Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO train with Amtrak

Mon, Aug 24
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO

Showing times and prices for Aug 24

Cheapest price

€250

Average price

€504

Fastest journey

1 d 4 h 6 m

Average duration

1 d 5 h 56 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

1514 km

Cheap tickets

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 €504 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €250.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Kansas City, MO on Mon, Aug 24, 3 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 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 Mon, Aug 24 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.

  • Amtrak
    8:57 PM30h51
    Washington, DC
    3:48 AMKansas City, MO
    2501One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    7:57 PM30h51
    Washington, DC
    2:48 AMKansas City, MO
    3391One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    10:42 PM28h06
    Washington, DC
    2:48 AMKansas City, MO
    9221One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO

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 €81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €81, and a train costs an average of €153.

Distance: 940 miles (1514 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€374

Average price

€132

Average price

Cheapest

€226

Average price

€185

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

27h 5m

Average total duration

26h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

25h 19m

Average total duration

24h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

16h 43m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is a bus with an average price of €132.

This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO:

A bus is €94 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average €226.

A bus is €243 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average €374.

The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 9m.

Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:

Bus takes on average 24h 49m.

Train takes on average 26h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €374 compared to roughly €185 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-189.07. The journey takes 26h 35m 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.

Live departures

Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO train times

The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief11:39 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
34h14
8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO1 transfer
Amtrak40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
29h56
8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO by train, bus, or flight

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.

Mon
Aug 24
Tue
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30

Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €153 but you can travel from only €81 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 29h 56m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €81
Distance
940 miles (1514 km)
Average train duration
26h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
€153
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
29h 56m
First train
7:01 AM
Last train
6:42 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €81

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO from €81. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
29h 56m
Cheapest Price
€153
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Kansas City, MO

Things to do in Kansas City, MO

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.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Large encyclopedic museum known for classic and contemporary works, special exhibitions, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on its grounds.

  • Recommended

Wyandotte County Museum

Regional history museum in the 1911 city hall, covering Wyandotte County stories with exhibits on immigration, industry, and local life.

U.S. Dollar ($)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
$20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$3-5 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €153, while the average price is around €374.
The train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO takes 29h 56m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is 940 miles (1514 km).
The first train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO leaves at 7:01 AM.
The last train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO leaves at 6:42 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO.
There is no direct train service currently available from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to Kansas City, MO is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, which connects to Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is by bus, with a cost of around €81.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Kansas City, KS offers a mix of scenic views, including the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, the rolling hills of the Midwest, and charming small towns along the way, providing a diverse visual experience.
A day trip from Washington, DC to Kansas City, KS is not feasible given the duration of 29h 56m and a distance of 940 miles (1514 km). There are 2 trips per day available for trains.
In Kansas City, KS, enjoy a day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark or catch a Kansas City T-Bones baseball game at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Experience medieval-themed fun at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, or head to Cider Hill Family Orchard for apple picking. Visit the Moon Marble Company for marble-making demonstrations. Explore cultural heritage at the Strawberry Hill Museum, watch NASCAR events at Kansas Speedway, or spend time outdoors at Wyandotte County Lake Park. Shop and dine at Legends Outlets Kansas City, and learn about agriculture at the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame.
A 2 to 3-day stay in Kansas City, KS is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Kansas Speedway, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the Legends Outlets.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO.
Since neither Washington, DC nor Kansas City, MO are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Kansas City, MO include Warrensburg, MO, Sedalia, MO, Topeka, KS, Lawrence, KS.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Kansas City, KS, travelers should stay alert in busy areas to avoid pickpocketing and petty theft, especially around popular attractions and transit hubs. It is important to be cautious of ride-sharing scams where drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods at night and use official transportation services to ensure safety. Travelers should also watch for fake ticket sellers when purchasing event or transportation tickets and always buy from authorized sources.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO

Most Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO trains use the Union Station to Kansas City Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Washington
Arrival train stations in Kansas City

Which Washington, DC station do trains to Kansas City, MO leave from?

Trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO leave from Union Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre

Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD30 · 15m · €3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · €2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · €2 · every ~27 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.

Most popular trains to and from Kansas City, MO and Washington, DC

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Kansas City, MOWashington, DC to Kansas City, MO train

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