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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from East Lansing to Wilmington per day. The average train journey from East Lansing to Wilmington takes 47 hours and 42 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 686 mi (1104 km) |
| Fastest train | 47h 42m |
| Lowest price | US$322.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Wilmington?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Wilmington. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 23h 42m | US$322.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Wilmington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$322.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Wilmington is approximately 686 miles, or 1104 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 47 hours and 42 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from East Lansing to Wilmington. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves East Lansing at 19:00 and arrives in Wilmington around 47 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 carry-on luggage with you when you transfer 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 Wilmington 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.
Wilmington
A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.
For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.
Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.
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 Wilmington?
Image credit: Wave Transit
Main arrival station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.
Train stations in Wilmington:
WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
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