Wisconsin Dells is one of the most iconic family vacation destinations in the Midwest, featuring amazing water parks, beautiful river gorge views, and Midwestern charm you can’t forget. Most people travel to Wisconsin Dells via car, but taking the train can be a relaxing and totally cost-effective way to do it. Travelers have many options, as Amtrak serves Wisconsin Dells with direct service to major Midwestern cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, or connecting service to St. Paul or New York City.
I’ve put together this guide to take the confusion out of booking your first train trip to Wisconsin Dells. I’ll cover everything from routes, schedules, and fares to the info on the stations and best travel tips for first-time train riders.
Why Take a Train to Wisconsin Dells? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
The train journey towards Wisconsin Dells offers several advantages in comparison to flying or driving, especially for families as well as tourists on vacation.
- Don’t stress about traffic: Avoid road congestion and parking problems, particularly during summer’s peak season.
- Scenic routes: The railway route runs along the Mississippi River, rolling farmland, as well as Wisconsin rural areas.
- The comfortable seating on trains provides more room than buses or economical flights. They also have space to move about.
- Children are able to move easily, with the need for stopping for restroom breaks or gas.
- Environment-friendly rail travel has a lower carbon footprint than driving on your own.
- Central station’s location: Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station is located close to the city’s attractions, which is different from numerous regional airports.
- A budget-friendly option: Amtrak trains from Wisconsin Dells to Chicago can begin as low as $24 with a yearly average of $63. This is the most cost-effective method of getting to the Dells from the nearby cities.
For anyone visiting Wisconsin Dells without a car or wanting to get rid of the hassle of driving long distances, the train is an efficient and relaxing option.
Which Trains Go to Wisconsin Dells? Major Rail Services Explained
Amtrak is the sole provider of intercity passenger rail service for travel to Wisconsin Dells. There are two primary service routes that regular travelers to the Dells use.
Empire Builder – This long-distance daily service travels the rails from Chicago to Seattle and Portland, and stops in the Dells at Wisconsin Portage. Empire Builder has been in service since June 10, 1929, and offers service almost every day. It serves over 360,000 passengers annually on the Amtrak railway. Along this route, the Empire Builder stops in Chicago Union Station, Milwaukee, and other cities westbound.
Amtrak Borealis – This service connects the Dells and the Wisconsin corridor on a daily basis for quick regional trips between Chicago and the Twin Cities. Both of these services stop in Wisconsin Dells.
Travelers from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis/St. Paul all have several daily options rendered by the multiple stops to Wisconsin Dells rather than requiring one connecting train service.
| Train Service | Route Covered | Stops Near Wisconsin Dells | Frequency |
| Empire Builder | Chicago-Seattle/Portland | Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse | Daily |
| Amtrak Borealis | Chicago-St. Paul corridor | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, St. Paul | Daily |
Popular Train Routes to Wisconsin Dells From Major US Cities
Wisconsin Dells can be reached by train from many major cities either directly or after a single connection in Chicago. Below are some common examples.
Before the reservation system was introduced in 1975, “ticket admitting travel” (TAT) made it possible to buy tickets from one city to another across the United States without any reservation.
| From City | Approx. Duration | Connection Needed | Approx. Starting Price |
| Chicago, IL | Around 3h 33m to 4h 23m | Direct | From $26 |
| Milwaukee, WI | Approx. 2.5-3 hours | Direct | Varies, generally under $40 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN | Approx. 3.5-4 hours | Direct | Varies by season |
| New York City, NY | Around 28 to 32 hours | Connect via Chicago | From around $204-$295 |
| Erie, PA | Around 13.5 hours | Connect via Chicago | From around $120-$286 |
Chicago is the primary stop to reach the Wisconsin Dells by rail. Long-distance travelers from almost all cities will need to switch trains at Chicago Union Station and take a train north to the Wisconsin Dells.
Travelers from the East Coast, South, or West Coast should expect at least one connection, usually in Chicago, due to the lack of direct long-distance trains.
NYC to Wisconsin Dells Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
New York City to Wisconsin Dells is among the longest-running train lines that connect to the destination. It needs an internet connection.
The most common journey looks as follows:
- Get on the Lake Shore Limited from New York Moynihan Train Hall, located at Penn Station.
- It is estimated that the Lake Shore Limited takes about 19 hours and 32 minutes to arrive at Chicago Union Station on its most efficient route. However, the average time of travel can be closer to 23 hours.
- Transfer from Chicago Union Station to the Empire Builder or Borealis service.
- Keep going for 3-4 hours to the north until you reach Wisconsin Dells station.
All in all, the New York to Wisconsin Dells train ride typically lasts between 28 and 32 hours based on the route, with the fastest route taking around 28 hours. Prices for tickets average around $295. However, prices could be anywhere between $272 and $524 based on when you reserve your tickets.
Ticket Tips for NYC Travelers:
- Plan a minimum of 3-4 weeks in advance to get better fares.
- A booking of around 27 days in advance of departure can help secure the most affordable fares for this particular route.
- Consider an overnight train departure from New York so you arrive in Chicago early in the morning. This will give you sufficient time to buffer before the connecting train goes north.
