The cheapest and fastest trains from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$143
Fastest journey
10 h 13 m
Average duration
10 h 13 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
666 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Saint Cloud, 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 Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around $143 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $143.
Of the 1 trains that leave Saint Cloud, MN for Chicago, IL on Fri, May 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 666 km distance in an average of 10 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 13 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 10 h 13 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.
11:32 AM10h13Saint Cloud, MN9:45 PMChicago, IL$1431One-way0 transfers
11:32 AM10h13Saint Cloud, MN9:45 PMChicago, IL$1431One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 10h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a train costs an average of $90.
Distance: 413 miles (666 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 40m Average total duration Fastest 10h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average $156 (€126).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 15m.
Tickets start at around $156 (€126) compared to roughly $102 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-54.76 (€-44.23). The journey takes 10h 10m versus 7h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 Empire Builder | 6:32 AM St. Cloud Station, Saint Cloud, MN | 10h13 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 6:32 AM St. Cloud Station, Saint Cloud, MN | 12h54 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 6:32 AM St. Cloud Station, Saint Cloud, MN | 12h54 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder | 6:32 AM St. Cloud Station, Saint Cloud, MN | 10h13 | 4:45 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 prices and tickets Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $90 (€73) but you can travel from only $68 (€55) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:32, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 413 miles (666 km) distance in 10h 13m.
Distance 413 miles (666 km) |
Average train duration 10h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 (€73) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 10h 13m |
First train 6:32 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Saint Cloud, MN and Chicago, IL from $68 (€55). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint Cloud, 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
Popular train stations from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- On-street parking and parking lots are regulated using parking meters and Pay Stations. Parking meters are enforced at all hours and days of the week.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- Located in the station building
- The station has a waiting room and is served by the daily Empire Builder train.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
- 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
Most popular train connections from Saint Cloud, MN
More options for your journey from Saint Cloud, MN to Chicago, IL
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