Missouri, the “Show-Me State,” offers a unique and often overlooked way to explore its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming small towns: by train! Amtrak’s routes through Missouri provide a relaxed, scenic, and convenient alternative to driving, allowing you to truly take in the passing scenery.
Whether you’re planning a trip from St. Louis to Kansas City, heading north towards Chicago, or west towards Los Angeles, this complete guide will help you navigate Missouri’s Amtrak stations, highlighting key features and providing estimated distances to major cities and airports.
Missouri’s Amtrak Routes: A Quick Overview
Missouri is primarily served by two Amtrak routes:
The Missouri River Runner: This intrastate route connects St. Louis and Kansas City, making stops at several towns and cities along the historic Missouri River corridor. It’s a fantastic way to experience the heart of the state.
The Southwest Chief: This long-distance route runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, making two stops in northern Missouri before continuing its journey.
Your Station-by-Station Guide
Let’s explore each Amtrak station in Missouri, from east to west and then the northern stops.
1. St. Louis (STL) – Gateway Station
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 430 South 15th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Located adjacent to the historic St. Louis Union Station (now an entertainment complex).
Features: Full-service station with a waiting room, ticket office, baggage services, and easy access to local transit. It’s a bustling hub connecting you to downtown attractions.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City
250
Jefferson City (State Capital)
125
Columbia
120
Springfield
220
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
15
2. Kirkwood (KIR)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 110 West Argonne Drive, Kirkwood, MO 63122.
Features: A charming, historic station in a vibrant St. Louis suburb. It’s an unstaffed station with a small waiting room and platform. Kirkwood is known for its walkable downtown and quaint shops.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
15
Kansas City
240
Jefferson City (State Capital)
115
Columbia
110
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
18
3. Washington (WSH)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: E Main Street & Lafayette Street, Washington, MO 63090.
Features: An unstaffed platform stop in a scenic town along the Missouri River. Washington is known for its historic downtown and proximity to wineries.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
50
Kansas City
200
Jefferson City (State Capital)
75
Columbia
70
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
55
4. Hermann (HMN)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 301 Wharf Street, Hermann, MO 65041.
Features: An unstaffed platform stop right in the heart of Hermann’s historic district, famous for its German heritage and wine country.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
75
Kansas City
175
Jefferson City (State Capital)
50
Columbia
45
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
80
Columbia Regional (COU)
40
5. Jefferson City (JEF)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 101 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Features: An unstaffed station serving Missouri’s state capital. The station is relatively close to the capitol building and other downtown attractions.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
125
Kansas City
125
Columbia
30
Springfield
120
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Columbia Regional (COU)
25
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
130
6. Sedalia (SED)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 100 East Pacific Street, Sedalia, MO 65301.
Features: An unstaffed station best known as the home of the Missouri State Fairgrounds and the birthplace of Ragtime, with the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival held annually.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
180
Kansas City
90
Jefferson City (State Capital)
60
Columbia
65
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Columbia Regional (COU)
60
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
100
7. Warrensburg (WAR)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 100 West Holden Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
Features: An unstaffed station serving the home of the University of Central Missouri.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
210
Kansas City
60
Jefferson City (State Capital)
90
Columbia
95
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
70
8. Lee’s Summit (LSM)
Route: Missouri River Runner
Location: 107 SW Market Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.
Features: An unstaffed station in a growing Kansas City suburb, offering easy access to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
235
Kansas City
20
Jefferson City (State Capital)
110
Columbia
115
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
40
9. Kansas City (KCY) – Union Station
Routes: Missouri River Runner, Southwest Chief
Location: 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108.
Features: A magnificent, historic Union Station that serves as a major transportation hub, cultural institution, and museum complex. Full-service station with a waiting room, ticket office, baggage services, and direct access to various attractions within the station itself.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
St. Louis
250
Jefferson City (State Capital)
125
Columbia
125
Springfield
170
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
25
10. La Plata (LAP)
Route: Southwest Chief
Location: 200 East Moore Street, La Plata, MO 63549.
Features: An unstaffed station in northern Missouri, a quaint stop for rail enthusiasts and those visiting the limited services of the area. It’s home to the Museum of Northeast Missouri, which celebrates local history.
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City
160
St. Louis
220
Columbia
120
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Columbia Regional (COU)
125
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
170
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
230
11. Marceline (MAR)
Route: Southwest Chief
Location: 124 East Santa Fe Avenue, Marceline, MO 64658.
Features: An unstaffed station with significant historical ties, as it’s Walt Disney’s boyhood home and a source of inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum!
Destination City
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City
110
St. Louis
200
Columbia
100
Nearest Airports
Approximate Driving Distance (miles)
Kansas City Int’l (MCI)
120
Columbia Regional (COU)
105
St. Louis Lambert Int’l (STL)
210
Tips for Traveling Amtrak in Missouri
Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes or peak seasons, booking your tickets ahead of time will secure your spot and often get you better fares.
Arrive Early: For staffed stations (St. Louis, Kansas City), arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure. For unstaffed platform stops, 15-20 minutes is generally sufficient, but always check Amtrak’s guidelines.
Check Services: Not all trains or routes offer the same amenities (e.g., dining car, WiFi). Check what’s available for your specific journey.
Baggage: Be aware of Amtrak’s baggage policies (carry-on and checked). Staffed stations can handle checked luggage; unstaffed stations are carry-on only.
Enjoy the View: One of the biggest perks of train travel is the ability to relax and watch Missouri’s rolling hills, riverfronts, and small towns pass by.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling city life of St. Louis and Kansas City, delving into the state’s rich history, or simply enjoying the tranquil journey through Missouri’s heartland, Amtrak offers a memorable way to travel. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the Show-Me State by rail!
