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Philadelphia - East Lansing Train Schedule
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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Philadelphia to East Lansing. The train trip from Philadelphia to East Lansing is usually about 25 hours and 43 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 20 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 520 mi (837 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 58m |
| Lowest price | $192.46 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to East Lansing?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Philadelphia to East Lansing was $249.52. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Philadelphia and East Lansing. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to East Lansing if you book your train tickets at least 25 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $182.99.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to East Lansing from Philadelphia will be about C$182.99 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
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 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 1d 1h 43m | $289.52 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 6 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to East Lansing every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $192.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and East Lansing is approximately 520 miles, or 837 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 58 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.
Trains departing from Philadelphia to East Lansing tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 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.
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?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain 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.
Train stations in East Lansing:
Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
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