Kansas City Union Station: A Guide to Transportation, Amenities, and History

Kansas City Union Station, a landmark in the heart of Missouri, serves as a vital transportation hub and a captivating historical site. This guide provides comprehensive information on Amtrak services, station amenities, contact details, and a glimpse into the station’s rich past.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108

Amtrak Phone: +1-800-872-7245 for reservations, cancellations, and travel inquiries. Additional Amtrak support is available at +1-855-589-6554.

Customer Relations Email: customer.relations@amtrak.com

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Amtrak support is available 24/7 at +1-855-589-6554.

Train Services

Kansas City Union Station (KCY) is served by Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and Missouri River Runner trains. The station is a key stop for travel between Los Angeles and Chicago (Southwest Chief) and between St. Louis and Kansas City (Missouri River Runner).

Amenities

Kansas City Union Station offers a range of amenities for travelers:

• Waiting Area: An enclosed waiting area is available for passengers.
• Parking: Parking is available, including ADA accessible parking in the South Plaza lot and Parking Garage. Union Station Membership offers free parking passes with Premium Memberships. Parking can be paid for via credit card kiosks in the South Plaza & Triangle Lot or through the “Park Smarter” App. Cash parking is available at the West Yards Garage.
• Assisted Listening Devices: Available upon request for utilize in the theaters.
• Mother’s Room: A private Mother’s Room is located on the B Level.
• Lost & Found: Located at Security on the B Level.
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Designated areas for wheelchair and stroller access.

Please note: Wheelchairs are currently unavailable for checkout and the ATM is temporarily being relocated.

Historical Significance

Originally opened on October 30, 1914, as the third-largest train station in the country, Kansas City Union Station was built by the Kansas City Terminal Railway, a consortium of twelve railroads. The station replaced the original Union Depot, which was destroyed by a flood in 1903.

The station encompasses 850,000 square feet of space and originally featured 900 rooms. After a period of decline, the station was closed to regular train service in 1983 (with a limited “Amtrak Bubble” service continuing) and fully closed in 1985.

Following a major rehabilitation, the station reopened in 1999 with the addition of Science City and resumed Amtrak service in 2002, becoming Missouri’s second-busiest train station. Today, it serves as a multi-purpose facility housing museums, shops, restaurants, and transportation services.

Recent Ridership

In Fiscal Year 2025, Kansas City Union Station recorded 164,809 Amtrak passengers.

KC Streetcar Connection

Kansas City Union Station is also connected to the KC Streetcar line, with nearby stops at the WWI Museum & Memorial and Crossroads.