Cheap train tickets from St Paul to Rockford
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from St Paul to Rockford. Traveling by train from St Paul to Rockford usually takes 12 hours and 20 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 273 mi (439 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 20m |
| Lowest price | $219.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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St Paul to Rockford Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Paul to Rockford?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from St Paul to Rockford.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$172.67 | Avg. Price$125.38Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration12h 20m | Duration12h 8mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to Rockford:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from St Paul to Rockford
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Rockford by travel date
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Rockford by month
Prices as travel date approaches
What train companies travel from St Paul to Rockford?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Paul to Rockford, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 20m | $172.67 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to Rockford
Trains leave the station in St Paul twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Rockford to St Paul. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from St Paul to Rockford for $73.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between St Paul and Rockford is approximately 273 miles, or 439 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 20 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)
273
DISTANCE (KM)
439
The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:50am. 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
8:50am
LATEST TRAIN
8:50am
Trains from St Paul to Rockford 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
St Paul



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.
Rockford



Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in St Paul?
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 does the train arrive in Rockford?
Main arrival station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
- Van Galder Bus Office
Need a return trip from Rockford to St Paul?
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