Station guide · MN, USA
Saint Paul Union Depot guide
Saint Paul Union Depot serves as the primary Amtrak station for the Twin Cities, offering daily departures to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest from a beautifully restored downtown terminal.
- Station
- Saint Paul Union Depot
- City
- St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN
- Code
- MSP
- Routes
- 2
At a glance
- Amtrak uses the restored Saint Paul Union Depot in downtown St. Paul
- The Metro Green Line light rail connects to downtown Minneapolis
- Served by the Empire Builder and the Borealis
Amtrak passengers traveling to the Twin Cities arrive at the restored Saint Paul Union Depot. Located in downtown St. Paul, this historic terminal serves both St. Paul and neighboring Minneapolis. The building features classic architecture and provides a central hub for regional rail travel. Passengers can easily access local transit to reach destinations across the metropolitan area. If you are planning your first time on Amtrak, this station offers a straightforward layout. The depot acts as a vital link between the Midwest and the West Coast, handling daily long-distance and regional services.
Trains from Minneapolis-St. Paul
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Builder | Chicago to Spokane and Seattle and Portland | Daily in each direction |
| Borealis | Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul | Daily in each direction |
Two Amtrak routes serve Saint Paul Union Depot. The Empire Builder runs daily in each direction as of 2026. This long-distance train travels from Chicago to Spokane, where it splits to serve both Seattle and Portland. The full journey takes about 45 to 46 hours end to end, making it an overnight trip for passengers traveling to the West Coast. The next stops on this route are Red Wing and St. Cloud. The station also welcomes the Borealis. This regional daytime train operates daily in each direction between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Borealis takes about 8 hours end to end, with Red Wing as the next stop heading east. The trip from Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul takes about 7 to 9 hours depending on which service you choose.
Getting to and from the station
Saint Paul Union Depot is located in downtown St. Paul. The station provides excellent public transit links for passengers traveling across the Twin Cities. The Metro Green Line light rail connects directly to downtown Minneapolis. This makes it simple to travel between the two cities without a car. Passengers should allow plenty of time to navigate local transit, especially during busy weekday commute hours. Check local transit websites for current schedules before you travel. If you are bringing large bags on the light rail, review the luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA to ensure your items are easy to carry through the station.
Around the station
The station sits in the heart of downtown St. Paul. Passengers stepping out of Saint Paul Union Depot will find themselves close to the Mississippi River and the city center. St. Paul serves as the capital of Minnesota, offering government buildings, museums and parks within walking distance or a short transit ride. The Metro Green Line allows visitors to easily reach downtown Minneapolis, known for its theaters, sports venues and commercial districts. Travelers waiting for a train can explore the immediate downtown area, but should keep an eye on the time.
Station tips
- Book your tickets early to secure the best fares on the Empire Builder and Borealis.
- Read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips before planning your journey.
- Use the Metro Green Line for a cheap and direct route to downtown Minneapolis.
- Check the accessible train travel guide if you need mobility assistance at the station.
Popular trips from Minneapolis-St. Paul
Questions travellers ask
How long is the train ride from Chicago to St. Paul?
The journey from Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul takes about 7 to 9 hours. The Borealis completes the trip in about 8 hours end to end, while the Empire Builder schedule varies slightly. Both trains run daily in each direction.
Does the train go to Minneapolis or St. Paul?
Amtrak trains stop at Saint Paul Union Depot in downtown St. Paul. To reach downtown Minneapolis, passengers can take the Metro Green Line light rail directly from the station. This provides a simple transit connection between the two cities.