By Railfan & Railroad Staff
Amtrak has begun selling tickets for a new state-supported passenger train between St. Paul, Minn., and Chicago, that will make its debut on May 21. The new train, dubbed the Borealis, will complement Amtrak’s Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee and Empire Builder service between there and St. Paul.
The eastbound Borealis, No. 1340, will depart St. Paul, at 11:50 a.m., about three hours after the Builder does. The westbound, No. 1333, will depart Chicago Union Station at 11:05 a.m., about four hours before train No. 7. The new train will serve all stops that the Empire Builder and Hiawatha trains do.
“A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transportation system, providing more choices and travel flexibility for passengers,” said Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “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. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we work toward further building out passenger rail options in the Midwest.”
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.
Amtrak Borealis coach fares start at $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.
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