Kansas City is more than just a city with a rich history and lively culture; it’s also a great starting point for exploring some of the most famous destinations in the U.S. through Amtrak. Whether you are planning a long cross-country trip or just a scenic regional ride, its central location makes it easy to catch a variety of train routes. Here’s a look at the top 5 routes from Kansas City, each offering its own special experiences and destinations.
- The Southwest Chief
- The Texas Eagle
- The Missouri River Runner & Chicago Connection
- The California Zephyr
- The Capitol Limited
The Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief is one of Amtrak’s most famous long-distance routes, running from Chicago to Los Angeles. It offers travelers stunning views, from the lively city streets of Chicago to the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest.
Starting Point
- Kansas City serves as a key stop on this route, with travelers able to board heading eastward toward Chicago or westward toward Los Angeles.
Key Stops (Westbound):
Key Stops (Eastbound):
- Galesburg, Illinois
- Chicago, Illinois
Why Travel This Route?
If you love beautiful scenery, the Southwest Chief gives you an incredible view of the Southwest’s diverse landscapes. Traveling through canyons, deserts, and mountains turns the trip into an adventure. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort while soaking in some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country.
The Texas Eagle
Even though the Texas Eagle doesn’t go directly through Kansas City, travelers can hop on the Missouri River Runner train to St. Louis and then transfer to the Texas Eagle. This route is an important connection between the Midwest and the lively cities of Texas.
Connecting Route:
- From Kansas City: Take the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis.
- From St. Louis: Board the Texas Eagle southward toward San Antonio.
Key Stops Along the Texas Eagle:
Extended Journey:
Three times a week, the Texas Eagle goes beyond San Antonio by linking up with the Sunset Limited in Los Angeles, carrying passengers all the way to the West Coast. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to explore the southern U.S. or even embark on a coast-to-coast journey.
Why Choose This Route?
The Texas Eagle offers a mix of cultural richness and scenic variety. Traveling through the heart of Texas, you will encounter everything from historic towns to bustling urban centers, making it perfect for anyone interested in exploring regional American culture.
The Missouri River Runner & Chicago Connection
This regional route connects Kansas City directly to St. Louis daily, making it a practical choice for short to medium-distance travel within Missouri.
Route Highlights:
- Independence, Missouri
- Jefferson City, Missouri
- Hermann, Missouri, is a charming town known for its German heritage and vineyards.
Connecting to Chicago:
From St. Louis, passengers can hop onto the Lincoln Service, which seamlessly connects to Chicago. This makes Kansas City a convenient starting point for a longer journey to the Windy City or beyond.
Why Travel This Route?
Perfect for weekend getaways or business trips, this route provides a comfortable and quick connection between two major Midwestern cities. Additionally, the scenic stops along the way, especially Hermann, add a cultural touch to your travel experience.
The California Zephyr
For those dreaming of exploring the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and the California coast, the California Zephyr is a must-ride. Although it doesn’t originate in Kansas City, travelers can connect through the Southwest Chief to Galesburg, Illinois, and then transfer to this scenic route.
How to Access:
- From Galesburg, Illinois: Board the California Zephyr.
- Destinations include Denver, Salt Lake City, and Emeryville (near San Francisco).
Key Stops:
- Denver, Colorado
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Emeryville, California
Why Travel This Route?
The California Zephyr is famous for offering stunning, wide-open views of mountains, deserts, and green valleys. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to take a relaxed, scenic trip through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, ending up on the lively California coast.
The Capitol Limited
If you are traveling east from Kansas City, you can hop on the Capitol Limited in Chicago. The ride takes you through gorgeous farmland and breathtaking mountain views in the Alleghenies, making it a really scenic and enjoyable way to get to the East Coast.
Route Highlights:
- Travel from Kansas City to Chicago, then transfer to the Capitol Limited.
- The route passes through the Appalachian region, offering beautiful mountain views and historic towns.
Ideal For:
If you love history and nature, this trip is perfect for you. It’s a chance to see the amazing difference between the wide, open Great Plains and the green, mountainous Appalachians, making for a rich and unforgettable experience.
No matter which route you pick, each one provides a special way to see the country, unwind, and soak in the beautiful scenery that makes train travel so memorable. So, next time you’re planning a trip, think about taking an Amtrak train from Kansas City; you might discover your new favorite way to explore the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
From Kansas City, you can catch several main train routes, including the Southwest Chief, Missouri River Runner, California Zephyr (by changing trains), Texas Eagle (by changing trains), and the Capitol Limited (by changing trains in Chicago). Each route offers different scenic and regional travel options.
Yes, Kansas City is a stop on the Southwest Chief route. You can board this train directly in Kansas City to travel west to Los Angeles or east to Chicago.
Kansas City doesn’t have a direct California Zephyr train station. But you can connect by taking the Southwest Chief to Galesburg, Illinois, and then transferring to the California Zephyr to visit places like Denver, Salt Lake City, or California.
These train routes pass through beautiful landscapes, including deserts, mountains, forests, and farmland. The California Zephyr and Capitol Limited are especially known for their amazing views.
Travel times vary. For example, the Southwest Chief from Kansas City to Los Angeles takes about 40 hours. Shorter regional routes like the Missouri River Runner take around 2-3 hours.