborhood central to Kansas City’s jazz and Black cultural heritage, anchored by major museums and music history.
Walkable area known for ornate architecture, fountains, and seasonal lights, making it one of the city’s most visited districts.
Slow-smoked pork ribs finished with thick, sweet-tangy tomato-and-molasses sauce. They are a signature of Kansas City barbecue culture.
Smoky, caramelized cubes from the point of brisket, prized for their bark and rich flavor. They are one of Kansas City's most iconic barbecue specialties.
Tender smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with barbecue sauce and pickles. It is a staple order at classic Kansas City barbecue joints.
Legendary casual barbecue spot famous for Z-Man sandwiches, ribs, and brisket in a lively, no-frills setting.
Popular modern barbecue restaurant known for competition-style smoked meats, burnt ends, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Established local chain offering hickory-smoked barbecue, steakhouse touches, and a more upscale sit-down experience.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than larger coastal cities, though car costs and upscale dining can add up.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA 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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