The cheapest and fastest trains from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
£157
Average price
£157
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
571 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around £157 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £157.
Of the 2 trains that leave Minneapolis, MN for Chicago, IL every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 571 km distance in an average of 7 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
28 Empire Builder8:507h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1571One-way0 changes
8 Empire Builder8:507h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1571One-way0 changes
28 Empire Builder8:507h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1571One-way0 changes
8 Empire Builder8:507h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£1571One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, and a flight costs an average of £77.
Distance: 571 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest | £250 Average Price |
8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday 1 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 Empire Builder | 13:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 21:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
8 Empire Builder | 13:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 21:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
1340 Borealis | 16:49 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h32 | 0:21 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service | 16:49 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 9h15 | 2:04 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 15:29. The fastest train covers the 571 km distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 571 km |
Average train duration 7h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 6:10 |
Last train 15:29 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL from £36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
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