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Compare train tickets from Saint Paul to Chicago

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Saint Paul-Chicago Train Schedule

Train
$146.13
8:00 AM
Union Depot
3:55 PM
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
USEMB
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
$189.97
8:00 AM
Union Depot
3:55 PM
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
USEMB
4.4stars
0 transfers
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from$36.53

Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Saint Paul to Chicago. Traveling by train from Saint Paul to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 55 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance347 mi (558 km)
Fastest train7h 55m
Lowest price$70.63
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Diane

March 2, 2020 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Relaxing Didn’t have to drive. Cons: The Bathrooms wereAWFUL!! Even when we asked about more tp... none arrived within the 6 hours of the trip. Tips: Bring your own toilet paper...and hand santitizer!!

Pros: Relaxing Didn’t have to drive. Cons: The Bathrooms wereAWFUL!! Even when we asked about more tp... none arrived within the 6 hours of the trip. Tips: Bring your own toilet paper...and hand santitizer!!

4.0

William

August 20, 2019 - Couples trip

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Room seats. Observation car really nice. Pretty smooth and quiet ride. Cons: Smokers were using lower level to smoke. This needs to be stopped. Train was very cold.

Pros: Room seats. Observation car really nice. Pretty smooth and quiet ride. Cons: Smokers were using lower level to smoke. This needs to be stopped. Train was very cold.

What is the price of a train ticket from Saint Paul to Chicago?

In the last month, C$76.04 was the average price of a train ticket from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 14 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around C$42.84 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$128$85$43JunJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Saint Paul to Chicago will vary between C$71 and C$116. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Saint Paul over the next 7 days is C$71. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$122$97$73$49$24JASONDJFMAMJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Saint Paul to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$74 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Saint Paul to Chicago in December, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$121 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$122$97$73$49$243020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Saint Paul will be about C$42.84 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Saint Paul to Chicago?

Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Saint Paul, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Builder27h 56m$87.84

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Saint Paul to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Saint Paul to Chicago?

The distance between Saint Paul and Chicago is approximately 347 miles, or 558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 55 minutes,

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Saint Paul to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Saint Paul at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Saint Paul to Chicago?

Trains leave the station in Saint Paul twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Saint Paul. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Saint Paul to Chicago for $58.45.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Saint Paul?

Departure stations

There is one train station in Saint Paul.

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Arrival stations

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Related reading

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