Amtrak and states celebrate Borealis reaching a quarter-million riders – and beyond

Milestone passed during the July 4 holiday weekend

CHICAGO and ST. PAUL, Minn. – Amtrak carried its 250,000^th guest on state-sponsored Borealis trains between the Twin Cities and Chicago over the Independence Day 2025 holiday weekend.

“Thanks to the support of our partners, we’re honored to have more than a quarter-million customers, and counting, travel on the Borealis train this past year,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Some of these guests have never before used Amtrak. Now all of them can enjoy the benefits of train travel while avoiding the long drive on Interstate 94.”

Operated daily by Amtrak under contracts with the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois state transportation departments, guests and officials have been celebrating a comfortable and reliable service that has routinely exceeded expectations since the daily service began in May 2024..

“A quarter of a million riders demonstrate the desire for safe, equitable and reliable transportation options in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We remain pleased and encouraged by the early success of the Borealis and look forward to its continued growth.”

“The Borealis continues to be a success story in Wisconsin and our partner states,” said Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman. “This 250,000-rider milestone clearly demonstrates the need for safe, reliable and efficient passenger rail travel options.

“We are excited to see riders take advantage of this service to explore communities throughout our great state and neighboring cities like Chicago and the Twin Cities.”

“We’re excited to mark another milestone for the Borealis service,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “As a co-sponsor of the service, we view a quarter of a million riders as proof that our investments in regional transit make a real difference in the lives of people all across the Midwest.”

Borealis trains originate from St. Paul at midday and Chicago in the late morning with Amtrak everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups, and others. The trains offer café service featuring regional items and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc.