Borealis Ridership Remains Strong Despite Car Shortage

Borealis ridership remains strong despite a shortage of one passenger car per train and new dynamic pricing put into effect in 2025. Borealis trains have been selling out and it’s not clear when additional passenger cars will be available.

Borealis ridership has been growing until the car shortage. Empire Builder ridership was also down – again due to a shortage of passenger cars. Track, bridge and other infrastructure projects that will benefit both the Borealis and the Empire Builder will be underway in 2026.

Passenger Rail Ridership for Borealis and Empire Builder: Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (Rounded)

Borealis: 212,900
Empire Builder: 364,700
Total Ridership: 577,600

Passenger Rail Ridership for Minnesota Stations Borealis and Empire Builder: Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (Rounded)

	Borealis On & Off	Empire Builder On and Off	On and Offs Total Ridership
Detroit Lakes	N/A	4,724	4,724
Staples	N/A	6,692	6,692
St. Cloud	N/A	8,247	8,247
Saint Paul	117,597	81,843	199,440
Red Wing	14,062	7,598	21,660
Winona	12,686	10,947	23,633
TOTAL	144,645	120,051	264,696