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There are 54 daily trains from Chicago to Saint Paul. Traveling by train from Chicago to Saint Paul usually takes around 28 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 7 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 347 mi (558 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 48m |
| Lowest price | €55.12 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Chicago to Saint Paul
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: The scenery and the spacious seats. Cons: Not being delayed. The train had to stop and get something fixed.
Pros: The scenery and the spacious seats. Cons: Not being delayed. The train had to stop and get something fixed.
4.0
Pros: Relaxing. Cons: Departure and checking time. Tips: Be there on time.
Pros: Relaxing. Cons: Departure and checking time. Tips: Be there on time.
In the last month, €152.71 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Saint Paul. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 20 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €48.17 more than that for a same-day booking.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Saint Paul will vary between €117 and €221. 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 €117. 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.
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Saint Paul by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for November. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €67 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Saint Paul in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €160 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.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Saint Paul from Chicago will be about €48.17 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
2 train services operate from Chicago to Saint Paul. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 52 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 52 | 1d 5h 31m | €170.27 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 7h 49m | €74.47 |
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 52 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Saint Paul every day, as well as 45 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €62.
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.
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Saint Paul 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.
Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Saint Paul?
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Saint Paul?
The distance between Chicago and Saint Paul is approximately 347 miles, or 558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 48 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?
Trains departing from Chicago to Saint Paul tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Chicago at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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 Chicago to Saint Paul?
There are 54 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.
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.
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Chicago where you can board the train.
110 Callahan Dr
100 N Third St
Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Penn Station
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
MLK Plaza - 415 Emerald Ave
459 North Burdick Street
7519 Staples Mill Rd
100 Thompsons Pt Rd
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Newark Penn Station
2702 W Washington St
South Station
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
Gateway Center
€251+
€207+
€308+
€231+
€70+
€170+
€172+
€129+
€25+
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