Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and the twin city of St. Paul. It is a center of business, culture, and tourism in the Midwest. What makes taking the train to Minneapolis a great option is that you can do a lot when you arrive in the city. Not only do you have Twins games, concerts, and the Mall of America to look forward to, but why not also visit the many lakes and take a rest? Of course, people also take the train for the beautiful views along the way. This guide has information for all travelers. We have included popular routes, tickets, and prices, as well as our favorite tips for saving. Keep reading for travel tips no matter where you are in the country.

Amtrak’s long-distance, classic lines have routes that put Minneapolis and the lakes of Minnesota at the center of the country. Likely, with only a single transfer, you can connect to the coast of either side. Check out all the other details necessary to plan a successful trip, including prices, information on the stations, planning tips for the off-peak season, and a dedicated FAQ section for the most common questions we are asked.

Why Take a Train to Minneapolis? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel

Train travel from Minneapolis is a combination of convenience, comfort, and a view that flying or driving just can’t compete with. There are many reasons why millions of passengers take the train every year:

• No airport hassle: skip the security lines, baggage charges, and check-ins ahead of time. Train stations are generally less crowded and more efficient to navigate. This means you are able to arrive earlier for departure without having to worry about long security lines and TSA pat-downs.
• Scenic routes: The trip through Minneapolis, specifically through the Mississippi River corridor, and through the prairies of North Dakota and Montana on the Empire Builder line, offers one of the most stunning scenic views across the Midwest and Northern Plains. A few other types of transportation permit you to view farmlands, rivers, and towns of America pass across the landscape from a cozy window seat.
• A comfortable seat: Trains have the most legroom compared to economy flights, as well as the opportunity to stroll around, go to an eating car, or just relax in an observation car that has panoramic windows that allow sunlight throughout the day.
• City-center airport arrival: In contrast to airports, which are usually distant from the city Train stations typically take your passengers in the middle of the city. It saves travel time and money for your last leg to Minneapolis, right?
• Environmentally friendly travel: Trains emit considerably less carbon dioxide per passenger than planes or cars. This makes it the greener option for eco-conscious travelers seeking to lessen their footprint on the road.
• Cheap options: If you make advanced bookings and choose cost-effective fare classes that are flexible, trains can be less expensive than flights booked last minute, particularly on regional routes that are regional that connect to Minneapolis from nearby Midwest cities.
• Better for long journeys:  unlike a cramped automobile journey or connecting flight that has layovers, a train lets you sleep as well as eat while moving about freely on multi-hour or multi-day trips, so that your travel experience feels efficient rather than a waste of time.
• Family-friendly: Kids often appreciate trains much more than flying. There is the ability to move around more, dining vehicles to discover, and stunning views that keep them entertained during travel without having the cramped feel of a cabin.
• Reducing fatigue from travel: Since passengers are able to stand, stretch, and walk around between cars and train stations, trains typically cause lower physical fatigue during lengthy trips as opposed to being in a stationary car or in a cramped seat on an airline for long periods of time.
• Social and relaxing atmosphere: Most travelers love the communal atmosphere of dining vehicles and observation lounges, where people are often in contact, which makes the ride an enjoyable part of their travel experience.

Which Trains Go to Minneapolis? Major Rail Services explained

The main provider of long-distance passenger rail to and from Minneapolis is Amtrak, the national passenger railroad of the United States. One of Amtrak’s most popular long-distance routes and most scenic routes is the Empire Builder, connecting Minneapolis to the national passenger rail network.

Train Service	Route Covered	Frequency	Approx. Travel Style
empire Builder	Chicago – Minneapolis/St. Paul – Seattle/Portland	Daily	Long-distance, overnight options
Connecting Amtrak Thruway Buses	Regional cities to Minneapolis	Varies by route	Short-distance feeder service

The Empire Builder separates in Spokane, WA. One line goes to Seattle, and the other goes to Portland. The Empire Builder is an attractive travel option for those making short stops in Minneapolis and continuing west. The Empire Builder is one of the most popular Amtrak routes, and it is in a class of its own. The route is famous for its beauty as it runs through Glacier National Park. Amtrak is proud to have this in its service. It is one of the most scenic train trips in the US.

Connections to the Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach service are also made at the Empire Builder. This service connects cities that do not have an Amtrak service to the nearest Amtrak station. Minneapolis is now accessible to many more cities through a bus and train service that is booked as one trip.

