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Grand Rapids to Detroit train

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Grand Rapids - Detroit Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Grand Rapids to Detroit. