Amtrak has launched the second daily service between St. Paul/ Minneapolis and Chicago via Milwaukee introducing the new state-sponsored Borealis trains. Passengers seeking a more comfortable, sustainable and productive choice than driving have now double the current rail options, starting May 21, 2024.
Amtrak Borealis coach fares start at USD 41 each way between St. Paul and Chicago for adults, with everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups, and others.
“A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transport system, providing more choices and travel flexibility for passengers. We appreciate our partnerships with communities, federal, state and local governments, the host railroad CPKC, and Amtrak that were needed to get this service on-track, and to provide another safe, reliable transportation option,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Amtrak Borealis trains will offer coach and business class in addition to a café car featuring regional items. Customers will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc., in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin.
The trains will make the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago. Another benefit of the Amtrak Borealis service is a new eastbound Amtrak origination from Ramsey County’s Union Depot in St. Paul.
Passengers travel 7 hours and 24 minutes from St. Paul/Minneapolis to Chicago via Milwaukee and will benefit better connections to business, universities and tourist attractions.
The new service is sponsored by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Amtrak now operates 29 state-supported routes with 18 state partners.
The new train service is part of the Corridor Identification and Development programme that delivers new or expanded intercity passenger services. For each selected corridor, FRA initially awards the grantee USD 500,000 for eligible activities.
Share on:
