Cheap train tickets from St Paul to Rockford
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from St Paul to Rockford. Traveling by train from St Paul to Rockford usually takes 12 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 273 mi (439 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 35m |
| Lowest price | $193.00 |
| 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 bus or train from St Paul to Rockford?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from St Paul to Rockford.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$196.91 | Avg. Price$119.49Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration12h 9m | Duration12h 8mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to Rockford:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to Rockford?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Paul to Rockford was $206.00. Considering the distance between St Paul and Rockford, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $13.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Rockford by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to Rockford will cost between $150 and $219. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Rockford by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to Rockford often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $141. If you're thinking of traveling from St Paul to Rockford during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $199 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from St Paul to Rockford on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from St Paul to Rockford?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects St Paul to Rockford. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 12h 9m | $196.91 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from St Paul to Rockford every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $137.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to Rockford
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, 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 $69.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
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 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 35 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.
First train
8:50am
Last train
8:50am
Trains from St Paul to Rockford are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
Busiest
Sunday
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 is the train station 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 is the train station 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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