The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City route is a scenic and comfortable train journey covering about 268 miles between Springfield, IL and Kansas City, MO. Trains run twice daily, taking 8–11 hours, with ticket prices starting at $49. Passengers enjoy spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, snacks, and generous baggage allowances. Compared to buses, cars, or flights, Amtrak offers the best mix of affordability, convenience, and relaxation, with stops in cities like St. Louis and Jefferson City before arriving at Kansas City’s historic Union Station.
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city Routes Overview
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City route connects Illinois to Missouri with daily trains offering scenic Midwest views. Passengers enjoy a comfortable journey with stops in cities like St. Louis and Jefferson City before arriving at Kansas City’s Union Station.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Train Service | Amtrak (combined service via Lincoln Service + Missouri River Runner) |
| Route | Springfield, IL → Kansas City, MO |
| Direct Train? | Yes — daily direct/train connection available (once per day) |
| Typical Travel Time | 7h 55m – 10h (varies by schedule) |
| Distance | 250–300 miles (402–480 km) |
| Frequency | 4 trains per day (varies) |
| Transfer Option | Connect via St. Louis (Lincoln Service + Missouri River Runner) if needed |
| Major Stops (Typical) | Springfield, IL — St. Louis, MO — Kansas City, MO |
| Onboard Amenities | Coach seating, café car, Wi-Fi (varies by train) |
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city Routes
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City routes provide a reliable daily connection across the Midwest. Passengers enjoy scenic views, key stops like St. Louis and Jefferson City, and a comfortable ride to Union Station.
| Route | Train Name | Frequency | Travel Time | Key Stops | Onboard Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield → Kansas City (via St. Louis) | Lincoln Service → Missouri River Runner | 1–4 trains daily (combined service) | 7 hr 55 min – 10+ hrs | Springfield (SPI) → St. Louis (STL) → Jefferson City (JEF) → Independence (IDP) → Kansas City (KCY) | Free Wi-Fi (varies) • Café Car • Power Outlets • Business Class (on Lincoln Service) |
| Springfield → Kansas City (Transfer Route) | Lincoln Service + connection to Missouri River Runner | Multiple daily options | 8–10+ hrs depending on layover | Springfield (SPI) → St. Louis (STL) → Kansas City (KCY) | Café Car • Wi-Fi (varies) • Power Outlets |
| Alternate Long-Distance Option | Texas Eagle (to St. Louis) → Missouri River Runner | Once daily (Texas Eagle portion) | 9–11 hrs total | Springfield (SPI) → St. Louis (STL) → Kansas City (KCY) | Café Car • Checked Baggage • Power Outlets • Sleeper Cabins (Texas Eagle only) |
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city Schedule
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City schedule offers about two daily departures, with travel times ranging from 8 to 11 hours. Passengers can choose convenient morning or afternoon trains, ensuring flexibility and reliable service across the Midwest.
| Service | Train | Departure (SPI) | Arrival (KCY) | Travel Time | Key Stops | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Service → Missouri River Runner | 319 (combined) | 12:56 PM | 8:51 PM | 7 h 55 m | Springfield (SPI) → St. Louis (STL) → Jefferson City (JEF) → Warrensburg (WAR) → Kansas City (KCY) | Café Car Wi-Fi Power Outlets Business Class (varies) |
| Lincoln Service → Missouri River Runner | 318 (opposite direction) | 8:40 AM (from KCY) | 8:51 PM (back at SPI) | 11 h 20 m (reverse direction) | Kansas City (KCY) → St. Louis (STL) → Springfield (SPI) | Café Car Wi-Fi Power Outlets Business Class (varies) |
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city Ticket Prices
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City ticket prices start at about $49 when booked early, with average fares around $175. Discounts are available for children, seniors, students, and groups, making the trip affordable and flexible for all travelers.
| Service / Scenario | Class / Fare Type | Estimated One-Way Price (USD) | Booking Flexibility | Refundable? | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Advance Fare | Value / Coach | $40 – $80 | Low | Partial refund (75% typical) | Child, Senior, Student (when applied) |
| Standard Flexible Fare | Flex / Coach | $90 – $150 | High | Fully refundable before departure | Child, Senior, Student discounts |
| Promotional / Sale Fare | Sale / Coach | $35 – $70 | Very Low | Partial or voucher refund | Limited promotions available |
| Business Class Fare | Business Class | $120 – $180+ | High | Fully refundable before departure | Guest Rewards points bonus |
| First Class / Premium Fare | First Class / Premium | $200+ | High | Fully refundable before departure | May include additional perks |
Amtrak Comfort: Springfield to kansas city
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City route is designed to give passengers a smooth and relaxing travel experience. With spacious seating, modern amenities, and friendly service, Amtrak makes the long journey enjoyable and stress-free.
