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Trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids

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Chicago - Grand Rapids Train Timetable

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Train Trip Information: Chicago to Grand Rapids

There are 26 daily trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Traveling by train from Chicago to Grand Rapids usually takes around 28 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pere Marquette train can make the trip in 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance125 mi (201 km)
Fastest train4h 4m
Lowest price£28.62
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids

(Based on 13 ratings and reviews)

4.9

4.0

Sheryl

12 April 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: relaxing/other passengers courteous and quiet. Cons: Food is lousy and lack of items but that could be due to supply chain issues. Tips: Look around for any left behind items as I left my wallet on the train and have heard nothing from online report.

Pros: relaxing/other passengers courteous and quiet. Cons: Food is lousy and lack of items but that could be due to supply chain issues. Tips: Look around for any left behind items as I left my wallet on the train and have heard nothing from online report.

5.0

Victor

11 April 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: First time always use the bus. Love train services lounge on board 👌. Tips: Be there on time pretty much..

Pros: First time always use the bus. Love train services lounge on board 👌. Tips: Be there on time pretty much..

5.0

Robin

31 March 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: The comfort of the train and not having to drive. I enjoyed the interaction with the conductor. He was extremely good natured and friendly. I love taking the train and how close the station was to everything we needed to do. Cons: Possibly get things wiped down ...

Pros: The comfort of the train and not having to drive. I enjoyed the interaction with the conductor. He was extremely good natured and friendly. I love taking the train and how close the station was to everything we needed to do. Cons: Possibly get things wiped down in between. If not able to, offer some type of wipe or cover for seats. Tips: Bring your own wipes otherwise enjoy the great trip!

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5.0

Wanette

21 March 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Avoiding all the Chicago traffic

Avoiding all the Chicago traffic

5.0

Daniel

8 March 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: Everything was perfect! Cons: Hard to improve on perfect. Tips: Allow staff to just do their job simply put.

Pros: Everything was perfect! Cons: Hard to improve on perfect. Tips: Allow staff to just do their job simply put.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

In the last month, £103.49 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Grand Rapids. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 21 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £29.55 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£135£90£45MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Grand Rapids will vary between £98 and £129. Planning a train trip to Grand Rapids within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is £98. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

£82£65£49£33£16JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Grand Rapids by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £30 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Grand Rapids in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £79 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£123£98£74£49£253020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Grand Rapids from Chicago will be about £29.55 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 24 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak241d 7h 48m£124.28
Amtrak Pere Marquette24h 40m£31.63
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 24 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £35.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Pere Marquette

    Amtrak Pere Marquette

    Named after a famous French explorer, the Amtrak Pere Marquette is a train route from Grand Rapids to Chicago. The Pere Marquette travels from Chicago to Grand Rapids in about 4 hours and 40 minutes. Trains include onboard WiFi, a cafe car, and a quiet car ideal for sleeping or working. The Pere Marquette is consistently rated highly for its timely service and quality train cars by passengers traveling to Grand Rapids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Grand Rapids during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Grand Rapids. 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.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

The distance between Chicago and Grand Rapids is approximately 125 miles, or 201 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 4 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains departing from Chicago to Grand Rapids tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

There are 26 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Grand Rapids. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Blessed with unspoiled nature and a blossoming art scene, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination to enjoy a quick weekend getaway. To fully enjoy the vast swath of rolling hills and orchards the city has to offer, head towards Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery, where you can pick apples like a local and enjoy delicious regional wines. This location also features apple products such as apple ciders and apple pies, making it a true haven for foodies. If you wish to explore the historical values and heritage of the city, check out the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which features plenty of memorabilia of the former president. For even more local produce, head to the Downtown Market.

Due to its proximity to nature, Grand Rapids offers the freshest local home-cooked dishes. Some notable local favorites include The Sovengard, which makes Scandinavian dishes using local ingredients, and six.one.six, an upscale establishment that offers French-inspired dishes similarly featuring local produce.

Grand Rapids includes bus and train service throughout the Midwest and beyond. The nearest airport is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located 9.4 miles from the city center.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Departure stations

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Penn Station

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • South Station

  • 459 North Burdick Street

  • Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

  • Union Station

  • Union Station

  • Union Station

  • Union Station - 400 S Houston St

  • 100 S EK Gaylord Blvd

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • 350 S Illinois St

Where is the train station in Grand Rapids?

Arrival stations

Grand Rapids has one train station.

Train stations in Grand Rapids:

  • Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Related reading

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