Amtrak’s Borealis is a Midwest route with daily service between Chicago and St. Paul. Trains travel through Illinois, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota, with scenic views of the Mississippi River along the way. Because the Borealis is a daytime route, only coach seating is available. If you prefer a private room, book tickets on the Empire Builder, which stops at the same stations.
In this guide, learn about the route’s amenities, popular stops, stations, travel times, and FAQ.
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Borealis Overview
| Train Information | Facts & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Distance | 411 miles |
| Travel Time | 7.5 hours |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| End Stations | Chicago, St. Paul |
| Amenities | Coach seats, cafe |
Popular Stops and Places to Visit
Explore popular stops and places to visit along the Borealis route below. Click the links to view travel guides and learn about things to do and places to stay.
Note: The Twin Cities stop is in St. Paul, but you can easily reach Minneapolis via rideshare or light rail train that stops across the street from the Amtrak station (view map).
- Chicago: World-class museums, architecture, food
- Milwaukee, WI: Breweries, festivals, arts scene
- Wisconsin Dells: Sandstone cliffs, waterparks
- La Crosse, WI: River cruises, Oktoberfest USA
- Winona, MN: Artsy river town with scenic bluffs
- Red Wing, MN: Historic downtown, riverfront
- Minneapolis, MN: Parks, lakes, art and culture
- St. Paul, MN: Historic charm, museums
Stations
View the full list of stations on the Borealis route below. Click the links to get information on parking, checked bag service, accessibility, and more.
- St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN – Union Depot (MSP)
- Red Wing, MN (RDW)
- Winona, MN (WIN)
- La Crosse, WI – Amtrak Station (LSE)
- Tomah, WI (TOH)
- Wisconsin Dells, WI (WDL)
- Portage, WI (POG)
- Columbus, WI (CBS)
- Milwaukee, WI – Downtown (MKE)
- Milwaukee, WI – General Mitchell Airport Trains (MKA)
- Sturtevant, WI (SVT)
- Glenview, IL (GLN)
- Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
Travel Times
| Trip | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago-Milwaukee | 1.5 hours |
| Chicago-Wisconsin Dells | 3.5 hours |
| Milwaukee-Wisconsin Dells | 2 hours |
| Milwaukee-St. Paul | 6 hours |
| St. Paul-Wisconsin Dells | 4 hours |
| St. Paul-Chicago | 7.5 hours |
FAQ
Where does Amtrak’s Borealis go?
Borealis trains travel between Chicago, IL and St. Paul, MN through Illinois, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota.
How many stops are on the Borealis train?
There are 13 stops on the Borealis route.
What is the difference between the Empire Builder and the Borealis train?
The Empire Builder is a long-distance train with sleeper and dining cars. The Borealis is a Midwest-only regional route with coach seats.
How much does the Borealis train cost?
One-way tickets between Chicago and St. Paul are typically less than $50. Prices are cheaper if you travel a shorter distance. Prices can also vary based on demand and how far in advance you book your ticket.
Does the Borealis train have food?
Yes, the Borealis train has a cafe where you can purchase snacks and light meals, including sandwiches, salads, and soups.
More Information
- 10 best Midwest Amtrak trips
- 12 best Amtrak trips from Minneapolis
- 20 best Amtrak trips from Chicago
- 10 best Amtrak trips from Milwaukee
Top photo by Michael Hicks, Borealis in St. Paul (CC BY 2.0)
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