- Make sure you are aware of the time for connection because delays on long-distance trains occur frequently; Amtrak generally covers same-day connections when the first train arrives delayed.
- Think about a roomette in the Lake Shore Limited if you wish to be able to relax during the night leg.
Wisconsin Dells Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
If this is your first experience with Amtrak from Wisconsin Dells, a few helpful tips will help make the travel experience more comfortable.
- Be sure to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure, particularly for large stations such as Chicago Union Station, where boarding zones can be crowded.
- Bring water and snacks because some trains do not offer food service on local routes.
- Take a lightweight jacket since train vehicles can be cooler than you expect, especially in observation cars or lounge cars.
- It is recommended to charge your devices before charging them, but the majority of Amtrak trains have electrical outlets near the seats.
- Install the Amtrak application to receive real-time information about delays, gate boarding, as well as ticket accessibility.
- Make sure you have a copy of your ticket printed or an electronic copy of the ticket together with your photo ID to check in.
- If you’re traveling with children, request seats close to the lounge car to ensure they are able to take a break and enjoy the view outside.
People who are first-time passengers often think that train stations function as airports, with lengthy lines of security; however, Amtrak boarding is usually more efficient and simple.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Wisconsin Dells
Knowing the routes that are direct and which ones require connecting can help you make your journey more enjoyable and prevent unnecessary changes.
Direct Routes (no transfer necessary):
- Chicago to Wisconsin Dells
- Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells
- Minneapolis-St. Paul to Wisconsin Dells
- La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells
Connecting Routes (transfer necessary, generally via Chicago):
- New York City to Wisconsin Dells (via Lake Shore Limited, then the Empire Builder or Borealis)
- Boston to Wisconsin Dells (via Lake Shore Limited and then transfer)
- Erie, Cleveland, or Buffalo to Wisconsin Dells (via Lake Shore Limited)
- Seattle or Portland to Wisconsin Dells (via Empire Builder No transfer is required because it’s on the same train; it’s just an extended ride)
If you’re from the West Coast, the Empire Builder is actually a straight train that goes all the way to Wisconsin Dells, since it begins in Seattle as well as Portland and travels across the Dells before arriving in Chicago. It is one of the very few exclusive long-distance trains that can reach this location.
Business Class vs Coach on Wisconsin Dells Trains
Amtrak trains to Wisconsin Dells usually operate with two classes of seating: Coach Class and Business Class (on select routes), and accommodations for overnight travel in sleeper coaches on the Empire Builder.
| Feature | Coach Class | Business Class | Sleeper Service (Empire Builder only) |
| Seat width & recline | Standard, comfortable | Wider seats, extra recline | Private room with bed |
| Legroom | Good | Extra legroom | Full privacy |
| Price | Lowest | Moderate premium | Highest, includes meals |
| Power outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Short daytime trips | Business travelers, extra comfort | Overnight long-distance trips |
| Meals included | No (cafe car available) | Sometimes, depending on route | Yes, complimentary |
Short excursions, like the one from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells, are best done in the most cost-effective way, like traveling in Coach Class. However, if you were to combine this trip with a higher-mileage one, like the trip from New York to Chicago, an overnight trip in a roomette, or even a Business Class ticket, would make the trip a lot more worth it.
Wisconsin Dells Train Station: Everything You Need to Know
There is a Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station (station code WDL), a tiny but crucial stop along the Empire Builder and Borealis routes. You should be aware of the specifics prior to your arrival.
Important facts about the station:
- The station is on 100 La Crosse Street in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The station is located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
- It is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder and the Amtrak Borealis service.
- The check-in baggage service isn’t offered at the Wisconsin Dells station, unlike more upscale stations, such as Chicago and Milwaukee. Travelers should consider carrying baggage. The station does not have ticket service available during certain times. It’s ideal to reserve tickets via the web or using the Amtrak application in advance instead of waiting to buy on the counter.
- It’s a “request stop,” so passengers need to confirm their arrival through the conductor’s or station announcements, especially in quieter time periods.
- The station is just a short distance away from the Downtown Wisconsin Dells attractions, making it ideal for those who wish to travel straight to their hotels or parks without requiring an automobile rental.
As a station that is smaller, there are fewer facilities in comparison to the larger hubs. There’s no ticket counter with full service or a large waiting room, so be prepared, particularly during cold winter times.
How to Book Train Tickets to Wisconsin Dells: Step-by-Step Guide
A train ticket reservation to Wisconsin Dells is straightforward whether you book through Amtrak’s site or app, website, or Third-party ticketing platform.
- Select your dates of travel and the city of origin. Wisconsin Dells is best reached by way of Chicago, Milwaukee, or Minneapolis-St. Paul by direct flight or by connecting to make longer travel.
- Go to Amtrak.com or launch the Amtrak application. Choose the destination city for your departure. Wisconsin Dells as the destination.
- Check out all available trains. Find out the departure time for Empire Builder and Borealis services, as well as note any connection points that are required.
- Choose your service class. Select Business Class, Coach (where there is a choice), or a sleeper lodging option for travel over long distances.