Empire Builder is a daily service, but in many areas of the country, Amtrak services are more frequent. As a result, planning is much more important for travelers relying on this service than it is for other, more frequent Amtrak services.

The Empire Builder service includes a full meal service, a cafe and lounge, seating cars, and sleeping cars. The sleeping and seating cars offer different levels of comfort and prices. The observation car has large windows.

Popular Train Routes to Minneapolis From Major US Cities

Travelers from many of the larger cities in the United States connect to Minneapolis. Here are the most common origin cities and what they entail.

Departure City	Approx. Travel Time	Train Used	Notes
Chicago, IL	7.5 – 8.5 hours	empire Builder	Most direct and popular route
Seattle, WA	45+ hours	empire Builder	Scenic cross-country journey
Portland, OR	45+ hours	empire Builder	Connects via Spokane
New York, NY	19 – 22 hours	Amtrak connections via Chicago	Requires a transfer
Milwaukee, WI	9 – 10 hours	Empire Builder (via Chicago)	Popular among Midwest travelers
Fargo, ND	4 – 5 hours	empire Builder	Common regional connection
Spokane, WA	16 – 18 hours	empire Builder	Direct on the main line
Boston, MA	22 – 25 hours	Amtrak connections via Chicago	Longer multi-day journey
Washington, DC	20 – 23 hours	Amtrak connections via Chicago	Popular for East Coast travelers
St. Louis, MO	12 – 14 hours	Amtrak connections via Chicago	Common Midwest connection

Positioned on the Empire Builder line, travel from the East Coast to Minneapolis necessitates a connection through Chicago, while travel from the Pacific Northwest occurs without a connection. Because of this, Chicago Union Station becomes the most critical transit hub for all long-distance travel headed to Minneapolis from anywhere in the eastern United States. All long-distance, east of the Mississippi River, Amtrak routes connect to Chicago Union Station.

Travel from the southern states, specifically Texas and Louisiana, often requires two connections to arrive in Minneapolis, passing through both Chicago and St. Louis. Because of this, routes from these states require the most careful planning to minimize the risk of long layovers during the connection.

NYC to Minneapolis Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips

It is possible to travel between New York City and Minneapolis through trains is a well-known choice for people who prefer scenic, long-distance trains rather than speeding through airports.

• Structure of route: Travelers usually take an Amtrak train that runs from New York Penn Station to Chicago (using services such as the Lake Shore Limited) and later transfer onto the Empire Builder for the onward journey towards Minneapolis. Two trains allow people to see both the Northeast Corridor and the scenic Midwest within a single journey and travel through cities such as Albany, Cleveland, and Toledo on the way.
• Travel time total: 19-22 hours, subject to wait times at the connection within Chicago. Lake Shore Limited typically takes about 19 hours before reaching Chicago with an overnight stop in Chicago. The Empire Builder takes another 7.5 to 8.5 hours from Chicago to Minneapolis, which brings the total trip to a nearly full day of traveling.
• The best booking advice: Always make sure to check the connection window for Chicago. Amtrak typically schedules connections with an adequate buffer. However, making reservations directly on Amtrak’s site guarantees that your connecting train will be kept in place if the first train has a delay, as each leg is part of the same schedule and covered by Amtrak’s guarantee of connection policies.
• Sleeping in comfort for the night: Both parts of this trip allow overnight travel, and having a sleeper vehicle (roomette or bedroom) could make the lengthy travel much more enjoyable, particularly if you’re looking for peace and privacy, as well as a comfortable mattress instead of reclining coaches for two consecutive nights of traveling.
• Tickets tip: Booking between 30 and 60 days prior to departure usually guarantees the most affordable coach tickets, and sleeper accommodation should be reserved sooner due to the limited supply in the summer and during peak holiday seasons when demand increases.
• Layovers are planned by many travelers. Make use of the Chicago layover time to wander around the city for just a few hours. They can also eat at the food court of Union Station or get their feet moving before completing their journey. Most connections provide at the very least an hour buffering interval between trains.
• Alternate options: Some travellers prefer to cut short their journey by spending the night in Chicago while visiting the city for a day and going towards Minneapolis the next day. It turns a travel day into a 2-city getaway.

