5.0
Pros: Trip is timely and attitude of the staff is very friendly. Tips: I have discussed with my friends and family about the trip.
5.0
Pros: Conducive. Cons: To please be on schedule. Tips: No.
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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from St Paul to Grand Forks. The train trip from St Paul to Grand Forks is usually about 6 hours and 21 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 278 mi (448 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 21m |
| Lowest price | $32.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Saint Paul to Grand Forks
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for trains from St Paul to Grand Forks
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from St Paul to Grand Forks?
Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Saint Paul to Grand Forks. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 6h 21m | $49.42 |
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
The distance between St Paul and Grand Forks is approximately 278 miles, or 448 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 21 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 from St Paul to Grand Forks are the most crowded on Saturday. 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.
The earliest train departs St Paul at 11:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in St Paul twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Grand Forks with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Grand Forks to St Paul.
City Information
St Paul
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 St Paul?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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 Grand Forks?
Main arrival station: 5555 DeMers Ave
Grand Forks has one train station.
All train stations in Grand Forks:
5555 DeMers Ave
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Need a return trip from Grand Forks to St Paul?
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