The cheapest and fastest trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
7 h 41 m
Average duration
11 h 59 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Of the 4 trains that leave Kansas City, MO for Chicago, IL on Sun, Apr 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Apr 05 the direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 11 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 41 m .
On Sun, Apr 05 the slowest trains will take 14 h 50 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.
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner8:40 AM11h20Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1251One-way0 transfers
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service8:40 AM14h03Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1451One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief7:01 AM7h41Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2081One-way0 transfers
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg7:01 AM14h50Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2301One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief7:01 AM7h41Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS2:42 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2081One-way0 transfers
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner8:40 AM11h20Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS8:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1251One-way0 transfers
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service8:40 AM14h03Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS10:43 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1451One-way1 transfer
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg7:01 AM14h50Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2301One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$117 Average price Cheapest | $147 Average price | $381 Average price |
8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 25m Average total duration 10h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday, April 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Southwest Chief | 12:01 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 7h41 | 7:42 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 12:01 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 14h50 | 2:51 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 306 Lincoln Service | 1:40 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 14h03 | 3:43 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 1:40 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 11h20 | 1:00 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
316 Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK · 58 City Of New Orleans | 9:05 PM Kansas City Station, Kansas City, KS | 17h10 | 2:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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.
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
Apr 24
Apr 25
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:01, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 7h 41m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average train duration 8h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€57) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 41m |
First train 7:01 AM |
Last train 9:05 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL from $71 (€57). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Pershing Road.
- Pierpont's at Union Station
- Harvey's at Union Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
- Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
- Hotel Kansas City
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for trains to various destinations
- Hall 2: ticketing and waiting area
- Hall 3: access to restaurants and shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: KC Streetcar
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Kansas City, MO
More options for your journey from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


