Taking the Train to Chicago from Wichita: A Holiday Family Adventure

A couple of Christmases ago, my family decided to take the train from Wichita to Chicago, a truly memorable adventure. “Wild” might be the right word since the Amtrak Southwest Chief leaves from Newton at 2:00 a.m. and the ride is about 12 hours (without delays). We love an adventure, and splurging on a sleeper car made the trip surprisingly cozy and fun.

I received so many questions afterward that I wanted to put everything we learned in one place. When we booked, the only firsthand info we found was on Reddit—so hopefully this helps Wichita and Kansas families considering the trip.

For reference, we loved our experience so much that my husband and oldest daughter are taking the train all the way to LA this Christmas. (My youngest and I are flying—we believe in adventure, but also in good sleep!)

If we were to make this trip again, I’d likely board in Kansas City at Union Station, where the Southwest Chief typically departs around 7 a.m.—a much more reasonable hour. Just note: train delays happen, and you sometimes don’t get updated timing until you’re already at the station.

Don’t miss this post on the Top 10 Things to do With Kids in Chicago!

Train from Wichita to Chicago: What You Need to Know

Logistics

You’ll take the Amtrak Southwest Chief, which you can board:

• Newton, KS – Departs around 2:00 a.m.

• Kansas City Union Station – Departs around 7:00 a.m.

Parking

If departing from Newton, the station is located at 414 N Main St, Newton, KS 67114. There is a free municipal long-term parking lot behind the station/Post Office.
Some travelers note security concerns, but we personally had no issues.

Cost

As of 2025:

• Coach seats start at $138 per rider from Newton.

Upgrade Option: Family Room (Sleeper Car)

A Family Bedroom is approximately $851 for 2 adults + 2 kids and includes:

• Train tickets

• Access to shared restrooms and showers

• Complimentary meals (we found these meals to be quite delicious)

• Lounge access

• Upgraded bedding *Our kids (ages 11 and 9) fit comfortably, but it would be tight with tweens or teens.

We booked the sleeper car for the trip to Chicago (it was only $600 then) and did coach on the way back.

Tips for Taking the Train with Kids

Go in Expecting Delays

Like air travel, train schedules shift. Some parts of the route are single-track and rely on freight traffic, so timing can change. Keeping an “adventure mindset” helped us roll with whatever came our way.

Bring Snacks & Entertainment

Meals were better than expected (included in the sleeper car ticket but for purchase with general ticket), but you’ll still want:

• Snacks and drinks (we brought a charcuterie board from Eataly on our way home from Chicago, and this was perfect for dinner on the train). 

• Games, coloring books, handheld Nintendos, iPads (wifi was spotty)

• Books

• Neck pillows, blankets, and ear plugs or head phones (it can be noisy at times in the general ticket car). 

Don’t Miss the Observation Car

This was our kids’ favorite part! The upper-level observation car has big windows, restaurant-style tables, and comfy seats, perfect for games or just taking in the scenery. There’s also a snack bar in this car.

Track the Train’s Status

Download the Amtrak app to see real-time arrival and departure updates. Because the Southwest Chief runs from Los Angeles to Chicago, delays can stack up along the route.

We arrived at the Newton station at 1:50 a.m. and left at 2:20 a.m. with no delays.
If you depart from Kansas City and happen to experience a delay, Union Station is a fantastic place to wait, there’s even a free train museum.

Coach Is Surprisingly Comfortable

If a sleeper room isn’t in the budget, coach seats are spacious, reclining, and equipped with outlets. Each set of seats has two plug-ins, and the leg rests make relaxing easy. I recommend bringing headphones as it can get noisy at nighttime with some passengers. 

Pack Light

If you’re in coach, be aware that the upstairs seating requires carrying luggage up a narrow staircase. Our kids had to carry their own bags. We each brought:

• One roller suitcase

• One backpack

Destination: Chicago at Christmas

Taking the train from Wichita to Chicago during the holidays is magical. Chicago turns into a Midwest winter wonderland, and the festive energy is contagious. Here are some of our family’s favorites and items still on our list:

• Macy’s on State Street (don’t miss the holiday windows)

• Millennium Park: carolers, ice skating, and the city’s Christmas tree

• SkyDeck at the Willis Tower

• Christkindlmarket (three locations, free entry—mulled wine highly recommended!)

• Shopping on Michigan Ave./The Magnificent Mile

• Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland

• Museum of Science & Industry – Christmas Around the World

• Walking through the historic Drake Hotel

• Shedd Aquarium

• Sloomoo

• Giordano’s Pizza

• A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre (indoors!)

• Maggie Daley Park Ice Ribbon with skyline views

Overall, the train from Wichita to Chicago ended up being one of our favorite family memories—one we still talk about often. Let me know if you have questions or if I missed anything!