The Amtrak Missouri River Runner operates twice daily between Kansas City, MO, and St. Louis, MO. One of the two trains continues through St. Louis and onto Chicago as the Missouri River Runner/Lincoln Service. These trains stop in major cities and travel to numerous smaller communities in the Midwest, offering several travel options. Additionally, some stops allow you to continue your journey with Amtrak Connecting Services.
This article provides the schedules for Missouri Runner trains and all the essential information you need to book your next Amtrak adventure.
Amtrak Missouri River Runner seating options
There are two seating options when it comes to the Missouri River Runner.
Coach class
The Amtrak Missouri River Runner coach seating offers a fold-down tray and, in some cases, tables between the seats.
For your convenience, there are individual reading lights and 120v grounded (three-prong) electric outlets, with many cars having USB chargers.
There is overhead luggage storage with storage racks in most cars.
These trains use either the new Venture cars or a mix of older Amtrak cars.
Kev’s coach car travel advice
In most newer cars, the outlets are between the seats with USB ports, but I would still bring an extension cord just in case you need to plug in more than one thing or if you are in an older car.
Headphones are essential if you plan on listening to anything that makes noise. Don’t forget to pack working cords and charges.
A water bottle and snack can help add to your adventure and fill in if the cafe car is unavailable or if you are waiting at a station longer than anticipated. I would pack a little extra money to spend on the cafe car.
You do not have to print out tickets or schedules, but I find it handy if you need them and the internet is unavailable.
Business class
The train also has a business class with extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, you are closer to the cafe car with some complimentary drinks (ask the attendant) and have lounge access in Chicago Union for a fee and St Louis for free stations.
Additionally, Business Class customers receive 25% bonus points on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Pets
- Amtrak allows dogs and cats.:
- Up to 20 pounds with a combined weight of pet and carrier
- For trips up to seven hours.
- Please read the Amtrak pet policy and print out the paperwork Amtrak sends you.
- You must complete the paperwork before the train arrives, and the pet must be on the reservation.
Read the service animals policy before booking your trip for qualifications and booking instructions.
Food
The train has a cafe car that sells a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks, as well as hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages. The cafe is open to all customers for most of the journey but may close at the start and end of the route.
You can bring food and beverages on the train, but according to FDA rules, you should refrain from bringing them into the cafe car. You can bring alcohol on the train but cannot consume it while aboard.
Bikes
Carry-on/Trainside bicycle basics allow you to bring up to 50 lbs standard bicycle sizes. The maximum tire width is 2″.
Before booking, check the Amtrak bike policy for more details, for this service may not be available at all stations.
Luggage
This train does not offer a checked bag service.
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.
Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
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Amtrak Missouri River Runner schedule
I created this timetable using data from Amtrak.com. If the times change without my knowledge, check with Amtrak or your eticket.
If there are two times, the first is the arrival, the second is the departure, and if there is only one, it is a quick stop.
Trains 318 and 319 are a combined Missouri River Runner/Lincoln Service from Chicago to Kansas City via St Louis, MO.
| 311 | 319 | Communities Served | 316 | 318 | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Down | Read Down | — | Last Stop | Last Stop | CHI – KCS/ KCS – STL |
| – | 9:50a | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) | – | 8:00p | 0 |
| – | 10:13a | Summit, IL (SMT) | – | 7:11p | 12 |
| – | 10:40a | Joliet, IL Gateway Center (JOL) | – | 6:46p | 37 |
| – | 11:09a | Dwight, IL (DWT) | – | 6:12p | 74 |
| – | 11:23a | Pontiac, IL (PON) | – | 5:59p | 92 |
| – | 11:59a | Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL) | – | 5:35p | 124 |
| – | 12:25p | Lincoln, IL (LCN) | – | 5:08p | 156 |
| – | 12:56p | Springfield, IL (SPI) | – | 4:46p | 185 |
| – | 1:33p | Carlinville, IL (CRV) | – | 4:05p | 224 |
| – | 1:59p | Alton, IL (ALN) | – | 3:39p | 257 |
| 8:10a | 2:51p | 3:11p | St. Louis, MO Gateway Station (STL) | 9:45p | 2:20p | 2:55p | 284/0 |
| 8:39a | 3:40p | Kirkwood, MO (KWD) | 9:13p | 1:47p | 297/13 |
| 9:16a | 4:17p | Washington, MO (WAH) | 8:24p | 1:03p | 335/51 |
| 9:45a | 4:45p | Hermann, MO (HEM) | 7:57p | 12:36p | 365/81 |
| 10:35a | 5:36p | Jefferson City, MO (JEF) | 7:12p | 11:49a | 409/125 |
| 11:45a | 6:43p | Sedalia, MO (SED) | 5:54p | 10:27a | 473/189 |
| 12:16p | 7:14p | Warrensburg, MO (WAR) | 5:24p | 9:57a | 502/218 |
| 1:03p | 7:55p | Lee’s Summit, MO (LEE) | 4:41p | 9:16a | 554/260 |
| 1:20p | 8:11p | Independence, MO (IDP) | 4:24p | 8:59a | 557/260 |
| 1:50p | 8:51p | Kansas City, MO Union Station (KCY) | 4:05p | 8:40a | 567/273 |
| Final | Final | Stations | Read Up | Read Up | Miles |
The information for these guides comes from Amtrak, and Amtrak can change them anytime.
Printable Amtrak Missouri River Runner Schedule
This PDF is just for the Missouri River Runner between St Louis and Kansas City,
This PDF is for the Lincoln-Service Missouri River Runner that travels between Chicago and Kansas City via St Louis.
Alternatives to the Amtrak Missouri River Runner Schedule
Depending on where you are leaving from or going, these trains might suit your needs better.
Chicago and Kansas City
The Southwest Chief also travels between Chicago and Kansas City.
Chicago and St Louis
Other Lincoln Service trains operate between Chicago and St. Louis, or you can use the Texas Eagle, which offers rooms and coach accommodations.
Thanks for Learning About The Amtrak Missouri River Runner Schedule
My goal is to keep these as updated as possible.
Safe Travels,
Kev
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