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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to St Paul

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to St Paul Train Schedule

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fromCZK 666.00

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Saint Paul?

There are usually 13 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Saint Paul.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 1,431.46
Avg. Price
CZK 2,481.07
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
13
Daily Trips
4
Duration
Duration
9h 36m
Duration
9h 36m

Trip Summary

6 trains operate daily from Chicago to St Paul. The train trip from Chicago to St Paul is usually about 9 hours and 16 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 31 minutes.

Distance347 mi (558 km)
Fastest train7h 31m
Lowest priceCZK 976.80
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Saint Paul

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Brent

April 6, 2025- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: I liked the food, the seats and the legroom. All of the staff were helpful and the trip went smoothly. Cons: It would have been helpful to have some kind of cup holder especially for when the ride gets more bumpy. Tips: Sit in the first available seats you see.

5.0

kevin

September 1, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: The room available, and very Comfortable. Cons: More documentation on when tickets are being purchased about different trains, and the space available on them, ect. Tips: Wifi can be tricky. Best recommendation is to download some movies or shows for your trip ahead of time.

5.0

RICHARD

June 12, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

better parking info at St Paul

5.0

Mary

June 11, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

Everything

5.0

George

December 4, 2022- Business

Amtrak

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

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Saint Paul cost CZK 2,120.99, on average. Booking your trip at least 25 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around CZK 445.78 more.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Paul by travel date

CZK 3,663CZK 2,442CZK 1,221MayMay

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to St Paul will cost between CZK 1,643 and CZK 3,552. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to St Paul by month

CZK 2,775CZK 2,220CZK 1,665CZK 1,110CZK 555JJASONDJFMAM
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to St Paul. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of CZK 1,843. If you're planning a trip from Chicago to St Paul during December, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about CZK 2,375 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 2,775CZK 2,220CZK 1,665CZK 1,110CZK 5553020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Saint Paul, book online with Wanderu at least 25 days in advance. That way, you’ll save CZK 445.78 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to St Paul?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Saint Paul. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak410h 4mCZK 2,194.25
Amtrak Empire Builder27h 51mCZK 2,384.95

  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Saint Paul every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 977.

  • 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 traveling by train from Chicago to St Paul

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to St 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 St Paul is approximately 347 miles, or 558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 31 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 St Paul tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to St 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 St 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.

St 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 St 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.

All train stations in St Paul:

  • Union Depot

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