Minneapolis Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers

If this is the first experience with a train from Minneapolis, be sure to keep these suggestions in mind for a comfortable train ride:

Be early to board: Although trains do not require the same amount of delay that flights do, arriving 30-45 minutes prior to departure will ensure smooth boarding, particularly during busy times for travel, such as summer vacations and major holidays.

• Make sure you pack smartly: Amtrak allows generous baggage allowances (typically 2 carry-ons and 2 checked bags for free). However, always verify restrictions for your particular travel route prior to packing, since rules can differ slightly across the different services.
• Take entertainment with you: Long-distance routes such as Empire Builder don’t always have access to reliable internet, so you should download your favorite movies, books, or podcasts before you travel to ensure that you are entertained for long periods of time without internet.
• Wear layers of clothing. Train cars are prone to fluctuations in temperature. Therefore, layering clothes helps you remain at ease throughout your journey, especially during long night rides, when the temperature may fluctuate.
• Look into meal options for long-distance trains, which typically include meals in reservations for sleeper cars, and the passengers of coaches are able to purchase meals from the cafe car or take their own food as well as meals at home.
• Download the Amtrak app: It allows you to track the train’s progress in real-time, as well as view your boarding gates and get access to digital tickets without having to print everything or worry about lost paper tickets.
• Charge devices beforehand. There aren’t many coach seats with an outlet that is reliable, so be sure that your device is fully recharged prior to boarding, particularly during longer travels when you’ll need your mobile to help you navigate when you arrive.
• Take a neck cushion: If you are traveling with a coach for the night, using a pillow for travel and a blanket could make a big improvement in the comfort level, as coaches don’t recline like beds.
• Drink plenty of water: Carry an empty water bottle that you can refill for train cars, since they may be dry, particularly during the winter months, as heating systems decrease humidity levels in the vehicles.

Make sure you know where to go: Because certain routes are multi-stop, you can set a timer or have the crew onboard notify you prior to when your station arrives, specifically in the event that you are planning to sleep on the way.

Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Minneapolis

Knowing if your travel will be direct or have connecting flights aids in budgeting and planning.

Route Type	example	Pros	Cons
Direct Route	Chicago to Minneapolis (Empire Builder)	No transfers, simpler planning	Limited to Empire Builder corridor cities
Connecting Route	NYC to Minneapolis via Chicago	Access from almost any major US city	Longer travel time, transfer required
Connecting Route	Los Angeles to Minneapolis via Chicago	Coast-to-coast rail option	Multiple days of travel
Connecting Route	Boston to Minneapolis via Chicago	Wide East Coast access	Longest total travel duration
Connecting Route	New Orleans to Minneapolis via Chicago	Access from the Gulf Coast	Requires careful timing of layovers

Most travelers who don’t directly travel the Empire Builder Corridor (Seattle-Portland-Spokane-Fargo-Minneapolis-Chicago) will have to make at least one connection. Most frequent connections pass through Chicago Union Station, where Amtrak brings all of its long-distance and regional services into one system and connects all of the routes of the Midwest.

Amtrak’s online system does allow customers to book connections and build itineraries. This will indicate good connection times and make traveling multiple legs to Minneapolis easier to plan.

Business Class vs Coach on Minneapolis Trains

Choosing a class of service impacts your travel to Minneapolis in comfort and cost. The following are comparisons:

Feature	Coach Class	Sleeper/Business Options
Seating	Reclining seats, extra legroom	Private roomette or bedroom
Price	Most affordable	Higher cost includes meals
Meals	Purchased separately in the cafe car	Included with sleeper accommodations
Privacy	Shared open seating	Private compartment
Best for	Budget travelers, day trips	Overnight or long-distance comfort seekers
Storage	Overhead and under-seat	Dedicated space in private rooms
Power outlets	Available, but limited	Available in every room
Noise level	Moderate, shared cabin	Quiet, private space
Sleep quality	Reclining seat only	Real bed/bunk available
Lounge access	Standard	Often includes lounge access at major stations

The option to book sleeper accommodations is very appealing to many travelers on the overnight legs of the NYC-to-Minneapolis route and the Seattle-to-Minneapolis route. For multi-day train travel, sleep really determines how people feel when they arrive at their destination, so many passengers feel the accommodations are a cost worth spending to improve sleep and provide privacy.

Roomettes provide a bunk that folds down for one or two passengers, and for an additional cost, there are larger bedrooms that provide a private bathroom and additional space, which are best for families or those traveling long distances who want to provide the maximum travel comfort.

