- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$182
Average price
$198
Fastest journey
7 h 52 m
Average duration
8 h 46 m
Trains per day
6
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around $198 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $182.
Of the 6 trains that leave Minneapolis, MN for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 01, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 01 the direct trains cover the 571 km distance in an average of 8 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 52 m .
On Wed, Jul 01 the slowest trains will take 10 h 31 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.
8 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis
28 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis
8 Empire Builder
28 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
28 Empire Builder · 1340 BorealisOmio 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 bus with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 354 miles (571 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $98 Average price Cheapest | $386 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 21m Average total duration 8h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average $128 (€105).
A bus is $288 (€237) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average $386 (€317).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 43m.
Bus takes on average 8h 51m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (5h 43m by train vs 5h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $128 (€105) compared to roughly $87 (€71) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, June 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 Empire Builder | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 10h31 | 7:21 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
8 Empire Builder | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 10h31 | 7:21 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service | 11:29 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 9h35 | 9:04 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
1340 Borealis | 11:29 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h52 | 7:21 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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.
By Shank Kulkarni
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.

A view of the interior of an Amtrak Empire Builder Bedroom, with author's partner showing a comfortable sofa-style seat and a large window looking out at the scenery.
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.
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.

The interior of the Amtrak Sightseer Lounge car, featuring author's partner in a bright, panoramic upper deck with large windows and comfortable seating for passengers to view the scenery.
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.
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.
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.

A view of the dining car on the Amtrak Empire Builder, showing a row of clean, set tables next to large windows.
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
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €60 |
| Food & drinks | €462 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 522 |
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.

An exterior view of an Amtrak train stopped at a station, with the engine and several passenger cars visible.
Trains from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) 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 354 miles (571 km) distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 354 miles (571 km) |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 3:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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.

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