Key Highlights
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Get to know Minnesota’s main Amtrak stations, like the well-known Saint Paul Union Depot.
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Find out about the Empire Builder route. This path offers pretty views and takes you from Minnesota to big cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Portland.
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Check out Metro Transit’s Blue and Green light rail lines in the Twin Cities. These lines can make your rides easy and smooth.
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Look for important services, such as ticket counters, baggage help, and accessibility options, that are at major stations.
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Visit the official Amtrak website to find everything you need about your travel date and to see up-to-date train schedules.
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Take a look at old Minnesota railway buildings. Many have been fixed up and now look great while being used for something new.
Introduction
Welcome to your must-have guide for train travel in Minnesota in 2026. Taking a train around the North Star State is a special way to see its great views and nature. You can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. It does not matter if you are thinking about going far across the country on Amtrak, or just want to ride between spots in a Minnesota city. This guide has all you need. You will find out about Amtrak stations in Minnesota, the easy local train and transit options, and what to know so your trip is fun and smooth.
Overview of Train Travel in Minnesota
Train travel in Minnesota is a great choice for those who want an easy trip with beautiful sights. It is a good way to skip driving. The main long-distance trains for Minnesota passengers are run by Amtrak. These trains link many big cities in the state with other places in the country. Because of this, planning big trips with Amtrak from Minnesota is simple.
For trips in the cities, like in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Metro Transit has a strong system of light rail and commuter trains. You can get around easily with these options. Before you pick your travel date, be sure to look at Amtrak routes and local train services. This will help you plan well. Traveling Minnesota by train lets you see more and have more fun.
Types of Passenger Rail Services Available
The main passenger rail in Minnesota is run by Amtrak trains. The famous Empire Builder route passes right through Minnesota. It is known as one of the country’s best train rides. This daily train gives a key connection for people who live in the state and for those visiting. It links Minnesota with large cities, like Chicago in the east and Seattle and Portland in the west.
When you buy your Amtrak tickets, you can pick what seating works best for what you need and what you can spend. The Empire Builder has many good things for its riders. Some of the best amenities are dining cars, sleeper cars, and observation lounges with wide, clear windows. These features help make your trip on the Empire Builder route cozy and something you will remember.
It is easy to plan your next train trip. You can go to the official Amtrak website or use the Amtrak app to check for Minnesota routes and find departure times. You can also buy your Amtrak tickets or do any changes needed for your travel right there. When you get info this way, you always have the most up-to-date details for all Amtrak trains in and out of Minnesota.
Growth and Development of Minnesota’s Rail Network
Minnesota’s rail network keeps getting better to meet what today’s travelers need. People are always talking and working on ways to grow Minnesota routes. These ideas help link places inside the state and connect Minnesota to other spots in the United States. The work is about making the tracks and stations better and, maybe, bringing in fresh passenger lines.
The main goal is to give people a stronger and more friendly travel experience. Key points are boosting how often trains run, cutting down on travel time, and making sure each station is modern, easy to use, and comfortable. These steps help make train travel a better choice for more people.
As the network gets bigger, Minnesota becomes an even bigger part of travel in the Upper Midwest. This push to keep building means that rail service in the state will keep getting better. People will get more good, dependable ways to travel in the years to come.
Major Amtrak Train Stations in Minnesota
When you go by train in Minnesota, you will stop at some main Amtrak stations. These stations help you get into the cities and see what the state offers. The most important station for all Amtrak routes in Minnesota is the big Saint Paul Union Depot. It is an old and beautiful building. All the Amtrak trains in the state pass through here.
The empire builder route goes on from Union Depot. This train stops at some other big amtrak stations, too.
If you want to know about each station—including where it is and when it’s open—you should go to the official Amtrak website. If you know what station you need before your trip, you can plan when to get there and when you leave. Here, let’s talk about the main station and a few more important stops along the empire builder route.
