Cheap train tickets from Minot to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Minot to Chicago. Travelling by train from Minot to Chicago usually takes 19 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 17 hours and 52 minutes.

Distance: 797 mi (1282 km)
Fastest train: 17h 52m
Lowest price: US$140.00
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak Empire Builder
Train lines: 2

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Minot to Chicago Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Minot to Chicago?

There is usually 1 daily coach trip from Minot to Chicago.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$242.67	Avg. PriceUS$196.75Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration19h 9mFaster	Duration54h 45m

There are several train options that can take you from Minot to Chicago:

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Minot to Chicago cost about US$194 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 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$117.09 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Minot to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Minot to Chicago will cost between US$155 and US$437. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Minot to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Minot 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 US$185. If you're thinking of travelling from Minot to Chicago during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$297 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Minot to Chicago on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about US$117.09 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Minot to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Minot to Chicago. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	20h 30m	US$243.03
Amtrak Empire Builder	2	17h 53m	US$242.33

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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Minot to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$150.
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 Minot to Chicago

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 2 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 Minot. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Minot to Chicago for US$193.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Minot and Chicago is approximately 797 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 52 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

797

Distance (km)

1282

The earliest train departs Minot at 22:53 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:53. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

10:53pm

Last train

10:53pm

Trains from Minot to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Minot

Minot is a North Dakota city home to the Minot Air Force Base as well as the Dakota Territory Air Museum. The Scandinavian Heritage Park is another top site for history buffs, which honours the immigrant history in Minot. Close to the Souris River, you can visit the Roosevelt Park Zoo, which houses a wide range of birds, big cats, and bears. Minot offers a chance to go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing at Roosevelt Park or hiking at the amazing parks and trails. The city features great golf courses too.

One of the highlights of Minot is the Norsk Hostfest, an annual Scandinavian festival held each autumn. This is North America's biggest Scandinavian festival, with fun shows and delicious food. Minot also features a thriving craft beer scene, with Souris River Brewing being the first to open. The downtown area is not far from Souris River and offers local stores, exciting nightlife, and shopping opportunities.

If you're moving within Minot, you get transport services from the Minot City Transit. Most visitors come to town on Amtrak.

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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Minot?

Main departure station: 400 1st Ave SW

There is one train station in Minot.

All train stations in Minot:

400 1st Ave SW

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 coach 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

Need a return trip from Chicago to Minot?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Minot

Continue by train from Chicago

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.