Minneapolis Train Station: Everything You Need to Know

The major station for Minneapolis-St. Paul within the Amtrak network is the Saint Paul Union Depot, situated in the downtown area of St. Paul, just an hour away from Minneapolis. This historical station has been well-maintained and functions as the main stop for passengers on the Empire Builder in the Twin Cities region.

• Locality: Downtown Saint Paul, easily accessible via taxis, car rideshare, and the local transit system that connects to Minneapolis.
• Facility: The Station provides the waiting room and restrooms. There are ticket counters as well as nearby restaurants accessible on foot in the historical Lowertown district in St. Paul.
• Connections: At Union Depot, travelers can join MeTRO Green Line. MeTRO Green Line light rail runs directly through St. Paul’s downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, making traveling onward cheap and easy to complete the trip, which typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes between the downtowns.
• Parking: Short-term as well as longer-term parking is offered close to the station for those who are arriving prior to their trip in the morning. Prices vary depending upon the duration of your stay and whether you opt for either open or covered space.
• Accessibility: The station is accessible and has lifts, accessible bathrooms, and staff support available for those with disabilities in the facility, providing an enjoyable experience for everyone who travels.
• Historical significance: Union Depot was originally constructed in the 1920s. It was later subject to a massive multi-year renovation before reopening as a contemporary multi-modal hub for transportation while maintaining the original architectural beauty, grand waiting area, and historical facade.
• Nearby attractions: The station’s location in Lowertown allows passengers to be within walking distance of restaurants as well as art galleries and even the CHS Field baseball stadium, which makes it simple to explore the area prior to or after your train ride.
• Multi-modal hub: After Amtrak, Union Depot is also a hub of local buses as well as Light rail, creating one of the top well-connected transportation hubs across the Twin Cities metro area.

How to Book Train Tickets to Minneapolis: Step-by-Step Guide

Your train tickets don’t need to be difficult. Just follow these easy steps to ensure your trip:

Step 1: Go to Amtrak’s official website or install the Amtrak mobile application to start your research.

Step 2: enter your departure city, destination (Minneapolis/St. Paul Minneapolis/St. Paul Union Depot), and date of travel.

Step 3: Compare the different trains available, time of departure, as well as cost classes (coach and business or sleeper if relevant) to identify the best match for your budget as well as your plan.

Step 4: Choose the seat you prefer or type. Then, look over the entire fare, including all applicable fees and taxes, prior to proceeding.

Step 5: Set up your own Amtrak account (or sign in) to save your reservation information and earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points to redeem for future discounts and travel benefits.

Step 6: Fill in your passenger’s details as well as payment information for a secure booking by using Amtrak’s encryption system for payment.

Step 7: Save your ticket to your mobile or print one to use for your boarding pass, based on your preferences and station needs.

Step 8: Get to the station no less than 30 minutes prior to departure time and take a ride with your electronic ticket or print one when the gate opens.

Step 9: Make sure you keep an original copy of the booking confirmation in case you require changes or request a refund in the course of your travel.

Step10: If you are traveling through a connecting route, ensure that the two legs of your trip are in order and then examine the time of your layover for a plan of action.

Minneapolis Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money

Booking a flight to Minneapolis from different cities varies in price. Season and class of service will impact the cost. When you book will also impact the final price.

Route	Approx. Coach Fare	Approx. Sleeper Fare
Chicago to Minneapolis	$40 – $90	$150 – $300+
Seattle to Minneapolis	$100 – $180	$400 – $700+
NYC to Minneapolis (via Chicago)	$90 – $160	$350 – $600+
Fargo to Minneapolis	$25 – $50	N/A (short route)
Portland to Minneapolis	$100 – $180	$400 – $700+
Milwaukee to Minneapolis	$45 – $95	$160 – $320+

Tips to save money on train tickets to Minneapolis:

• To find the best coach fares, book 30-60 days early. Prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, especially for peak season and holiday fares.
• To find the lowest fares, travel during the off-peak season in late fall and winter (excluding holidays). Fares during summer travel are the highest due to increased demand.
• While there are no immediate benefits to signing up for the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, once you start traveling, you will collect points to use for discounts, upgrades, or fully paid tickets.
• Promotions are infrequent, but signs can appear almost anytime due to the focus on holiday or seasonal sales. Signing up for Amtrak’s newsletters and following them on social media will help you find them first.
• Since there are fewer popular travel days in the middle of the week (Tuesday-Thursday) compared to the weekend, Amtrak typically has lower fares during the week and higher fares on Friday and Sunday.
• If you live near more than one departure station, check multiple stations because fares can be different for stops on the same route.
• Fares can be reduced significantly for Amtrak’s multiple reduced-fare categories, such as students, seniors, and military. AAA also has savings.
• If several of you are traveling, look into Amtrak’s group rates because they may have a lower fare per person than their other rates.

