Borealis — Schedules, Fares & Stops

The Borealis connects Chicago, IL and St. Paul, MN over a 411-mile route operated by Amtrak (MnDOT/WisDOT), calling at 12 stations across 3 states.

Quick Facts

Operator: Amtrak (MnDOT/WisDOT)
Service type: State-Supported Corridor
Endpoints: Chicago ↔ St. Paul
Distance: 411 mi
Frequency: Daily
Stations: 12
States served: 3 (IL, WI, MN)
Typical fare range: $41 – $75

Route guide

The Borealis is a state-supported corridor service operated by Amtrak (MnDOT/WisDOT). Trains run Daily over 411 miles of mainline track between Chicago Union Station and Saint Paul Union Depot, calling at 12 intermediate and terminal stations across 3 states. For background reading on the corridor, several archival route histories are available alongside the operator's own marketing pages.

What to watch for: Mississippi River bluffs between La Crosse and Saint Paul — perhaps the most underrated stretch of passenger railroading in the Midwest.

History & service notes

Launched May 21, 2024 with state support from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois — the first new Amtrak corridor route in over a decade. Riders interested in pre-Amtrak operating history of the line can consult classic timetable archives for fuller context.

Equipment

Typical consist on the Borealis includes amfleet I and Horizon cars with Charger SC-44 locomotives. Equipment assignments may vary by departure and season; consult the operator for the most current information.

Stops along the route

Stations are listed in geographical order from Chicago to St. Paul. Times and exact stop sequencing depend on the specific train number and direction; refer to the operator's timetable for departures.

Sample fares & travel times

Approximate one-way fare ranges and travel times for popular city pairs on this route. Fares vary widely by demand, time of booking, and class of service — these figures are reference midpoints suitable for planning, not booking. Click any pair for a fuller trip guide.

From	To	Distance	Time	Fare
Chicago	Glenview	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Glenview	Milwaukee	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Milwaukee	Milwaukee	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Milwaukee	Columbus	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Columbus	Portage	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Portage	Wisconsin Dells	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Wisconsin Dells	Tomah	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Tomah	La Crosse	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
La Crosse	Winona	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Winona	Red Wing	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Red Wing	St. Paul	37 mi	54m	$19 – $34
Glenview	St. Paul	374 mi	7h 39m	$39 – $71
Chicago	Milwaukee	75 mi	1h 40m	$21 – $38
Milwaukee	St. Paul	336 mi	6h 53m	$37 – $67
Chicago	Milwaukee	112 mi	2h 24m	$23 – $42
Milwaukee	St. Paul	299 mi	6h 9m	$34 – $63
Chicago	Columbus	149 mi	3h 9m	$25 – $46
Columbus	St. Paul	262 mi	5h 24m	$32 – $59

Connections & transfers

Major hubs along the route offer cross-platform transfers to other intercity and commuter services. From Chicago, riders can change for connecting trains and intercity buses; the same is true at St. Paul. The corridor passes through cities including Chicago, Glenview, and St. Paul, each with its own onward service map. A useful reference for cross-network connections is the consolidated national rail connection guide, updated each timetable change.

Trip planning tip. The Borealis's lowest fares typically appear when booked 14 days or more in advance, and on midweek departures. Same-day "walk-up" fares are usually closer to the upper end of the range shown. Saver and Value buckets sell out first.