- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO
Showing times and prices for Jul 10
Cheapest price
$859
Average price
$1702
Fastest journey
1 d 5 h 56 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 33 m
Trains per day
4
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 $1702 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $859.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO without transferring at least once.
51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief11:39 AM34h14Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$8591One-way1 transfer- 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief3:57 PM29h56Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$16681One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM35h18Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$20891One-way2 transfers
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief7:10 AM38h43Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$21911One-way2 transfers
- 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief3:57 PM29h56Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$16681One-way1 transfer
- 51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief11:39 AM34h14Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$8591One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM35h18Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$20891One-way2 transfers
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief7:10 AM38h43Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:53 PMKansas City Station, Kansas City, MO$21911One-way2 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 $115. 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 $115, and a train costs an average of $183.
Distance: 940 miles (1514 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$487 Average price | $217 Average price Cheapest | $273 Average price | $223 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is a bus with an average price of $217 (€179).
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $273 (€224).
A bus is $270 (€222) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO costing on average $487 (€400).
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 50m.
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 37m.
Train takes on average 26h 58m.
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 $487 (€400) compared to roughly $223 (€183) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-264.24 (€-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.
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, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 35h18 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 2 transfers | |
| 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 29h56 | 8:53 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, MO | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
| 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 7:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 38h43 | 8:53 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 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.
Fri
Jul 10
Jul 10
Sat
Jul 11
Jul 11
Sun
Jul 12
Jul 12
Mon
Jul 13
Jul 13
Tue
Jul 14
Jul 14
Wed
Jul 15
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO
USAUSA
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 $183 (€151) but you can travel from only $115 (€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.
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 $115 (€94)
Distance 940 miles (1514 km) |
Average train duration 26h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $183 (€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 |
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 $115 (€94)
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO from $115 (€94). 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
27h 6m
Cheapest Price
$183 (€151)
Amtrak frequency
1 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
Things to do in Kansas City
Discover the best of Kansas City — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kansas City trip today.
- Must visit
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The United States’ official museum dedicated to World War I, featuring immersive exhibitions and extensive artifacts in a nationally significant setting.
- Must visit
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Celebrates the history and legacy of Negro Leagues baseball through engaging exhibits focused on sport, civil rights, and American culture.
- Must visit
Crossroads Arts District
Creative district known for galleries, murals, converted warehouses, and a lively street scene that is especially popular with locals and visitors.
- Must visit
18th and Vine Historic Jazz District
Historic neighborhood central to Kansas City’s jazz and Black cultural heritage, anchored by major museums and music history.
- Must visit
Country Club Plaza
Walkable area known for ornate architecture, fountains, and seasonal lights, making it one of the city’s most visited districts.
- Gluten-free
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Ribs
Slow-smoked pork ribs finished with thick, sweet-tangy tomato-and-molasses sauce. They are a signature of Kansas City barbecue culture.
- Gluten-free
Burnt Ends
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.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
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.
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Legendary casual barbecue spot famous for Z-Man sandwiches, ribs, and brisket in a lively, no-frills setting.
Q39
Popular modern barbecue restaurant known for competition-style smoked meats, burnt ends, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Jack Stack Barbecue
Established local chain offering hickory-smoked barbecue, steakhouse touches, and a more upscale sit-down experience.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than larger coastal cities, though car costs and upscale dining can add up.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
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.
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.
Train ticket prices from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $183 (€151), while the average price is around $487 (€400).
The train from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO takes 27h 6m 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 $115 (€94).
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 27h 6m 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.
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kansas City, MO and Washington, DC
Most popular train connections to Kansas City, MO
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