- Review baggage policy. Keep in mind this: Wisconsin Dells station does not offer baggage check-in, so plan your bags according to the policy.
- Input the details of your passenger and include any discounts. Amtrak gives discounts for veterans, seniors, members, and kids, so make sure you are eligible prior to paying in full.
- Make sure you pay and keep your ticket. Tickets are stored inside the Amtrak app to make it easy for boarding on the go, or printed, if you prefer.
- Create a schedule for your boarding time. As Wisconsin Dells is a smaller station, be sure to arrive 15 minutes earlier to make sure that the driver is aware of your boarding or departure.
The earlier you book, particularly during the summer season in which Wisconsin Dells sees peak tourist visitors, usually secures better prices and seats.
Wisconsin Dells Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Wisconsin Dells ticket prices vary based on several factors, most importantly booking distance and the selected class of service.
Prices will be lower if booked further in advance. This is true for other modes of transportation as well. Because the price is based on supply and demand, booking tickets in advance means that the demand is lower and thus the price will be lower.
| Route | Typical Price Range | Notes |
| Chicago to Wisconsin Dells | Starting around $26 | Cheapest and most frequent option |
| Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells | Roughly $20-$50 | Short direct trip |
| New York to Wisconsin Dells | Roughly $272-$524 | Requires connection via Chicago |
| Erie to Wisconsin Dells | Roughly $120-$286 | Requires connection via Chicago |
Strategies to cut costs when purchasing Wisconsin Dells train tickets:
- Get your booking in as early as possible, and booking one month in advance will be considerably less costly when compared to last-minute purchases.
- Take advantage of weekdays and avoid weekends, if possible, because weekends are the most expensive days to visit a location such as Wisconsin Dells tend to be more expensive.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards and earn points to get access to occasional promotions on fares.
- Look for senior, AAA, military, and student discounts that Amtrak frequently gives.
- Beware of summer weekend peak times. If you have travel dates that are flexible, costs are influenced by demand during the summer season at water parks.
- Find out the cheapest fares on a couple of close dates by using the Amtrak fare calendar to identify more affordable dates.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin Dells by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Wisconsin Dells is a year-round tourist destination. However, the optimal time to go via train is based on the factors you consider most important: conditions, crowds, and the cost of tickets.
Summer (June-August): The peak tourist season. Outdoor water parks open. Be prepared for higher train prices as well as more packed stations. Plan your travel early.
The fall season (September-October): It’s a wonderful period for stunning train views and vibrant colors of the foliage throughout Wisconsin’s landscape. The prices are usually lower than during summer, and there are fewer crowds.
Winter (November-February): The indoor water parks are open, which is typically the most affordable time to purchase train tickets. Train trips in winter on this train corridor could provide stunning snow-covered scenery, providing a beautiful, more peaceful ride.
Spring (March-May): The period of moderate prices and smaller crowds. Ideal for travellers who are looking to find peace of mind between great temperatures and cheaper costs.
If your family is looking to go to the outdoor waters of Wisconsin Dells, the summer season is inevitable regardless of the higher cost. For travelers with a partner or looking for peace and quiet, budget-friendly travel, the fall and winter months of train journeys up to Wisconsin Dells offer better value.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Wisconsin Dells: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Decisions about travel method depend on the starting location, budget, and flexibility of the traveler.
While train and bus price structures may seem the same, the difference in flexibility and length of time will make the difference.
For travelers arriving from Chicago or Milwaukee, driving is usually the fastest option, but the train is typically less stressful and provides better views since there is no concern of having to find parking at a resort town during peak travel season. For longer excursions like from New York, flying and then taking a short train or bus is the fastest option, but the train is still a fast and unique travel option for travelers since it is the most relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Amtrak go directly to Wisconsin Dells?
Yes, Amtrak’s Empire Builder and Borealis services stop at Wisconsin Dells.
2. What is the Wisconsin Dells train station address?
The address is 100 La Crosse Street, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
3. How long is the train ride from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells?
The average time is between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.
4. Can I book a direct train from New York to Wisconsin Dells?
Unfortunately, you have to connect through Chicago, and the total travel time is about 28 to 32 hours.
5. Is checked baggage available at Wisconsin Dells station?
Unfortunately, checked baggage service is not offered at this station, so you would need to bring carry-on luggage only.
6. What is the cheapest way to book Wisconsin Dells train tickets?
To get the best price on train tickets, book at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance, go during the week rather than on a weekend, and avoid the peak summer months.
7. Are there sleeper cabins available on trains to Wisconsin Dells?
Yes, the Empire Builder offers sleeper cabs for longer-distance travel.
8. Is the Wisconsin Dells train station close to downtown attractions?
Yes, it is a short distance from many area hotels and resorts.
9. What is the best season to take the train to Wisconsin Dells?
Fall and winter are the lowest price and least crowded. The summers are great for the water parks.
10. Is Wisconsin Dells station staffed with a ticket counter?
There is no ticket counter on a consistent basis. It is best to purchase tickets prior to arrival through Amtrak’s website or app.