Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to East Lansing

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to East Lansing. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to East Lansing usually takes 1 day, 3 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 21 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance: 520 mi (837 km)
Fastest train: 21h 23m
Lowest price: $239.98
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Philadelphia to East Lansing Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to East Lansing:

Amtrak tickets: $240 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to East Lansing?

In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to East Lansing cost about $282 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Philadelphia and East Lansing, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $211.57 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to East Lansing by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to East Lansing will cost between $293 and $391. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to East Lansing by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to East Lansing often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $335. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to East Lansing during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $469 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to East Lansing on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $211.57 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to East Lansing?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to East Lansing. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	27h 50m	$370.18

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to East Lansing every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $239.98.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Philadelphia to East Lansing

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to East Lansing. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from East Lansing to Philadelphia.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and East Lansing is approximately 837 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 3 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 23 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

520

Distance (km)

837

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 7:40 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 12:42 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:40am

Last train

12:42pm

Trains from Philadelphia to East Lansing are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

East Lansing

East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.

Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.

Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Where is the train station in East Lansing?

Main arrival station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

East Lansing has one train station.

All train stations in East Lansing:

Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Need a return trip from East Lansing to Philadelphia?

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