- Must visit
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
One of the nation’s leading museums on baseball’s Negro Leagues, with powerful exhibits on sport, civil rights, and Black history nearby in Missouri.
Cheapest price
$379
Average price
$379
Fastest journey
1 d 14 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 14 h 25 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO will cost around $379 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $379.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Kansas City, MO on Mon, Aug 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 2147 km distance in an average of 1 d 14 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 14 h 25 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 1 d 14 h 25 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 bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $111, and a train costs an average of $219.
Distance: 1334 miles (2147 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$309 Average price | $142 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price | $342 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
37h 19m Average total duration 36h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39h 59m Average total duration 39h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 23h 9m 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 San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $61 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $202.
A bus is $167 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO costing on average $309.
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 36h 49m.
Bus takes on average 39h 29m.
Tickets start at around $309 compared to roughly $342 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $34. The journey takes 36h 49m versus 23h 9m 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 San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 38h27 | 6:28 AM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 1 transfer | |
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 San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO run on average 1 times per day, taking around 36h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $219 but you can travel from only $111 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 11:03, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 1334 miles (2147 km) distance in 38h 25m.
Distance 1334 miles (2147 km) |
Average train duration 36h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $219 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 38h 25m |
First train 11:03 AM |
Last train 10:17 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Kansas City, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kansas City, MO trip today.
One of the nation’s leading museums on baseball’s Negro Leagues, with powerful exhibits on sport, civil rights, and Black history nearby in Missouri.
Large encyclopedic museum known for classic and contemporary works, special exhibitions, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on its grounds.
Regional history museum in the 1911 city hall, covering Wyandotte County stories with exhibits on immigration, industry, and local life.
Historic hilltop neighborhood known for ethnic heritage, churches, murals, and some of the best skyline views in Kansas City, Kansas.
Downtown civic and entertainment district with galleries, venues, historic buildings, and regular events that showcase the city’s urban revival.
Large nature park with wooded trails, lake access, and a bison enclosure, making it one of the region’s best outdoor escapes.
Slow-smoked pork ribs with a peppery bark and tender bite. Kansas City barbecue is a regional icon known for long smoking and rich sauce options.
Burnt ends are caramelized cubes of smoked beef brisket point. They are a Kansas City specialty prized for smoky flavor, bark, and juicy texture.
Slow-smoked pulled pork, often piled on a bun and topped with sauce. It is a staple at local barbecue joints across the Kansas City area.
Legendary casual barbecue counter known for burnt ends, ribs, and brisket. Busy, no-frills, and one of the metro's most famous smokehouses.
Historic Mexican-American institution in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated for tacos, burritos, and comforting house specialties in a casual setting.
Refined modern restaurant in Strawberry Hill with seasonal American cooking, craft cocktails, and a polished neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger metros, while car travel and limited transit can add costs for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars; $1-2 or rounding up is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

Most San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Kansas City Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Kansas City, MO train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot 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: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town 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: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need