- Must visit
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for its broad collection, sculpture park, and iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$187
Average price
$253
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 6 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1514 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO will cost around $253 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $187.
Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Kansas City, MO on Tue, May 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 1514 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 6 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 1 d 6 h 51 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 Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $117. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $117, and a train costs an average of $187.
Distance: 940 miles (1514 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$496 Average price | $221 Average price Cheapest | $278 Average price | $227 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 28m Average total duration 26h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 7m Average total duration 24h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 43m 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 Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $57 (€46) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $278 (€224).
A bus is $275 (€222) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $496 (€400).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 37m.
Train takes on average 26h 58m.
Tickets start at around $496 (€400) compared to roughly $227 (€183) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-269.19 (€-217.20). The journey takes 26h 58m versus 16h 43m 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 Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:57 PM Washington, DC | 30h51 | 2:48 AM Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:57 PM Washington, DC | 30h51 | 3:48 AM Kansas City, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:42 PM Washington, DC | 28h06 | 2:48 AM 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 Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $187 (€151) but you can travel from only $117 (€94) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 18:42. The fastest train covers the 940 miles (1514 km) distance in 27h 6m.
Distance 940 miles (1514 km) |
Average train duration 26h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $187 (€151) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 27h 6m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 6:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 broad collection, sculpture park, and iconic Shuttlecocks. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Leading museum on the First World War with immersive exhibits and a strong national profile. A top history stop in Kansas City.
Widely admired museum documenting the history and legacy of Negro Leagues baseball. A moving and important cultural institution.
Historic outdoor shopping and walking district with Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, and seasonal lights. One of the city’s best-known areas.
Historic neighborhood central to Kansas City jazz and Black history. A culturally significant area with museums and live-music heritage.
Lively downtown neighborhood known for its market, streetcar access, and historic warehouses. Great for walking and people-watching.
Slow-smoked pork ribs coated with a thick, sweet-tangy tomato and molasses-based sauce. They are one of the city’s signature barbecue staples.
Cubed, smoky ends of brisket point, traditionally caramelized and served with sauce. This is one of Kansas City’s most iconic barbecue specialties.
Beef brisket smoked low and slow until tender, then sliced thick or chopped. Kansas City is known for rich bark, smoke, and sauce-forward serving styles.
Legendary casual barbecue spot famous for burnt ends, Z-Man sandwiches, and expertly smoked meats in an iconic former gas station setting.
Acclaimed contemporary restaurant known for refined small plates, seasonal cooking, and a stylish neighborhood atmosphere beyond the barbecue scene.
Polished, well-established barbecue restaurant with a broader menu, strong sides, and a more upscale atmosphere than many smokehouses.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Barbecue, casual dining, and coffee are fairly priced, while hotels and fine dining vary by season and area.
Tip 18-20% at full-service restaurants; 15-20% in bars. Round up or add 10-15% for taxis. USD 2-5 for hotel staff is customary.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC 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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