Things to do / Travel Guide
Flying to St. Louis (STL) and Kansas City (MCI)
If you ever flew TWA to anywhere in the United States, you most likely have flown through St. Louis. Well, TWA is long gone and American Airlines did not see the need for yet another hub so if you are the nostalgic type, recall the bustle at Lambert Field (STL) back in the 90's when 30 million people passed through annually. But try to forget the elderly crew, ancient 747's and Carl Ichan.
Most major US airlines serve Lambert – St. Louis with Southwest and American offering the most destinations. Commuter airlines provide service to points in Iowa, Illinois as well as Kirksville, Ft. Leonard Wood and Cape Girardeau in Missouri. The few international flights are mainly to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a top rated facility, with non-stop service to most major US destinations. Southwest fans should note that you can get to Kansas City from most of their domestic destinations. MCI serves very few international destinations.
Driving Distance to St. Louis and Kansas City
Some Missouri driving directions - approximate distances to Kansas City coming from the west and St. Louis, coming from the east.
- Driving Distance from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri: 318 miles, 5 hours 15 minutes
- Driving Distance from Atlanta, Georgia to St. Louis, Missouri: 570 miles, 9 hours 45 minutes
- Driving Distance from Washington, DC to St. Louis, Missouri: 853 miles, 14 hours 30 minutes
- Driving Distance from Dallas, Texas to Kansas City, Missouri: 500 miles, 8 hours 45 minutes
- Driving Distance from Denver, Colorado to Kansas City, Missouri: 603 miles, 9 hours 45 minutes
Trains Chicago to St. Louis and Kansas City
Both St. Louis and Kansas City are firmly places on Amtrak's map. St. Louis is served by the Texas Eagle route between Chicago and Dallas and the Lincoln Service from Chicago, while Kansas City is on the Southwest Chief route between Chicago and America's Southwest.
Most train traffic is between Chicago and Kansas City and Chicago and St. Louis. At 7 hours and 5 and 1/2 hours respectively, it might actually be faster than flying or driving. The train from Chicago to St. Louis runs several times a day from morning to evening. The train to Kansas City runs once daily. There are plans to serve the area by high speed rail, but we do not recommend delaying your vacation till then.
Further afield, the 37 hour trip from Los Angeles to Kansas City may be a bit much, but 17 hours to/from Albuquerque almost seems do-able. Get a sleeper car, wake up and watch the scenery and save the airport hassles. For those heading to or from Texas, St. Louis is 16 hours on the overnight train.
Airports Serving Kansas City, St. Louis, Branson and the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas
Getting-There
Adams Field Airport (LIT)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport (STL)
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA)
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