Amtrak Borealis: 1 Year & Ridership Success
- Minnesota's Borealis train route is proving popular, particularly among young families and students, according to officials.
- According to Amtrak, the Borealis recorded the following passenger statistics in Minnesota: St.Paul saw 106,581 boardings and deboardings, Red wing had 11,336, and Winona recorded 11,372.
- The Empire Builder, another amtrak route serving Minnesota, also experienced increased ridership between May 2024 and April 2025.
After one year,the Amtrak Borealis train route is a hit in Minnesota,showcasing significant passenger gains,especially among families and students. this success highlights the growing demand for alternatives to driving and flying,with the Borealis route attracting those seeking convenience and comfort. From May 2024 to April 2025, the Empire Builder and Borealis collectively served 293,000 passengers on the Chicago-St. Paul segments, a 227% increase. News Directory 3 has observed the trend. With late morning schedules proving ideal, officials are optimistic about sustaining this positive momentum. Discover what’s next for the future of rail travel in Minnesota and the anticipated expansion of services.
Borealis Train route Sees Passenger Gains in Minnesota
Updated June 2, 2025
Minnesota’s Borealis train route is proving popular, particularly among young families and students, according to officials. The route attracts individuals seeking alternatives to driving or flying.
According to Amtrak, the Borealis recorded the following passenger statistics in Minnesota: St.Paul saw 106,581 boardings and deboardings, Red wing had 11,336, and Winona recorded 11,372.
The Empire Builder, another amtrak route serving Minnesota, also experienced increased ridership between May 2024 and April 2025. Together, the Empire Builder and Borealis transported 293,000 passengers on the Chicago-St. Paul segments, marking a 227% increase from the previous year.
Nelson said the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) determined late mornings would attract the most riders for the Borealis train route.
“It hits the sweet spot in the time of day it travels,” Nelson said. “They found the late mornings would have the most ridership and they were right.”
State Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger emphasized the importance of reliable transportation options for Minnesotans.
“The ridership numbers clearly demonstrate the need to have safe,reliable transportation options for Minnesotans,and we hope to continue building on its early success,” said Daubenberger.
What’s next
Officials hope to build upon the early success of the Borealis route, continuing to provide a safe and reliable transportation option for Minnesota residents and visitors.