The Amtrak Missouri River Runner connects Kansas City, MO, and St. Louis, MO, with two daily round-trip trains. 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 communities in the Midwest, offering travelers flexible and convenient options. Additionally, some stops offer connections to Amtrak Connecting Services, providing even further travel options.
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 available for 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, individual reading lights and 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets are available, with many cars equipped with USB chargers.
Most cars have overhead luggage storage with storage racks.
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 located between the seats, often featuring 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 café 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 café 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, comfortable seats, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, you are closer to the café car with complimentary drinks (available upon request) and have lounge access in Chicago Union for a fee and in St. Louis for free.
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 the pet and the carrier
- For trips up to seven hours.
- Please read the Amtrak pet policy and print out the accompanying paperwork that Amtrak provides.
- 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 that offers a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages, including hot, cold, and alcoholic options. 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 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, 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
If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size limit for that train is 28 x 22 x 11 inches per piece.
Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
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Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner schedule
Note: I created this timetable from information from Amtrak.com. The schedules can change without my knowledge; please double-check with Amtrak or your eTicket for the most up-to-date times.
If two times are listed, the first is the arrival time, and the second is the departure time. If there’s only one time, it’s a quick stop.
Trains 318 and 319 are a combined Missouri River Runner and Lincoln Service, running between Chicago and 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 |
Amtrak provides the information for these guides, and Amtrak reserves the right to change it at any time.
A 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, which travels between Chicago and Kansas City via St. Louis.
Alternatives to Amtrak’s 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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