Saint Paul Union Depot – Features and Services
Saint Paul’s Union Depot is the main spot for Amtrak in Minnesota. You will find it right in the middle of the capital city. This station is a beautiful, old building that has been fixed up nicely. It is not just for travel—it is also a place to see. The big waiting room and old-style look show what rail travel used to be like, while still giving you all the new amenities you want.
Inside, there are ticket counters that are always staffed. If you need to check your baggage, you can do that. The waiting area is inside and keeps you out of bad weather. The station works hard to be easy for all people to use. You will find features that help with accessibility, including accessible places to get on and off the train and restrooms that are easy to use for everyone. If you need special assistance, it is a good idea to let Amtrak know before your trip.
At Union Depot, you will see vending machines if you want a quick snack. There are also spots where you can pay to park your car nearby. The location of the station makes it easy to hop on a bus or grab taxis to go where you need in St. Paul or even farther.
Other Key Amtrak Stops (Red Wing, Winona, Staples, Detroit Lakes)
Beyond the main station at Union Depot in St. Paul, the Empire Builder also stops in other nice Minnesota cities. Each one is a great way to get into a different part of the state. These Minnesota Amtrak stations give important rail service to smaller places and help people get to fun and pretty spots.
These Amtrak stations are smaller than Union Depot, but they still play a big part in the rail network. Some of these stations may not have staff, but the Empire Builder does stop every day. The main stops are:
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Red Wing: This city sits on the Mississippi River. It has big bluffs and an old, pretty downtown.
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Winona: You will find lots of art and beautiful nature in this river city.
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Staples: This spot is in central Minnesota. It is an important Amtrak stop in that part of the state.
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Detroit Lakes: This is a top place to go for lake fun. You can enjoy the outdoors any time of year here.
When you use the Empire Builder to visit these Amtrak stations, you get to see some of Minnesota that most people miss. Before you go, always check the Amtrak website to find out what amenities are at your station because they may not all have the same things.
Metro Transit Light Rail and Commuter Train Stations
If you want to travel in the Twin Cities, Metro Transit’s light rail and bus rapid transit network can help you get around. This system is set up in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It gives fast and regular rides to places like both downtowns, the University of Minnesota, and the Mall of America. The buses and trains are also good for Amtrak riders who come into Union Depot.
It is simple to plan your trip based on your travel date because these trains and buses run all day. These lines are helpful if you are going to work, seeing new places, or want to change the way you travel. The METRO system is an easy and low-cost way for people to move around in the minnesota city center. Next, we will talk about the main light rail lines and the places they can take you.
Blue Line and Green Line Station List in the Twin Cities
The heart of the Twin Cities’ local rail network consists of the METRO Blue Line and Green Line. These light rail lines serve dozens of stations, connecting major commercial, residential, and entertainment hubs. The Blue Line is your direct link between the Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis, even stopping at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
Meanwhile, the Green Line provides a crucial connection between the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul, running through the University of Minnesota campus along the way. You can check official train schedules on the Metro Transit website to plan your trip with precision. The system is designed for easy boarding, with pay stations available at each stop for convenience.
This efficient network makes navigating the core of the Twin Cities simple without a car. Below is a simplified look at the key areas served by each line.
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METRO Line |
Key Destinations Served |
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Blue Line |
Mall of America, MSP Airport, Downtown Minneapolis, Target Field |
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Green Line |
Downtown St. Paul (Union Depot), University of Minnesota, Downtown Minneapolis |
Transit Connections to Amtrak and Local Attractions
Arriving in St. Paul on Amtrak is the start of your trip in Minnesota. You will find great ways to get around when you step off the train at Union Depot. This place is a busy spot where you can move from the train to other forms of travel with no trouble. The METRO Green Line stops right at Union Depot, so you can go by train to St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, and Minneapolis without delay.
From Union Depot, you can get to many spots in the Twin Cities. It is simple to see local sights, and you do not need a car to do it. If you wish to visit a museum, go to a concert, or watch a game, the light rail and bus lines will take you there. There are taxis and ride-sharing cars outside Union Depot too, so you get even more ways to travel to any place you want to go.
Here are the main ways you can get around from Union Depot:
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METRO Green Line to get to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.
