Cheap train tickets from South Bend to East Lansing

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from South Bend to East Lansing. Travelling by train from South Bend to East Lansing usually takes 10 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance: 116 mi (187 km)
Fastest train: 10h 6m
Lowest price: US$70.00
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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South Bend to East Lansing Train Timetable

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

Amtrak tickets: US$70 one-way

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

In the last month, train tickets from South Bend to East Lansing cost about US$108 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$18.20 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from South Bend to East Lansing by travel date

The cost of a one-way train trip from South Bend to East Lansing is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about US$126 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from South Bend to East Lansing by month

Ticket prices for the train from South Bend 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 US$88. If you're thinking of travelling from South Bend to East Lansing during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$117 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from South Bend to East Lansing on Wanderu at least 1 day ahead of time, you can save about US$18.20 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from South Bend to East Lansing?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects South Bend to East Lansing. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	10h 26m	US$113.00

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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from South Bend to East Lansing every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$70.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from South Bend to East Lansing

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from South Bend to East Lansing. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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.

Trains leave the station in South Bend twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your hand luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, 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 South Bend.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between South Bend and East Lansing is approximately 116 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 6 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

116

Distance (km)

187

The earliest train departs South Bend at 7:51 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:59. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:51am

Last train

11:59pm

Trains from South Bend to East Lansing are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

South Bend

South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.

Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!

South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several coach stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.

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 coach 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 South Bend?

Main departure station: 2702 W Washington St

The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of “Michiana,” the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.

All train stations in South Bend:

2702 W Washington 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

Need a return trip from East Lansing to South Bend?

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