Borealis Carries More Than 416,000 at Second Anniversary

Total Amtrak Twin Cities – Chicago ridership up 27 percent in two years

ST. PAUL, Minn., and CHICAGO –Borealis^SM train service between the Twin Cities and Chicago continues to exceed expectations as it celebrates its second birthday. The partnership between three states and Amtrak began in May of 2024 and more than 416,000 passengers have enjoyed the comfortable and reliable service, demonstrating the need for safe and accessible transportation options in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

Borealis trains originate from St. Paul at midday and Chicago in the late morning with café service featuring regional items and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc. These trains are operated by Amtrak under contracts with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), with support from Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grants.

“The Borealis line is a testament to what happens when we prioritize the American traveler,” said Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink. “FRA is working with Amtrak and our state partners to usher in the Golden Age of Rail with world-class connectivity and economic growth.”

“Students, business workers and families choose passenger rail because it’s safe, efficient and reliable,” said Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We are thrilled that the Borealis continues to be successful and offer affordable train travel to great destinations. WisDOT looks forward to the continued growth of this service and passenger rail options throughout Wisconsin.”

“We are so pleased the Borealis continues to operate at capacity, signaling the continued need for reliable, safe transportation options,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We look forward to continuing the positive partnerships with WisDOT, IDOT and Amtrak, to potentially grow and expand on this much-needed service.”

“As the country’s rail hub, Illinois is proud to play a unique role in connecting states and communities across the Midwest,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. ““The success of the Borealis is a testament to the strong partnership with our neighbors in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as the public’s desire for travel options they can count on and afford.”

The Borealis and the Amtrak Empire Builder trains between St. Paul and Chicago together provide passengers with two daily departures eastbound and westbound. Adding the state-sponsored Hiawatha Service trains between Milwaukee and Chicago, the result is a total corridor ridership of nearly 1.8 million passengers, an increase of 27 percent in two years.

“The strong response to the Borealis service is indicative of what we see across our network,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “People want another choice besides driving and offering service multiple times daily supercharges the number of customers who choose Amtrak because our schedules fit their needs.

“We look forward to adding more seating capacity and more service in this corridor in the months and years to come.”

Amtrak has everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups, and others. Details and schedules are on Amtrak.com.