Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sun 19 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 19 Jul

Cheapest price

£133

Average price

£133

Fastest journey

7 h 55 m

Average duration

7 h 55 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

559 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around £133 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £133.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Saint Paul, 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 559 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.

  • Amtrak28 Empire Builder
    8:507h55
    Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
    16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £1331One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak8 Empire Builder
    8:507h55
    Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
    16:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £1331One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £63.

Distance: 559 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£86

Average Price

£65

Average Price

Cheapest

£241

Average Price

7h 52m

Average total duration

7h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 5m

Average total duration

8h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 46m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

1.7 - 3.3kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 18 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis8:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
10h31
19:21 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
Amtrak8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis8:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
10h31
19:21 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
Amtrak28 Empire Builder8:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
7h55
16:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak8 Empire Builder8:50 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
7h55
16:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service11:29 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
9h35
21:04 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
Amtrak1340 Borealis11:29 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
7h52
19:21 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
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22 Jul
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24 Jul
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25 Jul
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01 Aug

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 559 km distance in 7h 24m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
559 km
Average train duration
7h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
£35
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
7h 24m
First train
6:10
Last train
15:05
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
91 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL from £35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 24m
Cheapest Price
£35
Amtrak frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint Paul, 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £86.
The train journey from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 559 km and takes approximately 7h 24m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL is 559 km.
The first train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:10.
The last train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL departs at 15:05.
Trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL.
The train station in Saint Paul, MN that goes to Chicago, IL is Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL is by train, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL offers scenic views, particularly through the rolling landscapes of southern Wisconsin and parts of the Mississippi River.
A day trip from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the travel duration is 7h 24m. However, there are 7 trips per day available by train. The distance is 559 km.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL

Most Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL trains use the Union Depot to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Saint Paul
Arrival train stations in Chicago

Which Saint Paul, MN station do trains to Chicago, IL leave from?

Trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL leave from Union Depot. The station is 1 km from Saint Paul, MN city centre at 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101, USA.
Union Depot214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101, USA+1 651-202-2700LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Depot from Saint Paul city centre

Union Depot is 1 km from Saint Paul city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus480, 484, 489 · 4m · £2
TramMETRO Green Line · 3m · £2 · every ~10 min

Union Depot train station facilities and services

Union Depot has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Buttered Tin, Saint Dinette

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Depot: Elevators, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Saint Paul Hotel, Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown, InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront.

More options for your journey from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, IL Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL train

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