This 283-mile Train Route Travels Across Missouri, With River Views, Charming Towns, and Wineries

Key Points

• Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner travels 283 miles between St. Louis and Kansas City in about five hours and 40 minutes.

• The most scenic stretch follows the Missouri River past wooded bluffs, farmland, vineyards, and small towns, with especially colorful views in fall.

• Two daily round trips and stops including Hermann and Jefferson City make the route useful for day trips and longer stays.

East of Jefferson City, an Amtrak train slips between wooded bluffs and the broad Missouri River, passing small towns, vineyards, and stretches of farmland rarely visible from the interstate—it’s Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner, traveling the 283 miles between St. Louis and Kansas City in about five hours, 40 minutes.

“Our trains hug the Missouri River between St. Louis and Jefferson City, with the river on the right as you head west, on the left as you head east,” says Marc Magliari, senior public relations manager for Amtrak. The route continues west across the state on a stretch that often runs well away from the river.

The Missouri River Runner received its current name in 2009, though passenger trains have crossed the state along this corridor for decades. Today, it operates two daily round trips between St. Louis’ Gateway Transportation Center and Kansas City’s Union Station, with eight stops in between—it’s arguably one of the most unique ways to explore the Show-Me State.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner.

Best Time to Ride

Fall brings the most brilliant scenery, particularly between Washington and Jefferson City, where the tracks follow the Missouri River beneath wooded bluffs, with peak colors arriving around October. The timing overlaps with Oktoberfest in Hermann, Missouri, which brings fuller trains and larger crowds.

To get a glimpse of the scenery in green, visit in May and stay for Hermann’s Maifest. While summer offers longer days, the heat and humidity can make exploring outside uncomfortable. Winter is quieter, and the attractions, wineries, and restaurants in the smaller town stops may reduce their hours.

Know Before You Go

The Missouri River Runner has coach and business class seats, and free basic Wi-Fi and café service are available for everyone. A business class ticket includes a dedicated seating section and complimentary nonalcoholic drinks. The Midwest café menu includes sandwiches, snacks, coffee, beer, wine, and other drinks.

The route uses reserved coach seating, so you’ll need to book a ticket before boarding. If you’re planning to take a ride on a weekend or in advance of a major event, such as Hermann’s Oktoberfest, you’ll likely need to reserve a seat far in advance. “While we encourage overnight stays, the twice-daily schedules enable day-trips,” says Magliari, adding that booking early generally yields the best prices.

Stops Along the Route

St. Louis

Gateway Transportation Center puts you in the Downtown West neighborhood, within walking distance of Busch Stadium, City Museum and the former Union Station complex. Farther east, Gateway Arch National Park is one of several admission-free attractions in the city. The site includes the Gateway Arch, an underground museum, and the restored Old Courthouse—it’s advisable to snag tram tickets in advance if you want to ride to the top. City Museum occupies a former shoe warehouse and features tunnels, slides, salvaged architectural pieces, as well as rooftop installations, while the St. Louis Aquarium inside Union Station is a convenient indoor option for families. A few blocks south of Busch Stadium, Broadway Oyster Bar pairs live music with Cajun and Creole staples such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and po’boys. The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Union Station occupies the restored 1907 Railroad YMCA building and is just a five-minute walk from the station—it gets bonus points for the complimentary breakfast.

Hermann

Founded in 1837 by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia, Hermann regularly celebrates its German heritage through wineries, festivals, and its historic architecture. The town’s Amtrak depot stands on the riverfront and doubles as a visitor center, putting shops, restaurants, museums, and several tasting rooms within easy walking distance. The Hermann Trolley provides hop-on service to stops including Stone Hill Winery, Hermannhof Winery, and Adam Puchta Winery.

If you want to wander outside the town’s compact downtown, Hermann Farm has scheduled tours that walk visitors through the area’s agricultural and immigrant history. Hermann Wurst Haus handles lunch with house-made bratwurst, a two-sausage German platter, brisket sandwiches, and sweet bologna sandwiches. Near the station, Hermannhof Winery Deli offers sandwiches, Hermannhof bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad, and pretzels with beer cheese. Visitors can also follow a self-guided historic walking route around Market and Fourth streets or walk through Riverfront Park. Maifest takes place in May, while Oktoberfest fills every October weekend; ticketed Wine Trail events include February’s Chocolate Wine Trail and November’s Holiday Fare Wine Trail. Directly across from the station, The Inn at Hermannhof has rooms and cottages in historic buildings.

Jefferson City

Missouri’s capital rises above the river, with the State Capitol dome dominating the view as the train approaches. The Jefferson City station sits beside Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, between the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion, positioning travelers within easy walking distance of downtown. The Capitol and Missouri State Museum are open, with free guided Capitol tours covering the building’s architecture, public spaces, and art (though you must reserve 24 hours in advance). Those who love ghost tours will want to stop by the Missouri State Penitentiary, which operated for 168 years before closing in 2004. History and ghost tours generally run from March through November. For river views, cross the Bicentennial Bridge to Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island. A short walk from the Capitol, The Grand Cafe brings European inflections to a contemporary American menu, including dishes such as chicken saltimbocca and steak frites. Travelers staying overnight can reach the DoubleTree by Hilton Jefferson City in about 10 minutes on foot.

Kansas City

The route ends at Kansas City Union Station, a restored 1914 landmark home to Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, a model-train gallery, theaters, and rotating exhibitions. An enclosed, climate-controlled walkway called the Link connects the station with Crown Center. Operating hours are limited, so check before you go. Hop on the KC Streetcar to The National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Main Street Extension, which opened in October 2025, runs from Union Station through Midtown to the Country Club Plaza and UMKC, making it easier to explore the city without a car. Science City works well for families with several hours between trains, while Union Station itself is worth seeing for its beaux arts architecture. Close to the platform, Jack Stack Barbecue serves Kansas-style beef burnt ends, brisket, and pork spare ribs. The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center connects to Union Station through Crown Center and the Link, although late-night arrivals may need to walk outside or use a ride-hailing service when the walkway is closed.

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