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Grand Forks to St Paul train

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Grand Forks - St Paul Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Grand Forks to St Paul. The train trip from Grand Forks to St Paul is usually about 7 hours and 15 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance278 mi (448 km)
Fastest train6h 23m
Lowest price$32.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Grand Forks to Saint Paul

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Sahra

August 4, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Very good and confortble I like staff and how to manage people. Cons: Internet. Tips: Just money is to much weekdays.

5.0

Teagan

July 27, 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Was moved with another on boarding passenger to vacant seats (as opposed to assigned seats so as not to disturb other passengers already asleep) Attendants woke passengers before their stop so they were ready to disembark. Tips: The overhead compartments are a little small so if you have a small carry on it will fit otherwise leave it with the large luggage.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Grand Forks to Saint Paul was $34.00. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to St Paul if you book your train tickets at least 13 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $32.70.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Grand Forks to St Paul often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $48. If you're thinking of traveling from Grand Forks to St Paul during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $68 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

By booking your train trip from Grand Forks to Saint Paul on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about $32.70 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Grand Forks to St Paul?

2 train services operate from Grand Forks to Saint Paul. Amtrak Empire Builder 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
Amtrak113h 10m$110.89
Amtrak Empire Builder26h 23m$44.96
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Grand Forks to Saint Paul every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

  • 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 Grand Forks to St Paul. 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 Grand Forks and St Paul is approximately 278 miles, or 448 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 23 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.

Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Grand Forks to St Paul. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Grand Forks at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00am. 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 Grand Forks twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to St Paul 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 St Paul to Grand Forks.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Grand Forks?

Main departure station: 5555 DeMers Ave

There is one train station in Grand Forks.

All train stations in Grand Forks:

  • 5555 DeMers Ave

Where is the train station in St Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

  • Minn-St Paul Airport - 4300 Glumack Dr

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