Booking Amtrak In Minnesota..!!
There’s something uniquely enchanting about train travel. The rhythmic clickety-clack, the ever-changing panorama outside your window, and the sense of stepping back to a more relaxed pace. For Minnesotans and those visiting our beautiful state, Amtrak offers a fantastic way to experience the scenery, connect with other locales, and travel comfortably.
Minnesota is served by Amtrak’s legendary Empire Builder route, connecting Chicago to Seattle/Portland, traversing the northern plains and offering stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley in our state’s eastern stretch, and then the lake country further west.
Whether you’re planning a grand cross-country adventure or a simple regional hop, knowing your Amtrak stations is key. This complete guide will walk you through each of Minnesota’s five Amtrak stations, providing essential details and handy distance calculations to key cities and airports.
Understanding Amtrak in Minnesota
The Empire Builder is a long-distance train, meaning schedules are designed for longer journeys. While you can certainly use it for shorter trips within Minnesota, it’s essential to be aware that it only passes through once a day in each direction. Always check the latest schedules on Amtrak’s website.
The Minnesota Amtrak Stations: A Detailed Look
Here are the five Amtrak stations you’ll find in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, listed generally from East to West/South to North:
1. St. Paul Union Depot (STP)
- Location: 214 4th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101
- Description: The grand dame of Minnesota’s transportation hubs. St. Paul Union Depot is a beautifully restored historic building serving as a multimodal center for Amtrak, Metro Transit (light rail and bus), and Jefferson Lines intercity bus service. It’s the primary gateway for the Twin Cities.
- Amenities: This is a full-service station with a staffed ticket office, spacious waiting areas, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, food and beverage options (café, vending), and baggage services.
- Local Connections: Directly connected to the METRO Green Line light rail, offering easy access to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and various Twin Cities neighborhoods. Numerous local bus routes also serve the depot.
Distances from St. Paul Union Depot:
| Destination | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis (Downtown) | 10 | 15-25 minutes |
| MSP Airport | 10 | 15-25 minutes |
| Mall of America | 12 | 20-30 minutes |
| Red Wing | 55 | 1 hour |
| Rochester | 85 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
2. Red Wing (RDW)
- Location: 420 Levee Street, Red Wing, MN 55066
- Description: Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River amidst stunning bluffs, Red Wing is known for its natural beauty and historic downtown. The Amtrak station is a small, unstaffed shelter right by the tracks in the heart of the city.
- Amenities: Basic covered shelter, platform, no ticketing services.
- Local Connections: Within walking distance of downtown Red Wing shops, restaurants, and the riverfront. Local transportation options are limited; ride-sharing or pre-arranged taxis are advisable.
Distances from Red Wing Station:
| Destination | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul Union Depot | 55 | 1 hour |
| MSP Airport | 50 | 50-60 minutes |
| Rochester | 45 | 50 minutes |
| Winona | 65 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
3. Winona (WNN)
- Location: 101 East 2nd Street, Winona, MN 55987
- Description: Known as the “Island City” due to its location on an island-like piece of land between Lake Winona and the Mississippi River, Winona offers picturesque bluffs and a vibrant arts scene. The Amtrak station is a modest, unstaffed building near the downtown area.
- Amenities: Unstaffed waiting room, restrooms, platform. No ticketing services.
- Local Connections: Close to downtown attractions, Winona State University, and the riverfront. Local public transportation is available, and taxis/ride-shares can be arranged.
Distances from Winona Station:
| Destination | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul Union Depot | 120 | 2 hours |
| MSP Airport | 115 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Rochester | 50 | 1 hour |
| La Crosse, WI | 30 | 35 minutes |
4. Staples (SPL)
- Location: 201 4th Street NE, Staples, MN 56479
- Description: A small town in central Minnesota, Staples has a rich railroading history and continues to be a hub for freight rail operations. The Amtrak station is a simple platform and shelter located downtown.
- Amenities: Basic covered shelter, platform, no ticketing services.
- Local Connections: Staples is a small town, so local transportation beyond walking is very limited. Pre-arranged taxis or rides from local contacts would be necessary.
Distances from Staples Station:
| Destination | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul Union Depot | 130 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| MSP Airport | 135 | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Brainerd | 30 | 35 minutes |
| Fargo, ND | 95 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
5. Detroit Lakes (DTL)
- Location: 110 West Front Street, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
- Description: A popular resort town in west-central Minnesota, Detroit Lakes lives up to its name with numerous lakes in the immediate vicinity. The Amtrak station is an unstaffed building located downtown.
- Amenities: Unstaffed waiting room, platform, no ticketing services.
- Local Connections: Within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants. Local transportation options are limited; pre-arranged taxis or ride-shares are recommended for travel beyond the immediate downtown.
Distances from Detroit Lakes Station:
| Destination | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 50 | 50-60 minutes |
| St. Paul Union Depot | 200 | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| MSP Airport | 205 | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Moorhead, MN | 55 | 1 hour |
Planning Your Amtrak Journey in Minnesota
- Book in Advance: Especially for the Empire Builder, tickets can sell out, particularly for sleeper cars. Book directly on Amtrak.com or via their app.
- Arrive Early: For St. Paul Union Depot, aim for 30-45 minutes before departure. For the unstaffed stations, 15-20 minutes is usually sufficient, but be sure you know exactly where the platform is.
- Check Status: Amtrak trains can sometimes experience delays. Use the Amtrak app or website to check your train’s status before heading to the station.
- Baggage: Be aware of Amtrak’s baggage policies (checked vs. carry-on). St. Paul Union Depot offers checked baggage service; other stations are carry-on only.
- Enjoy the Ride: Embrace the journey! The Empire Builder offers comfortable seating, a dining car, and potentially even an observation car with panoramic windows, perfect for soaking in Minnesota’s diverse landscapes.
Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of St. Paul, the river towns of Red Wing and Winona, or the lake country of Staples and Detroit Lakes, Amtrak provides a unique and memorable way to travel our beautiful state. So why not trade the highway for the railway on your next Minnesota adventure?
Happy travels!