The Amtrak Missouri River Runner is a convenient train service that travels across Missouri, connecting Kansas City and St. Louis, with several stops in communities along the route. Depending on your journey, this route is perfect for a quick getaway in Missouri, a visit to the state capital, a stop in wine country, or even a longer Amtrak adventure.
Some Missouri River Runner trains are combined with the Lincoln Service, providing a direct ride between Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago. Additionally, several stations offer Amtrak Connecting Services, giving travelers even more options beyond the train routes.
In this article, you will find the schedule for the Missouri River Runner, along with onboard amenities, station stops, and other useful information to help you plan and book your next Amtrak trip.
Amtrak Missouri River Runner Quick Answer
The Amtrak Missouri River Runner is a state-supported train that travels between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, making stops in Independence, Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington, and Kirkwood.
The route usually offers two daily round-trip departures. Passengers can choose from coach seating or Business Class. Onboard amenities include café service, Wi-Fi, and the option to bring carry-on bikes, although checked baggage is not allowed. Some Missouri River Runner trains are connected with the Lincoln Service, providing travelers with a seamless one-seat ride between Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago.
Amtrak Missouri River Runner schedule
Schedule note: I created this timetable using information from Amtrak.com. Schedules can change without notice, so double-check your times with Amtrak or your eTicket before you travel.
This schedule was last updated on July 5, 2026.
How to read this schedule
Train 311 and Train 319 travel west toward Kansas City, while Train 316 and Train 318 head east toward St. Louis or Chicago. Trains 318 and 319 are combined Missouri River Runner and Lincoln Service trains, which means they continue beyond St. Louis to or from Chicago.
| 311 Read Down | 319 Read Down | Communities Served | Miles CHI – KCS/ KCS – STL | 316 Last Stop | 318 Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 9:50a | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) | 0 | – | 8:00p |
| – | 10:13a | Summit, IL (SMT) | 12 | – | 7:11p |
| – | 10:40a | Joliet, IL Gateway Center (JOL) | 37 | – | 6:46p |
| – | 11:09a | Dwight, IL (DWT) | 74 | – | 6:12p |
| – | 11:23a | Pontiac, IL (PON) | 92 | – | 5:59p |
| – | 11:59a | Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL) | 124 | – | 5:35p |
| – | 12:25p | Lincoln, IL (LCN) | 156 | – | 5:08p |
| – | 12:56p | Springfield, IL (SPI) | 185 | – | 4:46p |
| – | 1:33p | Carlinville, IL (CRV) | 224 | – | 4:05p |
| – | 1:59p | Alton, IL (ALN) | 257 | – | 3:39p |
| 8:10a | 2:51p | 3:11p | St. Louis, MO Gateway Station (STL) | 284/0 | 9:45p | 2:20p | 2:55p |
| 8:39a | 3:40p | Kirkwood, MO (KWD) | 297/13 | 9:13p | 1:47p |
| 9:16a | 4:17p | Washington, MO (WAH) | 335/51 | 8:24p | 1:03p |
| 9:45a | 4:45p | Hermann, MO (HEM) | 365/81 | 7:57p | 12:36p |
| 10:35a | 5:36p | Jefferson City, MO (JEF) | 409/125 | 7:12p | 11:49a |
| 11:45a | 6:43p | Sedalia, MO (SED) | 473/189 | 5:54p | 10:27a |
| 12:16p | 7:14p | Warrensburg, MO (WAR) | 502/218 | 5:24p | 9:57a |
| 1:03p | 7:55p | Lee’s Summit, MO (LEE) | 554/260 | 4:41p | 9:16a |
| 1:20p | 8:11p | Independence, MO (IDP) | 557/260 | 4:24p | 8:59a |
| 1:50p | 8:51p | Kansas City, MO Union Station (KCY) | 567/273 | 4:05p | 8:40a |
| Final | Final | Stations | Miles | Read Up | Read Up |
Amtrak provides the information in these guides and reserves the right to change it at any time.
A Printable Amtrak Missouri River Runner Schedule
This printable PDF includes the schedule for the Missouri River Runner between St. Louis and Kansas City.
This printable PDF details the combined Lincoln Service and Missouri River Runner trains connecting Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City.
Amtrak Missouri River Runner seating options
The Amtrak Missouri River Runner provides two seating options: Coach Class and Business Class.
Coach Class on the Missouri River Runner
Coach Class is the standard seating option on the Missouri River Runner. The seats come with a fold-down tray, and some cars feature tables between selected seats.
For convenience, many vehicles provide individual reading lights, 120-volt grounded outlets, and, in some instances, USB charging ports.
Most cars have overhead luggage storage, with extra luggage racks in some models.
The Missouri River Runner trains may utilize newer Venture cars or a combination of older Amtrak equipment, so the specific layout and features can differ from one trip to another.
Kev’s Coach Car Travel Advice
In many newer cars, the outlets are situated between the seats and may include USB-A ports. However, I still recommend bringing your standard charger. A phone is much more useful as a phone rather than as an expensive brick.
I would also bring a small extension cord if you need to charge more than one device or end up in an older car with a less convenient outlet location.
Headphones are vital for listening to music, podcasts, videos, or any other audio. Also, remember to pack the necessary charging cords and adapters for your devices.
Bringing a water bottle and a snack can make your trip more comfortable. They provide a backup option if the café car is unavailable or if you find yourself waiting at a station for an extended period. Additionally, it’s a good idea to carry a little extra money in case you want to purchase something from the café car.
You don’t need to print your tickets or schedules, but having a printed copy or saved screenshot can be helpful if the internet is unavailable when you need it.
Business Class
Business Class is offered on the Missouri River Runner and features dedicated seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Business Class passengers on the combined Lincoln Service and Missouri River Runner can purchase access to the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago. In St. Louis, Business Class passengers may utilize the Private Waiting Room.
Pets
- Amtrak allows dogs and cats.:
- Up to 20 pounds, with a combined weight of the pet and the carrier
- For trips up to seven hours.
- Please read the Amtrak pet policy and print the accompanying paperwork.
- 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 to review the qualifications and booking instructions.
Food on the Missouri River Runner
The train features a café car offering a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages. The café 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 café car. You can bring alcohol on the train, but you cannot consume it while aboard.
Bikes
The carry-on/Trainside bicycle basics allow you to bring up to 50 lbs of standard-sized bicycles. The maximum tire width is 2″.
Before booking, check the Amtrak bike policy for more details. This service may not be available at all stations.
Luggage
This train does not offer checked baggage.
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, up to 25 pounds (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
Charges apply to additional and oversized luggage; see Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Other Amtrak Trains to Consider
Depending on your departure and destination, another Amtrak train might be a better option for your trip.
Chicago and Kansas City
The Southwest Chief travels between Chicago and Kansas City. This train follows a different route and does not serve St. Louis, making it a convenient option for those traveling directly between Chicago and Kansas City.
Chicago and St. Louis
Other Lincoln Service trains run between Chicago and St. Louis, providing travelers with additional departure options.
The Texas Eagle also connects to Chicago and St. Louis. Unlike the Lincoln Service, the Texas Eagle is a long-distance train offering both coach seating and sleeper accommodations, including roomettes and bedrooms.
Thanks for Learning About The Amtrak Missouri River Runner Schedule
My goal is to keep these as up to date as possible.
Safe Travels,
Kev
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
