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Chicago to Saint Paul train

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Chicago - Saint Paul Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Chicago to Saint Paul. The train trip from Chicago to Saint Paul is usually about 9 hours and 9 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance347 mi (558 km)
Fastest train7h 51m
Lowest price€46.61
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Saint Paul

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

George

4 December 2022- Business

Amtrak

Pros: Peace of mind. Cons: Everything was great. Tips: Take a ride.

5.0

George

10 November 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Peace. Cons: Everything was good. Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride.

5.0

David

13 December 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: The scenery and the spacious seats. Cons: Not being delayed. The train had to stop and get something fixed.

4.0

Yusuf

25 August 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: Departure and checking time. Tips: Be there on time.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Saint Paul cost €82.96, on average. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €28.69 more.

Average prices by travel date

€137€91€46MarMar

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Saint Paul will vary between €70 and €124. Planning a train trip to Saint Paul within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is €70. 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

€274€219€164€110€55AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Saint Paul. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of €64. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to Saint Paul during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about €273 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

€114€91€69€46€233020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Saint Paul, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €28.69 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Saint Paul?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Saint Paul. Amtrak 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
Amtrak210h 24m€83.74
Amtrak Empire Builder27h 51m€101.99
  • 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 Chicago to Saint Paul every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €58.

  • 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Saint Paul. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Chicago and Saint Paul is approximately 347 miles, or 558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 51 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.

Trains departing from Chicago to Saint Paul tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Chicago at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Saint Paul. 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 Saint Paul to Chicago.

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 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.

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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

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Need a return trip from Saint Paul to Chicago?

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