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Columbus to Saint Paul train

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Columbus - Saint Paul Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Columbus and Saint Paul. The average train journey from Columbus to Saint Paul takes 5 hours and 1 minute, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.

Distance231 mi (371 km)
Fastest train5h 1m
Lowest price£22.97
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Columbus to Saint Paul

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Scott

25 May 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Beautiful scenery. Cons: Beautiful scenery. Tips: Timeliness of the trip.

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

In the last month, £22.97 was the average price of a train ticket from Columbus to Saint Paul. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £41.26 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

£119£95£71£48£24AMJJASONDJFM

Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Saint Paul often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only £39,

If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Saint Paul during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £102 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

£79£63£48£32£163020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Columbus to Saint Paul. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 27 days before departure, you can save around £41.26. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Columbus to Saint Paul?

2 train services operate from Columbus to Saint Paul. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak25h 1m£55.04
Amtrak Empire Builder25h 2m£39.26
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Saint Paul every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £44.

  • 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

The distance between Columbus and Saint Paul is approximately 231 miles, or 371 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 1 minute,

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.

Trains departing from Columbus to Saint Paul tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Columbus at 17:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Columbus twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul to Columbus.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Columbus?

Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St

There is one train station in Columbus.

All train stations in Columbus:

  • 359 N Ludington St

Where is the train station in Saint Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Saint Paul:

  • Union Depot

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Saint Paul to Columbus?

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