Union Station
Railfan Vantage Point 1:
Pedestrian
Walkway - In 2007 a pedestrian walkway constructed from an actual single-track railroad
bridge was moved from the north side of Downtown Kansas City to its current location connecting Union Station
with the "Freight House District". The walkway is ADA-compliant and features an elevator if you don't feel
like taking the two-story climb up the stairs. It's a great spot for a railfan. Free parking is
available on the North side of the tracks near the old freight house that now houses several
restaurants. The restaurants are one block south of 20th and Baltimore Streets. There are two entrances to
the parking lots, one at the west end of the freight house and one in the middle of the building that ducks
under the second floor of the building. (The sign says that parking is for restaurant patrons only, but I
have never had anyone question me on it)
Also, the restaurants themselves are good places to
watch trains while having lunch or dinner. Lidia's Restaurant , Jack Stack Barbeque and Grunauer.
All have window seating and even outdoor seating in warm
weather.
Railfan Vantage Point 2:
Union Station Parking lot - While parking garages are going
up at a feverish pace in Kansas City's relentless effort to stamp out free parking for everyone, there are
still a few places to pull up and take pictures on the south side of the tracks near the station. Don't get
too far from your car however, as the Union Station Security Patrol are frequently cruising all the areas
around the station.
Railfan Vantage Point 3:
Pennsylvania Avenue, Main Street and Grand Avenue overpasses
- Good locations above the tracks for photos.
Train Frequency:
Freight - 100+
Amtrak - Eastbound:
Southwest Chief to Chicago scheduled arrival at 7:24 am
Missouri River Runner to St. Louis scheduled departure at 8:15 am
Missouri River Runner to St. Louis scheduled departure at 4:00 pm
Amtrak - Westbound:
Southwest Chief to from Chicago scheduled arrival at 10:11 pm
Missouri River Runner from St. Louis scheduled arrival at 2:55 pm
Missouri River Runner from St. Louis scheduled arrival at 9:40
pm
What You'll See:
BNSF - Stack trains, intermodal, manifest, unit grain, a few coal trains, the Sheffield
local (complete with caboose)
Union Pacific - Coal trains, stack trains, intermodal, manifest, unit grain
Norfolk Southern - Intermodal, RoadRailers
Iowa, Chicago & Eastern - Manifest and grain trains
Kansas City Terminal - Locals with the "Bumble Bees"
CSX, Kansas City Southern run through trains
Security Concerns:
All
locations listed above are generally free from any potential problems. As with most locations, chances for trouble
increase after dark. The area has a limited population of homeless and they tend to hang around several
currently unused buildings and under overpasses. The tracks are fenced on both sides and while there are few
trespassing signs, it's pretty obvious where you're not supposed to be.
How to get There:
From I-35 Northbound - take the West Pennway Exit (1C) and follow
signs that say "Science City" (part of Union Station)
From I-35 Southbound - take the 20th St exit (1D) and follow signs that say "Science City" (part of Union
Station)
From I-70 east or west - take I-70 to I-35 South and follow directions above.
The story of Union Station -
Kansas City Union Station
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