Best Time to Visit Minneapolis by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips

Minneapolis has a variety of experiences and cost options based on rail travel offerings that change with the seasons.

• Summer: Warm summers have rail travel to Minneapolis at its busiest and most expensive because of all the outdoor festivals. Book your tickets early for good prices and good seats on the Empire Builder.
• Fall: Great seasonal temperatures and beautiful, colorful foliage along the route mean that fall is the best season for rail travel. Fall is often less crowded than the summer.
• Winter: Cold winters mean fewer travelers, and the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Christmas holiday markets spice up the seasonal festivities around the Twin Cities. Train fares are usually lower during the winter.
• Spring: the colder months of spring, with moderate weather and costs before the summer spike, are still a good travel time to avoid summer crowds.

Season	Weather	Crowd Levels	Ticket Prices
Summer	Warm, pleasant	High	Higher
Fall	Mild, scenic	Moderate	Moderate
Winter	Cold, snowy	Low	Lower
Spring	Mild, variable	Low-Moderate	Moderate

To see the best fall colors, fall is the best option for travelers. The price and crowds are more accommodating without the summer crowds.

Train vs Bus vs Car to Minneapolis: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?

There are trade-offs to consider for comfort and cost vs flexibility and timing when selecting a mode of transport

Factor	Train	Bus	Car
Comfort	High (legroom, dining options)	Moderate	Depends on driver/passenger
Cost	Moderate	Lowest	Variable (fuel, tolls, wear)
Travel Time	Moderate to long	Long	Flexible, depends on traffic
Scenic Value	High	Low	Moderate
Flexibility	Fixed schedule	Fixed schedule	Most flexible
Stress Level	Low	Moderate	High (driving fatigue)
Luggage Space	Generous	Limited	Most flexible
environmental Impact	Lower	Lower	Higher per passenger

People who want comfort and a scenic view and would rather not drive often take the train. Some do the driving themselves, especially if they want more flexibility, need several stops along the way, or plan to travel to a remote area that doesn’t have a rail. Buses can be a faster option but not as comfortable, and considering how long the bus ride will be, driving with kids may be the better choice.

Long-distance buses tend to be the most budget-friendly option, at the expense of comfort and time. Driving or taking the train to Minneapolis helps travelers avoid the stress of a long-distance bus ride. Driving makes traveling to remote locations or flexibility with stops along the way possible. Some families prefer the extra room a car offers, and couples or solo travelers who prefer the more relaxing option often take the train.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Minneapolis’ main train station?

 Saint Paul Union Depot is the main station, with light rail access to downtown Minneapolis.

 2. Which train service arrives at Minneapolis?

 Amtrak’s Empire Builder arrives at Minneapolis on a route from Chicago to Seattle/Portland.

 3. How long is the train ride from Chicago to Minneapolis?

 It is approximately 7.5 to 8.5 hours on the Empire Builder.

 4. Is there a direct train from New York to Minneapolis?

 There is not. A connection in Chicago is needed.

 5. How much are tickets to Minneapolis by train?

 Prices for coach tickets vary from $25 to $180 based on the departure city.

 6. Is there an advantage to purchasing train tickets in advance?

 Yes, purchasing 30 to 60 days in advance offers the best prices.

 7. Are there sleeper cars on the train to Minneapolis?

 Yes, the Empire Builder offers roomettes and bedrooms for sleepers.

 8. When is the ideal season to travel by train to Minneapolis?

 The ideal season for scenic views is fall, but for the best ticket prices, travel in winter.

 9. How do you get to downtown Minneapolis from the train station?

 The Metro Green Line light rail can be taken from Union Depot.

 10. Is taking the train to Minneapolis better than flying?

 It depends on what the traveler prioritizes. Trains provide comfort and scenery, whereas flights are faster.