Route snapshot
| Route | Milwaukee (MKE) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) |
|---|---|
| Stations | Milwaukee Intermodal Station to Saint Paul Union Depot |
| Trains | Empire Builder |
| Typical travel time | about 6h to 6h 30m |
| How often | Typically one departure per day, so check the schedule for your travel date. |
Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul train: what to expect
At about 6h to 6h 30m, this is a comfortable day trip. Bring a charger and something to read, since outlets and Wi-Fi vary by train. Typically one departure per day, so check the schedule for your travel date.
Stations in Milwaukee and Minneapolis-St. Paul
Trains on this route run between Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Saint Paul Union Depot. In Milwaukee the station is at 433 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI. The Intermodal Station is the Milwaukee stop for the Hiawatha and the Empire Builder. In Minneapolis-St. Paul the station is at 214 4th St E, St. Paul, MN. Despite the station code, this depot is in downtown St. Paul, with light rail to Minneapolis.
How to book cheap Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul train tickets
- Book early: Fares generally rise as the seats on a train sell, so booking a few weeks ahead is usually the cheapest approach.
- Stay flexible by a day: Moving your trip by a day, or choosing a midweek or off-peak departure, can lower the fare noticeably.
- Check discounts: Senior, student, child and other eligible fares may be available, so ask when you call.
- On this route: The Empire Builder runs once daily; the station is in downtown St. Paul with light rail to Minneapolis.
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More ways to book
New to rail travel? Read our guide on how to book a train, learn how to find cheap train tickets, or browse all train tickets from Milwaukee and from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul?
The trip takes about 6h to 6h 30m on the Empire Builder, depending on the departure you choose.
How much do Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul train tickets cost?
Fares depend on the travel date, how far ahead you book, the seat class and how full the train is. The cheapest tickets are usually bought early for off-peak departures. Call (888) 885-6306 and our team will check the lowest available fare for your dates.
Which stations do Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul trains use?
Trains run between Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MKE) and Saint Paul Union Depot (MSP). Always confirm the station on your ticket, since some cities have more than one.
Is there a direct train from Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Many departures on this route are direct, but schedules vary by day and season, and some trips may involve a connection. Check the departures for your travel date before booking.
How do I book a train from Milwaukee to Minneapolis-St. Paul?
Enter your cities and date in the search box on this page, or call (888) 885-6306. Our team can find and confirm a fare for you.