Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

From Minneapolis to Chicago on Amtrak Empire Builder: A Scenic Rail Journey Across the Midwest

Introduction

Traveling by train through the American Midwest offers a relaxing and nostalgic experience, and few routes do it better than Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Connecting the Pacific Northwest to Chicago, this iconic long-distance train lets you enjoy changing landscapes without the stress of airports or traffic. We boarded from Minneapolis-St. Paul and traveled to Chicago in a private Bedroom, a comfortable and scenic option.

You can also find other services, including buses from Minneapolis to Chicago on Omio, but in my opinion, the nonstop Empire Builder is definitely the best.

Route Overview

The Empire Builder links Minneapolis-St. Paul Union Depot with Chicago Union Station, covering approximately 692 kilometers in about 8 hours. The route begins in St. Paul, Minnesota, running along the Mississippi River for a good portion of the early journey. This section is especially scenic, with limestone bluffs and wooded banks lining the river on both sides. As the train crosses into Wisconsin, the terrain shifts to hilly farmland and charming small towns, offering postcard-worthy Midwest views. By the time you reach Illinois, the landscape flattens out into classic prairie land and suburbs, eventually rolling into the busy heart of downtown Chicago.

This isn’t high-speed rail, but that’s part of the charm. The slower pace allows you to truly take in the views, sip your coffee without a lid, and simply relax. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that don’t rush to the destination.

Transportation Experience

Booking Minneapolis to Chicago train tickets on Omio was simple, and you can easily compare travel classes, dates, and prices. We opted for the Bedroom, which includes a private room with beds, a sink, toilet, and shower access.

In addition to Bedrooms, Amtrak offers Coach Class, which features wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom (think more spacious than airplane economy), and Roomettes. These are compact private rooms for two with convertible seats and beds but without an in-room restroom.

Our train departed Saint Paul Union Depot around 10:20 am, and we settled in with complimentary meals and scenic views.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

St. Paul Union Depot is a restored historic station located in downtown St. Paul. The station is quiet, elegant, and easy to navigate. Chicago Union Station, on the other hand, is bustling and grand, with amenities like food courts, Amtrak lounges, and easy connections to other transit options.

Schedule & Frequency

The Empire Builder runs once daily in each direction. Eastbound trains depart St. Paul mid-morning and arrive in Chicago in the evening, assuming no delays. While the schedule can vary slightly, we found ours mostly on time, arriving in Chicago just before 6 pm.

Onboard Experience & Services

Once onboard, we made our way to our Bedroom, which was already prepared by the car attendant. The room had large windows, a small closet, a fold-down table, power outlets, and even bottled water waiting for us. During the day, the setup includes two seats facing each other with a large picture window. At night, the seats convert to a comfortable lower bed, while a fold-down upper bunk accommodates a second traveler. The in-room sink and private toilet made it feel more like a small hotel room on rails.

One of the best parts of the journey was the Dining Car, where meals were included for sleeping car passengers. Lunch and dinner were full-service, with friendly attendants and a rotating menu that included sandwiches and hot meals, like braised beef or salmon. Portions were generous, and while it’s not fine dining, it’s certainly enjoyable, especially when paired with the rolling view of the Wisconsin countryside.

We also spent some time in the Sightseer Lounge Car, which is open to all passengers. It features huge panoramic windows, cozy booth seating, and a café below where you can grab drinks or snacks. This car is where the train experience really shines, as everyone’s relaxed, chatting, reading, or just staring out the window. It’s a social space and a scenic one, making it a must-visit during your journey.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

If you're planning to travel from Minneapolis to Chicago by train, book your tickets as early as possible. Fares rise quickly! Here's an approximate budget breakdown for two travelers:

• Bedroom (2 people): $600–$750 (€513–€641.50, includes meals)
• Roomette: $400–$500 (€342–€427.70, includes meals)
• Coach Class: $60–$100 per person (€51.30–€85.50, meals not included)

Tip: Check for deals using Amtrak Guest Rewards or Rail Pass options if you plan more trips.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Bring light snacks and water, even if meals are included.
• Head to the Sightseer Lounge early for the best seats.
• Download books or movies in advance: Wi-Fi is not available on the train.
• Use earplugs or headphones: train noise varies.
• Stay flexible: long-distance Amtrak trains are scenic, though sometimes delayed.

Conclusion

Our journey from Minneapolis to Chicago by train aboard the Empire Builder was slow-paced in the best way: relaxing, comfortable, and full of Midwest charm. The Bedroom made it feel like a rolling hotel room with ever-changing views. If you have the time and want to savor the journey, this train ride is absolutely worth it.

About the Author: Shank Kulkarni

• Job Title: Scientist / Educator / Content Creator
• Bio: Scientist, educator, and YouTuber currently living in Chicago. Creates travel and educational content on YouTube covering engineering concepts and scenic rail journeys across the U.S. and beyond.