The cheapest and fastest trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$198
Fastest journey
7 h 32 m
Average duration
8 h 38 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
559 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around $198 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
Of the 6 trains that leave Saint Paul, MN for Chicago, IL on Thu, Mar 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Mar 05 the direct trains cover the 559 km distance in an average of 8 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 32 m .
On Thu, Mar 05 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.
1340 Borealis
28 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis
8 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis
28 Empire Builder
8 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
28 Empire Builder · 1340 BorealisTravel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 bus with prices starting from $54. 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 bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 347 miles (559 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $88 Average price Cheapest | $319 Average price |
7h 51m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 11m Average total duration 8h 41m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, Wednesday, March 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 2:50 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 10h31 | 1:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder | 2:50 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 2:50 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 10h31 | 1:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
8 Empire Builder | 2:50 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 10:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
1340 Borealis | 5:49 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h32 | 1:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service | 5:49 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 9h15 | 3:04 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
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, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) 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 347 miles (559 km) distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 347 miles (559 km) |
Average train duration 7h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 06:10 |
Last train 15:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL from $48 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available with several options for short-term and long-term stays.
- The Buttered Tin
- Saint Dinette
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1
- The Saint Paul Hotel
- Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown
- InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 3: event spaces and retail
- Metro Transit: Green Line
- Bus: Several 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 Paul, MN
More options for your journey from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


