Borealis
Chicago, IL → St. Paul, MN · 411 miles · 7h 30m
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411 miles
7h 30m
Daily
79 mph
3
About the Borealis
Launched in 2024 and an instant success — a daytime second frequency between Chicago and the Twin Cities via Milwaukee and the Mississippi River bluffs.
What makes this route worth taking
- Daylight Mississippi River running
- Second daily Twin Cities option alongside the Empire Builder
- Modern St. Paul Union Depot arrival
- Café service onboard
Travel tip
One of the best-value long daytime rides in the Midwest — ask about Business Class pricing.
Classes of service on this route
The Borealis operates with Horizon / Venture. Available accommodation:
This is a daytime service without sleeping accommodation. Business Class, where offered, adds seat pitch, a quieter car and usually a complimentary beverage. The size of the upgrade varies by route and departure.
States and provinces served
Stations along the route
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago |
| 2 | Glenview |
| 3 | Milwaukee |
| 4 | Columbus |
| 5 | Portage |
| 6 | Wisconsin Dells |
| 7 | Tomah |
| 8 | La Crosse |
| 9 | Winona |
| 10 | Red Wing |
| 11 | St. Paul |
Station lists reflect the principal calling pattern. Individual departures may omit stops or add seasonal calls. Schedules, equipment and station stops are set by the carrier and change without notice — confirm current details directly with the carrier before you travel.
Planning a journey on the Borealis
Fares on Amtrak routes move in tiers that generally only step upward, so booking once your dates are firm is usually cheaper than waiting. Sleeping-car accommodation is capped per car and tends to sell out well ahead of coach on this kind of route.
Want to talk it through before you book? Call +1 (888) 821-4679 and we will walk you through the route, the accommodation and the accessibility arrangements. Free, and no obligation.
