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East Lansing to Grand Rapids train

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East Lansing - Grand Rapids Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between East Lansing and Grand Rapids. The average train journey from East Lansing to Grand Rapids takes 9 hours and 54 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance62 mi (100 km)
Fastest train5h 36m
Lowest price£15.05
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last month, £33.16 was the average price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Grand Rapids. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £29.63 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£59£40£20MarApr

The average cost of a one-way train trip from East Lansing to Grand Rapids is expected to fluctuate between £27 and £57 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Grand Rapids in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from East Lansing is £30.

Monthly average prices

£79£63£48£32£16AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during May. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from East Lansing to Grand Rapids, with the average price at just £39. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to £68. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£59£48£36£24£123020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from East Lansing to Grand Rapids. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around £29.63. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from East Lansing to Grand Rapids?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Grand Rapids. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak39h 55m£45.90
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Grand Rapids every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from East Lansing 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.

The distance between East Lansing and Grand Rapids is approximately 62 miles, or 100 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 36 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from East Lansing to Grand Rapids. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs East Lansing at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 08:00. 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 3 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 Grand Rapids to East Lansing.

City Information

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.

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 East Lansing?

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

There is one train station in East Lansing.

All train stations in East Lansing:

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Where is the train station in Grand Rapids?

Vernon J. Ehlers Station -{"city":"Grand Rapids","country":"US","postal":"49503","state":"MI","street1":"440 Century Ave SW"} - GRRAMT-0

Image credit: Russell Sekeet

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Vernon J. Ehlers Station, opened in 2014 and named after Congressman Vernon Ehlers, is Grand Rapids' primary Amtrak station. It is the terminus of the Amtrak Pere Marquette line that begins in Chicago. The station building has a uniquely lit, red-brick clock tower that has become a landmark of the city and has a large waiting area, restrooms, and vending machines. Located a bit south of downtown, the train station is near a strip of charming antique stores, the Grand Rapids Ballet, and Heartside State Park.

Train stations in Grand Rapids:

  • Vernon J. Ehlers Station

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Need a return trip from Grand Rapids to East Lansing?

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