4.0
Pros: Comfortable ride, beautiful scenery, got in early. Cons: Quality of train food is bad. Would love to see higher quality at a better cost. Tips: Bring food!
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Seattle to St Paul. The train trip from Seattle to St Paul is usually about 42 hours and 29 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can get you there in as little as 37 hours and 38 minutes.
| Distance | 1400 mi (2253 km) |
| Fastest train | 37h 38m |
| Lowest price | $99.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Seattle to Saint Paul
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to St Paul?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Seattle to Saint Paul was $134.88. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Seattle and St Paul. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to St Paul if you book your train tickets at least 19 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $93.49.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during October. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Seattle to St Paul, with the average price at just $194. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to $384. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Seattle to Saint Paul on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $93.49 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Seattle to St Paul?
2 train services operate from Seattle to Saint Paul. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 20h 50m | $193.71 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 1 | 1d 13h 38m | $154.80 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Saint Paul every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $126.
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 Seattle 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 Seattle and St Paul is approximately 1400 miles, or 2253 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 42 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 37 hours and 38 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Seattle to St Paul on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Seattle at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Seattle to St Paul. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from St Paul to Seattle.
City Information
Seattle
Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
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 Seattle?
Image credit: SounderBruce
Link to image attributionMain departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.
All train stations in Seattle:
King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
Pacific Central Station
10251 St Edwards Dr
Where is the train station in St Paul?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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
Get around town with Moovit
Find the best way to get to and from any station in Saint Paul by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now
Need a return trip from St Paul to Seattle?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Seattle
Continue by train from St Paul
- Saint Paul to Los Angeles Train
$289+
- Train from Saint Paul to Denver
$359+
- Train from Saint Paul to Washington D.C.
$322+
- Train from Saint Paul to Orlando
$597+
- Saint Paul to Chicago Train
$91+
- Saint Paul to New Orleans
$278+
- Train from Saint Paul to Boston
$371+
- Saint Paul to Duluth Train
$261+
- Saint Paul to St Louis Train
$150+
- Train from Saint Paul to East Glacier Park Village
$104+
- Saint Paul to West Glacier Train
$131+
- Train from Saint Paul to Fargo
$39+
- Train from Saint Paul to Portland
$144+
- Saint Paul to Seattle
$160+
- Train from Saint Paul to Columbus
$44+
- Train from Saint Paul to Madison
$117+
- Saint Paul to Milwaukee Train
$84+
- Saint Paul to Wisconsin Dells
$40+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more