The Amtrak Missouri River Runner connects Kansas City, MO, and St. Louis, MO, with two daily round trips. One train extends beyond St. Louis to Chicago as part of the Missouri River Runner/Lincoln Service. Along the way, these trains serve major cities and smaller Midwest communities, offering travelers flexible and convenient options. Plus, some stops provide connections to Amtrak Connecting Services for even further travel possibilities.
In this article, you’ll find the train schedules and all the essential details to help you plan and 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.
However, I would still bring an extension cord if you need to plug in more than one thing or are in an older car.
Headphones are essential if you plan to listen to anything that makes noise. Don’t forget to pack working cords and chargers.
A water bottle and snack can help enhance your adventure and serve as a backup 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 in 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 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 café car that sells a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks, as well as 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 cafe 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 bicycle sizes. 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 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 Read Down | 319 Read Down | Communities Served | 316 Last Stop | 318 Last Stop | Miles 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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