Cheap train tickets from St Paul to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from St Paul to Chicago. Travelling by train from St Paul to Chicago usually takes 8 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Borealis train can make the trip in 7 hours and 32 minutes.
- Distance
- 347 mi (558 km)
- Fastest train
- 7h 32m
- Lowest price
- CHF 36.65
- Trains per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 3
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St Paul to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from St Paul to Chicago?
There are usually 21 daily bus trips available from St Paul to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 109.87 | Avg. PriceCHF 88.82Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips21 |
Duration | Duration8h 52mFaster | Duration11h 12m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from St Paul to Chicago (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
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There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to Chicago:
- Amtrak tickets: CHF 49 one-way
- Amtrak Borealis tickets: CHF 37 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Builder tickets: CHF 37 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from St Paul to Chicago cost about CHF 86 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 61.06 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to Chicago will cost between CHF 52 and CHF 169. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 71. If you're thinking of travelling from St Paul to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 141 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from St Paul to Chicago on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 61.06 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from St Paul to Chicago?
There are 3 train lines with service from St Paul to Chicago. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travellers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 10h 5m | CHF 106.35 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 7h 33m | CHF 67.32 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 7h 55m | CHF 134.01 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from St Paul to Chicago every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 49.15.










Amtrak Borealis train tickets from St Paul to Chicago start from CHF 36.65, and on average cost CHF 67.32. Daily, Amtrak Borealis runs one schedule to Chicago. Amtrak Borealis in St Paul leaves from Union Depot. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From St Paul to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 7 hours and 33 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 32 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost CHF 36.65 for a one-way weekend reservation from St Paul.
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 about travelling by train from St Paul to Chicago
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 3 are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to St Paul. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from St Paul to Chicago for CHF 28.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
The distance between St Paul and Chicago is approximately 558 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 32 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.
Distance (mi)
347
Distance (km)
558
The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 11:49 a.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
8:50am
Last train
11:49am
Trains from St 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
St Paul



Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbour 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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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 St Paul?
Main departure station: Union Depot

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighbourhood, 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 St Paul:
- Union Depot
Where is the train station in Chicago?
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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to St Paul?
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