City to city
St. Louis to Kansas City by train
You can travel direct from St. Louis to Kansas City on the Missouri River Runner, a daily train that takes about 5 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes to cross the state.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River Runner | about 5 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes | Two round trips a day | No | No, direct |
The rail route across Missouri connects two major cities with a comfortable and straightforward journey. Passengers travel directly between downtown St. Louis and downtown Kansas City without needing to change trains. Supported by the state of Missouri, this corridor provides a practical alternative to driving or flying. You can relax and watch the landscape pass by your window. The service is suitable for business travelers, weekend visitors, and tourists exploring the Midwest. Be sure to read our Amtrak booking tips before securing your tickets.
Your train options
The only direct train on this route is the Missouri River Runner. As of 2026, it operates two round trips a day. The journey takes about 5 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes. Because this is a daytime service, there are no sleeper cars and the train does not travel overnight on this trip. Passengers travel in standard Coach class. A Café car is available on board for snacks and drinks. Since both daily departures offer the same classes and amenities, you can choose your train based entirely on your preferred schedule. If you are new to rail travel, our guide for a first time on Amtrak explains what to expect on board.
The journey
The train travels west across the state of Missouri, stopping at local communities like Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit, and Independence. Since the service operates during the day, you will usually have daylight to see the scenery, though evening departures in winter may mean traveling in the dark. Between Washington and Jefferson City, the route follows the Missouri River valley. You can look out for river bluffs, the local wineries around Hermann, and the Katy Trail running beside the water. After passing through the state capital of Jefferson City, the landscape gradually changes. From Sedalia to Kansas City, the train rolls through open western Missouri farmland as it approaches the final destination. The trip offers a pleasant cross section of the state.
The stations
Trains depart from the St. Louis station, known as the Gateway Transportation Center. This downtown facility is shared with Greyhound buses. It connects to the airport and the city via the MetroLink light rail. The station is also served by the Texas Eagle, the Lincoln Service, and the Missouri River Runner.
Trains arrive at the Kansas City station. Kansas City Union Station is a grand restored building that opened in 1914. Inside, you will find restaurants and a science center. The KC Streetcar stops right outside the building. This station is also served by the Southwest Chief and the Missouri River Runner.
Tips
- Book your tickets early to get the lowest Coach fares.
- Bring a jacket or sweater because the air conditioning can be strong.
- Check the current timetable for exact departure times before you travel.
- Visit the Café car early if you want a wider selection of snacks.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between St. Louis and Kansas City?
No, you do not need to change trains. Every train listed for this route is direct. You will stay on the Missouri River Runner for the entire trip from St. Louis to Kansas City.
Are there sleeper cars on this route?
No, the Missouri River Runner does not offer sleeper cars. The trip takes about 5 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes and operates during the day, so there is no overnight travel on this specific route. Passengers ride in standard Coach class.