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Trains from Saint Paul to Chicago

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Saint Paul - Chicago Train Schedule

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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$74.88
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Saint Paul to Chicago

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Sydney

May 13, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Spacious seat and scenic views. Cons: I would have liked more updates on the estimated time of arrival. A lot of it seemed like guesswork. I got three different answers from three different employees. The bathrooms were abysmal and the windows were dirty The din...

Pros: Spacious seat and scenic views. Cons: I would have liked more updates on the estimated time of arrival. A lot of it seemed like guesswork. I got three different answers from three different employees. The bathrooms were abysmal and the windows were dirty The dining car is not open to coach passengers which would have been nice to know in advance. Tips: Make sure to board early to get desired seats, especially if you are traveling in a pair.

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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, $124.66 was the average price of a train ticket from Saint Paul to Chicago. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $82.62 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$368$245$123JunJul

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Saint Paul to Chicago will vary between C$105 and C$364. 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$105. 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

$129$103$77$52$26ASONDJFMAMJJ

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 February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$88 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Saint Paul to Chicago in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$129 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

$161$129$97$65$323020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Saint Paul will be about C$82.62 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 to Chicago. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Builder27h 55m$179.95
  • Amtrak Empire Builder

    Amtrak Empire Builder

    The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.

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?

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Saint Paul to Chicago on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

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.

City Information

Saint Paul

St. Paul, MN - STP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.

For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.

Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.

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 and a top destination in Illinois.

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?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Depot

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.

All train stations in Saint Paul:

  • Union Depot

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

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