Amtrak’s Borealis Trains Hit 100,000 Passenger Mark on the Busy St. Paul to Chicago Route

Published on October 25, 2024

Amtrak’s Borealis trains, operating between St. Paul and Chicago, have reached a remarkable milestone, with ridership surpassing 100,000 passengers this week. The daily service, made possible through partnerships with the state transportation departments of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, has captured widespread public interest since its launch. To celebrate the achievement, Amtrak officials, alongside representatives from the state transportation departments, boarded both the eastbound and westbound Borealis trains today. The overwhelming response to the service underscores the increasing demand for reliable and efficient intercity travel across the region.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the excitement and ridership that the new service has created and couldn’t be prouder of our partnership. The number of full trains, even at mid-week on the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago corridor, is leading Amtrak and our state partners to look at how we can add capacity,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris, who added that Amtrak ridership nationwide is on trend to set a record this year.

“Reaching 100,000 passengers in less than six months is a testament to the good things that can happen when we provide a service that is needed,” said Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We are very excited to reach this milestone and look forward to strengthening our partnerships with communities, as well as federal, state and local governments, and Amtrak to continue providing a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation option.”

“We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone with our partners today,” said Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Strong ridership from day one demonstrates the interest in passenger rail in Wisconsin and is a product of the partnership between Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Amtrak to provide this service to riders. We will continue to work with our federal and state partners to explore additional passenger rail opportunities.”

“Illinois is proud to be a partner with Minnesota, Wisconsin and Amtrak in providing the Borealis service,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Reaching the 100,000-passenger milestone so soon after service began demonstrates the appetite and importance with the public to better connect our cities and offer multiple modes of transportation to get where they need to go.”

To mark the occasion, passengers were treated to complimentary refreshments and given commemorative certificates that included 500 bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Adding a playful touch, Amtrak also handed out “100-Grand” candy bars to all travelers, serving as a fun snack or memento.

The Borealis trains depart daily from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning, offering Amtrak’s regular discounts for various groups, including children aged 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, families, and groups. Passengers can choose between Coach and Business Class, with access to a café car that features locally inspired food and beverages.

Travelers on the Borealis trains benefit from spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views of the Mississippi River on the route between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisconsin.