The cheapest and fastest trains from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$141
Fastest journey
7 h 47 m
Average duration
8 h 16 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
556 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL will cost around $141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 4 trains that leave Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL on Wed, May 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 13 the direct trains cover the 556 km distance in an average of 8 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 47 m .
On Wed, May 13 the slowest trains will take 9 h 25 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 Builder8:50 AM7h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1181One-way0 transfers
28 Empire Builder8:50 AM7h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1461One-way0 transfers
1340 Borealis11:39 AM7h47Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1461One-way0 transfers
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service11:39 AM9h25Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1541One-way1 transfer
1340 Borealis11:39 AM7h47Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1461One-way0 transfers
28 Empire Builder8:50 AM7h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1461One-way0 transfers
8 Empire Builder8:50 AM7h55Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1181One-way0 transfers
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service11:39 AM9h25Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$1541One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a flight costs an average of $51.
Distance: 345 miles (556 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$130 Average price | $86 Average price Cheapest | $333 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 15m Average total duration 7h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 35m Average total duration 9h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 50m 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 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL:
A bus is $44 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $130 (€104).
A bus is $246 (€197) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $333 (€266).
Other travel options to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 45m.
Bus takes on average 9h 5m.
Tickets start at around $130 (€104) compared to roughly $87 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-43.48 (€-34.80). The journey takes 7h 45m versus 5h 50m 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
Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains for today, Tuesday, May 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1340 Borealis | 11:39 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h47 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
1340 Borealis · 342 Hiawatha Service | 11:39 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 9h25 | 9:04 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, May 13 | |||||
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 10h36 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
28 Empire Builder | 8:50 AM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 7h55 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | 10h36 | 7:26 PM 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 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
Trains from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 13:50, the last at 17:49. The fastest train covers the 345 miles (556 km) distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 345 miles (556 km) |
Average train duration 7h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 1:50 PM |
Last train 5:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Train companies: Amtrak from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN and Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL from $49 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, 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 Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN
More options for your journey from Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
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