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Many local bus lines serve the metro area close to the depot.
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Easy to get a taxi for direct trips to your hotel or any other place.
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Fast connections to the Blue Line for the way to MSP Airport and the Mall of America.
Historical and Notable Train Stations Across Minnesota
Minnesota has a long history with railroads, and you can still see it in many old stations. These places have stories that are interesting to learn about. While the state has built new travel centers for today, it has also worked to keep many of these amazing buildings standing. Some of them are still used by Amtrak. Others do not have trains anymore but have been fixed up for something new.
When you visit these stations in Minnesota, you get to see how trains helped shape the state. You will find big old train buildings in cities and smaller stops out in the towns. These spots are good for people who care about history or love cool buildings. Let’s have a look at some old train stations that are still used today and some that now have other uses.
Historic Stations Still in Use Today
Some of the most beautiful old stations in Minnesota are still open and see a lot of people today. The main one is the Saint Paul Union Depot. After a big project to fix it up, the station opened again as the main Amtrak station in the Twin Cities. It brings together the look of the 1920s with what people need now. That makes it a special part of history that still helps thousands with train travel.
Another stop on the empire builder route is the Red Wing depot, which was built back in 1904. Many people like how their brick building looks, and it’s a place where Amtrak riders come and go every day. When you use these stations in Minnesota, you get a feeling of the past mixed in with all the things people want from today’s train travel.
These old stations do more than just help people get on and off trains. They are important places you can visit all by themselves. They show how train travel is still a big part of life in each Minnesota city, and connect us with our past.
Restored and Repurposed Railway Buildings
All over Minnesota, a lot of old railway buildings have been saved from being torn down. People worked to fix them up and give them new uses. These projects help remember the state’s past and give something good to the community. These buildings do not move people around now—they are used as businesses, museums, and places for art and culture. Their style and look are still there for people in the future to see.
The work done to keep these railway buildings shows how much the state cares about its past. You can pick any travel date and make a trip to see how they look now. There are many fixed-up railway buildings you can find in cities and small towns in Minnesota.
Some well-known old stations that have been changed for new uses are:
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The Duluth Union Depot: This building is now where the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is, along with a few other arts groups.
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The Minneapolis Depot: It has become a hotel and a place for events. It even has an ice rink inside.
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The Bandana Square: This place used to be a train repair shop in St. Paul. Now, it has offices and stores.
Conclusion
To sum up, checking out the train stations in Minnesota is a fun way to see the state’s past and how people travel today. Stations like the busy Union Depot in Saint Paul, the quiet one in Red Wing, and the spot in Winona each have their own special story. When you learn more about the different train rides you can take, you see how well Minnesota’s towns connect with each other. It does not matter if you live here or if you are just visiting. Stopping to see these train stations could lead to good new things and let you meet new people. If you want to start your trip, you can ask for a free consultation. This can help you plan where to go next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passenger train stations are there in Minnesota, and where can I find a complete list?
Minnesota has five Amtrak stations you can use for long trips: Saint Paul, Red Wing, Winona, Staples, and Detroit Lakes. If you want the most up-to-date list, addresses, or to know what each station offers, you should check the official Amtrak website or use the Amtrak app. Metro Transit also has a lot of local light rail stations in the area.
Which Minnesota cities currently have active rail connections to other states?
The five cities in Minnesota where you can get Amtrak service are Saint Paul, Red Wing, Winona, Staples, and Detroit Lakes. All of these cities have direct train lines to other states. The Empire Builder route links these stops with big cities like Chicago, Illinois. It also goes west to places in North Dakota, Montana, and Washington. This makes the empire builder a good pick for traveling in and out of Minnesota.
Does Minneapolis have its own train station or do all Amtrak routes use St. Paul?
All Amtrak trains that are in the Twin Cities use the Saint Paul Union Depot. There is not an Amtrak station in Minneapolis. But, you can get to Union Depot from Minneapolis by the METRO Green Line light rail. This way is direct and easy when you need to check departure times and schedules for Amtrak trains.