WISCONSIN — A second daily Amtrak train will run through Wisconsin later this month, connecting the Twin Cities and Chicago.
The company announced the new route, called Borealis, on Wednesday. It will begin offering service on May 21, 2024. The train will originate from St. Paul around midday and from Chicago in the late morning.
“A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transportation system, providing more choices and travel flexibility for passengers,” said Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger in a statement.
Trains on the Borealis route will make the current Empire Builders stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee, and the Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago.
It will also have eight stops in Wisconsin, including Sturtevant, Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah and La Crosse.
“This route includes eight stations in Wisconsin, and doubling the frequency of the service will better connect the many businesses, universities and tourist attractions along this corridor,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said in a press release. “This expansion is thanks to the work WisDOT was able to do together with Minnesota, Illinois and Amtrak, as well as the opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We will continue to work with federal and state partners to explore more passenger rail options in Wisconsin.”
Fares start at $41 each way between St. Paul and Chicago. Children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups and others may be eligible for everyday discounts.
Trains will offer Coach and Business Class and a cafe car that features regional items. The cars also have free Wi-Fi and reclining seats.
With the additional of the Borealis route, the Amtrak now operates 29 state-supported routes with 18 state partners. Amtrak President Roger Harris said Amtrak is working on dozens of other possible routes through the Corridor Identification Program.
“This is a win for passenger rail expansion in America, and more importantly, it’s a win for a growing number of Americans who rely on passenger rail and benefit from it,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose. “Investments in rail have long helped Midwesterners and the region’s economy, and this new service will mean additional access for people traveling between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois while contributing to economic growth."