The cheapest and fastest trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$116
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 $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 6 trains that leave Saint Paul, MN for Chicago, IL on Mon, Jan 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jan 19 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 Mon, Jan 19 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
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
28 Empire Builder
8 Empire Builder
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis
1340 Borealis
28 Empire Builder
8 Empire Builder
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service
8 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 €48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. 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 €48, and a flight costs an average of €61.
Distance: 347 miles (559 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€115 Average price | €67 Average price Cheapest | €205 Average price |
8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m 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, Sunday, January 18. 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.
Jan 19
Jan 20
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Why should you book Saint Paul to Chicago trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Saint Paul to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Saint Paul to Chicago.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Saint Paul to Chicago.
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
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL start from as low as $49 (€40) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $142 (€115) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 7 daily trains from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL with 3 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 7h 32m but the average duration is 7h 42m
Train Operators
- Travel from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL with Amtrak
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN and arrive in Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
- First train typically departs at 06:10 AM and the last at 03:29 PM
Distance 347 miles (559 km) |
Average train duration 7h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 06:10 |
Last train 15:29 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL from $49 (€40). 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
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