Santa Fe Junction

The sweet spot of Kansas City train watching, Santa Fe Junction is the intersection point of the BNSF Transcon, UP's main line to St. Louis, BNSF north-south line (ex-Frisco) and UP's Kansas City, KS line south to Texas (ex-Katy)

UP local rounds the bend at Santa Fe Junction

Vantage Points:
1. 25th & Genessee Streets - Several  spots are available for train watching near the intersection of these streets. Much of the area is off limits and it is clearly marked. Venturing into these areas will prompt a visit from the BNSF Police, as they are quite vigilant in this part of town. Parking along the city streets is OK, however. Holmes Drywall Supply has a parking lot that gives a ringside seat to nearly all the action, but should only be used after business hours and on weekends.

Train Frequency:
Freight -  150+ trains a day
Amtrak - Eastbound: Southwest Chief passes by shortly before it's arrival at Union Station at 7:26 am
              Westbound: Southwest Chief passes by shortly after it's departure from Union Station at 10:55 pm

The incoming Missouri River Runner shows up shortly after unloading passengers at 2:10 pm to make a turn-around move and head back to Union Station. The evening Missouri River Runner does the same thing after unloading at 9:40 pm. These moves are done at street level or on the old High Line viaduct, depending on freight traffic at the time.

What you'll see:
90% of the same trains that pass by Union Station will pass through Santa Fe Junction. In addition, there are transfer moves between BNSF Argentine Yard and the BNSF Murray Yard north of the river. These are good opportunities to see former Santa Fe GE B-model locomotives and older Geeps. Transfer and run-through trains from Norfolk Southern to UP yards in Kansas City, Kansas are also in the area. These trains usually have NS and/or CSX power.

Security Concerns:
The area is actively patrolled by BNSF police and less frequently by the Kansas City Missouri Police department. Being in the area after dark is not recommended because it is an industrial setting and the authorities will think you are up to something. In addition the transients in the area usually are up to something.

How to Get There:
From I-70 westbound - Exit onto I-670 and go west to the Wyoming Street exit (1B), cross Wyoming and go one block to Genessee Street, which will be one-way south. Turn left and go toward Kemper Arena (a huge white building), bear to the right and go less than a half mile to Genessee Street, turn right and follow to Santa Fe Junction.

From I-70 Eastbound - Exit onto I-670 and go east to the Genessee Street exit. Turn right and go toward Kemper Arena (a huge white building), bear to the right and go less than a half mile to Genessee Street, turn right and follow to Santa Fe Junction. 

From Downtown -  Get on 19th St and go west. This will curve left and turn into Southwest Boulevard. Take a right at West 25th St (do not go under the overpass), then take the first left (1/4 mile) This will take you under a rail line (limited visibilty, be careful !) and follow this street to Santa Fe Junction. (the first tracks you cross will be the BNSF ex-Frisco line)