Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Winona

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

Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Winona. Traveling by train from Chicago to Winona usually takes 6 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 5 hours and 29 minutes.

Distance
253 mi (408 km)
Fastest train
5h 29m
Lowest price
$36.00
Trains per day
3
Most frequent service
Amtrak Empire Builder
Train lines
3

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

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

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & 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 travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to Winona Train Schedule

Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Winona (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

francis

November 25, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: conductors and staff couldn’t have been more helpful & friendly ! Cons: nothing I can think of

4.0

Daniela

May 24, 2023 - Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: Alternative to fly Tips: Get a ticket in advance

4.0

Mary

September 17, 2022 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: Very nice staff on board.. they smiled and were very positive and friendly and helpful :) I liked how spacious the seats were and the big windows! Cons: The food pricing (it’s so expensive!!). The set-up of the cafe (not enough room… people jammed in line). The Chicago train station was super confusing and most people were in the wrong line and the workers there were really rude and nonchalant/aloof Tips: Bring your own food and snacks!

5.0

Dallas

December 8, 2019 - Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: Never had been in a dining car. It was a great experience, great food and staff. Cons: Wifi Tips: No, just get in and enjoy.

5.0

Susan

November 4, 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder
Pros: As fast as driving. Restful. Scenic. Cons: At stops permitting smoking, first let passengers off who are debarking. Tips: Amtrak seems to be trying to be more timely.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Winona was $87.48. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $181.41 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Winona by travel date

$165$110$55AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Winona will cost between $50 and $158. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Winona by month

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Winona 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 $69. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Winona during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $110 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$275$220$165$110$5501020

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Winona on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $181.41 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Chicago to Winona?

There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Winona, including Amtrak Empire Builder, Amtrak, Amtrak Borealis. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Builder25h 29m$144.68
Amtrak29h 17m$102.90
Amtrak Borealis15h 35m$95.22
  • 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.

  • 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 Winona every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $50.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Chicago to Winona start from $36, and on average cost $95.22. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Winona. Amtrak Borealis in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Winona trains arrive at 65 E Mark St.

    From Chicago to Winona train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 5 hours and 35 minutes. If you are looking to get to Winona faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 35 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Winona on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost $36 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Winona

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Winona. 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 Winona to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Winona for $179.

TRIPS PER DAY

5

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The distance between Chicago and Winona is approximately 253 miles, or 408 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 29 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

253

DISTANCE (KM)

408

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

EARLIEST TRAIN

6:10am

LATEST TRAIN

3:05pm

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

MOST CROWDED

Monday

LEAST CROWDED

Sunday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

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:

  • Union Station

Where does the train arrive in Winona?

Main arrival station: 65 E Mark St

Winona has one train station.

All train stations in Winona:

  • 65 E Mark St

Need a return trip from Winona to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules 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 bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.