Cheap train tickets from St Paul to Columbus
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from St Paul to Columbus. Traveling by train from St Paul to Columbus usually takes 4 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Borealis train can make the trip in 4 hours and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 231 mi (371 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 54m |
| Lowest price | $31.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
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St Paul to Columbus Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to Columbus:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to Columbus?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Paul to Columbus was $40.67. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. 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 $235.13 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Columbus by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to Columbus will cost between $41 and $89. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Columbus by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to Columbus 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 $51. If you're thinking of traveling from St Paul to Columbus during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $122 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 Columbus on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $235.13 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from St Paul to Columbus?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Paul to Columbus, including Amtrak Empire Builder, Amtrak Borealis. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 4h 57m | $193.09 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 4h 54m | $73.71 |
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 Borealis train tickets from St Paul to Columbus start from $31, and on average cost $73.71. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Columbus. Amtrak Borealis in St Paul leaves from Union Depot. And in Columbus trains arrive at 359 N Ludington St.
From St Paul to Columbus train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 4 hours and 54 minutes. If you are looking to get to Columbus faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 54 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Columbus on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost $31 for a one-way weekend reservation from St Paul.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to Columbus
The distance between St Paul and Columbus is approximately 231 miles, or 371 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 54 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)
231
DISTANCE (KM)
371
The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:29am. 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
11:29am
Trains from St Paul to Columbus 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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.
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 Columbus?
Main arrival station: 359 N Ludington St
Columbus has one train station.
All train stations in Columbus:
- 359 N Ludington St
Need a return trip from Columbus to St Paul?
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