The Borealis: Amtrak's Daytime Train from Chicago to St. Paul

This route suits travelers looking for a reliable daytime connection between the Midwest's major cities. If you want to travel from Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul without traveling overnight, the Borealis is an excellent choice. It serves the same stations as the long-distance Empire Builder but operates on a daytime schedule. This makes it ideal for families, students, and tourists who want to enjoy the river scenery during daylight hours. Passengers interested in exploring Wisconsin will also appreciate the stops in Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells. Whether it is your first time on Amtrak or you are a frequent rider, this train provides a comfortable and straightforward transit option across the region.

Route overview

The Borealis covers about 411 miles between Chicago Union Station in Illinois and Saint Paul Union Depot in Minnesota. The journey takes about 8 hours end to end. It operates daily in each direction as of 2026. This Amtrak state-supported service has been operating daily since May 2024. The train makes several stops along the way. After leaving Chicago, it heads north into Wisconsin, stopping at Glenview, Sturtevant, and the Milwaukee Airport before reaching the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. From there, the route turns northwest across Wisconsin. Major stops include Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, and La Crosse. The final stretch crosses into Minnesota, stopping at Winona and Red Wing before terminating in St. Paul. Because it is not an overnight train, the entire trip happens during the day. This daytime schedule adds a convenient alternative to the Empire Builder line. Passengers can connect to many other trains in Chicago, including the California Zephyr, the Texas Eagle, and the Floridian. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, and St. Paul, connections are available to the Empire Builder.

What you see, section by section

Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells

After leaving the urban environment of Milwaukee, the train travels northwest into the rural heart of the state. Passengers will see typical Wisconsin farms and lakes along this section of the route. The landscape is largely agricultural, with rolling fields and small towns dotting the tracks. The train passes through Columbus and Portage before arriving at Wisconsin Dells. Since the Borealis is a daytime service, you can expect daylight views of this farming region regardless of which direction you travel.

La Crosse to St. Paul

The Mississippi River section is the highlight of the entire Borealis route. After departing La Crosse, the train meets the Upper Mississippi River and follows it closely along the Minnesota bank for many miles. The tracks run right beside the water, offering excellent views of the river traffic and wooded bluffs. You will pass through the historic river towns of Winona and Red Wing before the train turns inland toward Saint Paul Union Depot. This scenic stretch is easily visible during the daytime schedule.

Classes and onboard

• Coach
• Business Class
• Café car

The Borealis offers two main seating options for passengers. You can book a seat in Coach or upgrade to Business Class. Coach provides comfortable, reclining seats with ample legroom and access to power outlets. Business Class offers a slightly more spacious environment, often with dedicated seating cars and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Since this is not an overnight train, there are no sleeper cars available. For dining, the train features a Café car available to all passengers. The Café car sells a variety of snacks, light meals, and beverages throughout the journey. You can read more about food on Amtrak and VIA trains to plan your meals. Choosing between Coach and Business Class depends on your budget and desire for extra space. Coach is perfectly adequate for the eight-hour trip, but Business Class provides a quieter atmosphere for those who want to work or relax.