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St Paul to Chicago train

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St Paul - Chicago Train Schedule

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fromSEK 326.61

Trip Summary

You can pick from 4 daily train trips between St Paul and Chicago. The average train journey from St Paul to Chicago takes 9 hours and 35 minutes, but some Amtrak Empire Builder train trips are as short as 7 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance347 mi (558 km)
Fastest train7h 55m
Lowest priceSEK 544.35
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Saint Paul to Chicago

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.4

5.0

Marise

January 6, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Toilet was dirty.

5.0

Marian

November 25, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: The trío was very nice. I Love it. Cons: It is ok. Tips: Enjoy the travel.

5.0

George

November 19, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Do not have to drive lol. Cons: The timing. Tips: Relaxation.

4.0

Elsie

August 8, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Cons: Cleaning of bathrooms could be better. Tips: Take your own food.

4.0

Sydney

May 13, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Spacious seat and scenic views. Cons: I would have liked more updates on the estimated time of arrival. A lot of it seemed like guesswork. I got three different answers from three different employees. The bathrooms were abysmal and the windows were dirty The dining car is not open to coach passengers which would have been nice to know in advance. Tips: Make sure to board early to get desired seats, especially if you are traveling in a pair.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Saint Paul to Chicago was SEK 756.65. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra SEK 419.81.

Monthly average prices

SEK 1,361SEK 1,089SEK 817SEK 544SEK 272MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from St Paul to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of SEK 795. If you're planning a trip from St Paul to Chicago during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about SEK 1,328 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

SEK 1,633SEK 1,306SEK 980SEK 653SEK 3273020100

By booking your train trip from Saint Paul to Chicago on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about SEK 419.81 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from St Paul to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Saint Paul to Chicago. 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
Amtrak211h 14mSEK 996.93
Amtrak Empire Builder27h 55mSEK 1,075.75

  • 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 Saint Paul to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from SEK 969.

  • 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 St Paul to Chicago. 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 St Paul and Chicago is approximately 347 miles, or 558 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 55 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from St Paul to Chicago on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 Chicago. 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 Chicago to St Paul.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in St Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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