You’re standing on the platform at Union Station in Kansas City. It’s early. Maybe a little too early for some, but the vibe is different than an airport. There is no TSA line where you have to take your shoes off and feel like a criminal for carrying a bottle of water. Instead, there’s just the Southwest Chief. It’s massive. Taking the train Kansas City to Chicago isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about reclaiming your time from the chaos of I-55 or the cramped middle seat of a regional jet.
Most people think it’s a slog. Honestly? It can be if you don’t know what you’re doing. But if you play your cards right, it’s seven-ish hours of pure productivity or total relaxation. You’ve got room to breathe.
Why the Southwest Chief is Actually Faster Than Flying (Sort Of)
Wait. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. If you look at the schedule, the Amtrak Southwest Chief (Train 4) usually pulls out of Kansas City around 7:45 AM. It’s scheduled to hit Chicago’s Union Station by about 3:15 PM. That’s seven and a half hours.
A flight is 90 minutes.
But do the math. You have to drive to KCI, which is way out in the Northland. You get there two hours early. You land at O’Hare, wait for bags, then spend an hour (and $60) in an Uber trying to get to the Loop. Suddenly, your "90-minute" trip is five hours of high-stress sprinting. On the train, you show up 20 minutes before departure, sit down, and start working or napping immediately. No turbulence. No middle seats. No "please turn off your electronic devices."
The Route and the Stops
You aren’t just teleporting. The train snakes through the heart of the Midwest. You’ll hit La Plata, Missouri, then cross the Mississippi River into Fort Madison, Iowa. The bridge crossing is actually pretty cool—it’s a double-deck swing span bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a barge passing underneath. Then it’s a straight shot across Illinois through Galesburg, Princeton, and Mendota.
Galesburg is a big one. It’s a massive rail hub. You’ll see graveyard after graveyard of freight cars. It’s industrial, raw, and weirdly beautiful if you’re into that kind of Americana.
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Living the Dream in Coach vs. Sleeper
Here is the thing about Amtrak: coach is actually decent. We aren't talking about economy class on a budget airline where your knees are hitting your chin. These seats recline way back, and there’s a leg rest that pops up. You could easily sleep here.
But.
If you have the budget, the Roomette is a game-changer. You get your own little sanctuary. Two seats that face each other and turn into a bed. Plus, meals are included. Real meals. Not a bag of pretzels.
The Observation Car: The Real MVP
Even if you’re in coach, you aren’t stuck in your seat. Walk to the Sightseer Lounge. It’s the car with the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the social hub of the train. You’ll meet people from all over—backpackers, retirees who refuse to fly, and folks who just like the rhythm of the rails.
Bring a book. Or don’t. Just stare at the cornfields. There’s something hypnotic about the Illinois prairie passing by at 79 mph.
The Reality Check on Delays
Let’s be real for a second. Freight trains own the tracks. Amtrak is basically a guest on BNSF’s property. Sometimes, a freight train breaks down or there’s a signaling issue, and you’ll find yourself sitting in the middle of a field for thirty minutes.
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It happens.
Don't book a non-refundable dinner reservation in Chicago for 5:00 PM. Give yourself a buffer. Most of the time, the Southwest Chief is fairly reliable because it’s a long-distance route coming all the way from Los Angeles, but by the time it hits KC, it’s usually on a rhythm. Check the Amtrak app or the "Track Your Train" feature on their website before you head to the station. It’s usually accurate within a few minutes.
Food, Drinks, and the Wi-Fi Myth
The Wi-Fi on the train Kansas City to Chicago is... let's call it "optimistic." It relies on cellular towers. When you’re in the middle of rural Missouri or Western Illinois, it’s going to drop out.
- Pro tip: Download your Netflix shows or Spotify playlists before you leave.
- Work: If you need to get work done, do the "offline" stuff. Write that report, edit those photos, or clear out your inbox. Don't rely on a Zoom call. It won't end well.
- Snacks: There is a cafe car downstairs in the lounge. It sells microwavable pizzas, hot dogs, and beer. It’s fine in a pinch, but it’s pricey. Honestly, just pack a cooler bag. Grab a sandwich from a local KC spot like Bay Boy or M&M Bakery before you board. You’ll thank yourself later.
Arriving at Chicago Union Station
Coming into Chicago is the best part of the trip. The skyline starts to peek out, and you roll right past the back of the Willis Tower. You’ll step off the train right into the Great Hall. It’s iconic. Think The Untouchables—the massive marble columns and the wooden benches.
From there, you’re in the heart of the city. You can walk to the Loop, hop on the "L," or catch a water taxi if the weather is nice. You arrive refreshed, not frantic.
Essential Steps for Your Trip
To make sure this doesn't turn into a nightmare, there are a few things you actually need to do. First, buy your tickets early. Amtrak uses dynamic pricing just like airlines. If you wait until the day of, you’re going to pay double what you would have three weeks ago.
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Second, sign up for Guest Rewards. It’s free. If you take this trip even once a year, the points add up, and they don't expire as long as there is activity every two years.
Third, pack a small power strip or a multi-plug adapter. While most seats have an outlet, sometimes they’re loose or you have multiple devices to charge. Being the person with the extra outlets makes you the most popular person in the car.
Finally, keep an eye on your luggage. While the train is generally safe, it’s still public transit. Use the overhead racks for the big stuff, but keep your tech and your wallet in a smaller bag that stays with you. If you’re going to the lounge car for an hour, take the essentials.
Don't overthink the packing list. You don't need a tuxedo for the dining car, and you don't need a survival kit for the Missouri wilderness. Just bring a light blanket—the AC on these trains can be aggressive even in the middle of July—and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Once the train starts rolling and the conductor calls out "All aboard," you’ll realize that the 500 miles between KC and Chicago are actually some of the most peaceful miles you'll ever travel.
Check the current schedule on the Amtrak website for Train 4 (Eastbound) and Train 3 (Westbound) to ensure no seasonal track maintenance has altered the departure times. If you're traveling during the winter, prepare for potential delays due to snow in the Midwest, which can occasionally slow down the switch-clearing process. Otherwise, sit back, grab a coffee, and watch the world go by.