Comfort Features:
- Spacious Seats – Reclining chairs with extra legroom for a relaxed ride.
- Free Wi-Fi – Stay connected throughout your journey.
- Power Outlets – Charge your devices while traveling.
- Café Car – Snacks, drinks, and light meals available onboard.
- Generous Baggage Policy – Two free carry-ons plus checked baggage options.
- No Middle Seats – More personal space and comfort compared to buses or flights.
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city vs. Other Travel Options
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City route is a smart choice compared to other travel options. It offers affordable tickets starting at $49, spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and food onboard. While buses are cheaper but less comfortable, cars require long driving hours, and flights are faster but costly, Amtrak gives the best mix of comfort, convenience, and value for Midwest travelers.
| Feature | Amtrak (Train) | Driving (Car) | Bus (Greyhound / FlixBus) | Flight (via STL or BMI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Springfield → St. Louis → Kansas City | Springfield → Kansas City (direct by road) | Springfield → St. Louis → Kansas City | Springfield → St. Louis/Bloomington → Kansas City |
| Travel Time | 7.5–10 hours | 4.5–5 hours | 7–8 hours | 1–1.5 hour flight + 1–2 hours airport time |
| Cost (One-Way) | $40–$120 (varies by fare type) | $30–$60 (gas only) | $30–$90 | $100–$250+ |
| Booking Flexibility | High (if using Flex fare) | High | Moderate | Low (airlines often restrict changes) |
| Refundable? | Yes (with Flex fare) | Yes | Limited or none | Limited or none |
| Comfort | Spacious seating, café car, Wi-Fi, outlets | Personal comfort, choose stops | Basic seating, mixed comfort | Limited space, standard airline seating |
| Luggage Allowance | 2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags | Full car space | 1–2 bags (depends on carrier) | 1 carry-on + 1 checked (varies by airline) |
| Environmental Impact | Lower emissions | Higher emissions | Lower emissions than car | Higher emissions |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible trains & stations | Depends on vehicle | Varies by bus company | Varies by airport/airline |
| Ideal For | Relaxed, scenic travel | Flexibility and speed | Budget travelers | Fastest long-distance travel |
Amtrak Springfield to kansas city Travel Tips
Traveling from Springfield, Illinois to Kansas City, Missouri by Amtrak is a comfortable and scenic experience, especially if you enjoy a relaxed pace and want to avoid long drives. Most trips include a connection in St. Louis, where the Lincoln Service transitions into the Missouri River Runner, but many schedules allow you to stay on the same train without switching. With spacious seating, free luggage options, and an onboard café car, the journey is easy and enjoyableperfect for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.
Travel Tips
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance to get the lowest fares.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early at Springfield (SPI) for smooth boarding.
- Most trips use Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner; usually no train change is required.
- Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the 7.5–10 hour trip.
- Sit on the right side for the best river views between St. Louis and Kansas City.
- Use the Amtrak app for real-time tracking and mobile tickets.
- Take advantage of generous Amtrak luggage limits: 2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags free.
- At Kansas City Union Station, the free KC Streetcar provides easy access to downtown.
Some Other Amtrak Routes
Conclusion
The Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City route is a reliable and comfortable way to travel across the Midwest. With affordable ticket prices, spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and convenient stops in cities like St. Louis and Jefferson City, Amtrak offers a stress-free alternative to driving or flying. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this route combines scenic views, modern amenities, and budget-friendly fares, making it one of the best options for connecting Illinois to Missouri.
FAQs on Amtrak Springfield to Kansas City
The average journey time is about 7 hours 55 minutes.
The distance is approximately 310–431 km (193–268 miles) depending on the route.
There is typically one direct train per day.
The daily train usually departs Springfield around 12:56 PM.
Arrival is typically around 8:51 PM.
Prices range from $40 to $140, with average fares around $85–$175 depending on booking time.
Yes, food and drinks are available onboard the Amtrak train from Springfield to Kansas City through the café car.
Yes, Amtrak offers checked baggage service on the Springfield to Kansas City route.
The train departs from Springfield, IL Amtrak Station.
Arrival is at Kansas City Union Station.
Yes, Amtrak offers discounts on tickets from Springfield to Kansas City.
You can book Amtrak tickets from Springfield to Kansas City online through the official Amtrak website or mobile app.
