Detroit, MI, USA to Kansas City, MO, USA from $34: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Detroit to Kansas City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$34 by trainBest price
1041 kmDistance
5h 38m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Detroit to Kansas City with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Detroit - Kansas City operators
Explore transport companies operating between Detroit and Kansas City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
delta.com
Plane from Detroit Airport (DTW) to Kansas City Airport (MCI)
Average Duration
2h 12mEstimated price
$1107-1108Website
southwest.com
Plane from Detroit Airport (DTW) to Kansas City Airport (MCI)
Average Duration
4hEstimated price
$3821-3822Website
united.com
Plane from Detroit Airport (DTW) to Kansas City Airport (MCI)
Average Duration
4h 39mEstimated price
$1106-3826Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Dearborn to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
5h 11mEstimated price
$3827-3828Train from Chicago Union Station to Kansas City
Average Duration
11h 15mEstimated price
$347-1109Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823Website
baronsbus.com
Bus from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$340-345Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 55mEstimated price
$3123-345Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Kansas City Bus Station
Average Duration
4h 10mEstimated price
$340-345Detroit to Kansas City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Detroit and Kansas City offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
Average price
$130 - $210
Traveling from Detroit to Kansas City by train offers a convenient and scenic journey lasting around 18 hours and 55 minutes. The train fares for this route range from $34 to $312, providing travelers with a wide range of options to suit their budget. There are two potential routes for this trip. Route 1 involves a transfer in Chicago with the Wolverine train departing from Detroit Amtrak Station and then connecting to the Southwest Chief, while Route 2 also includes a transfer in Chicago with the Wolverine train before continuing on the Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner to Kansas City. Both routes offer a variety of departure and arrival times to accommodate various travel schedules.
Useful tips for train travellers
• During your train trip from Detroit to Kansas City, take advantage of onboard catering services that provide meals, snacks, and beverages. Amtrak, the primary operator for this route, typically offers a dining car experience with meal options that highlight regional favorites. You'll also find cafe services where you can grab light snacks, coffee, and soft drinks throughout your journey.
• Amtrak offers different seating options for your trip. In this route, you can choose from Coach Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class accommodations. Coach Class provides comfortable reclining seats, while Business Class offers more spacious seating and complimentary refreshments. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, First Class includes larger seats with more legroom and premium dining options.
• For your trip, Amtrak is the main operator you’ll be using, and their website is Amtrak.com. Make sure to check the schedule for your specific travel dates. Once you arrive at Kansas City Union Station, you can leave your luggage at the Station's Bag Check service for a small fee. The station also has clean restrooms available, but shower facilities are not provided.
• After arriving at Kansas City Union Station, the fastest way to get to the city center is by taking the streetcar, which runs frequently and is free. You can board the KC Streetcar directly outside the station and take it towards the River Market area or Union Station; the route offers stops at key locations downtown, making it extremely convenient.
Departure Point
Detroit Airport
Arrival Point
Kansas City Airport
Departure Point
Detroit, MI station
Arrival Point
Kansas City Bus Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Detroit to Kansas City.
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The distance between Detroit and Kansas City is 1041 km or 1236 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 18 hours and 55 minutes to reach Kansas City from Detroit. By taking a drive to Lansing and then flying, the travel time is around 7 hours and 13 minutes. By plane, it takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach Kansas City from Detroit. Finally, by car, it takes about 12 hours and 42 minutes to travel from Kansas City to Detroit and approximately 15 hours and 25 minutes by bus from Detroit to Kansas City.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Detroit to Kansas City is by bus and train, which can cost between $50 to $330 and takes approximately 20 hours and 28 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying would be the best option. A flight from Detroit to Kansas City takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes and costs between $110 to $340.
The prices for train travel between Detroit and Kansas City range from $34 to $312. Alternatively, taking a bus between the two cities can cost anywhere from $80 to $244.
To get from Detroit to Kansas City without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 1236 km. The estimated driving time is about 12 hours and 42 minutes. Depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency, the cost for fuel may range from $130 to $210.
There are several options to travel from Detroit to Kansas City without a car. The most convenient and fastest way is to fly, with a travel time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, and prices ranging from $110 to $340. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 15 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $80 and $250. If you prefer a more leisurely journey, you can also take a train, which takes approximately 18 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $30 and $320.
Yes, there is a link between Detroit and Kansas City but there is no direct transportation available. The fastest option to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Other options include taking a train, which takes 18 hours and 55 minutes, or driving, which takes about 12 hours and 42 minutes. Alternatively, there is a bus service available, but it takes approximately 15 hours and 25 minutes with transfers.
The flight between Detroit and Kansas City typically takes 2 hours and 4 minutes. The cost of a flight can vary between $110 and $332.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Kansas City. There are over 292 hotels available, offering a range of prices starting from $42 per night.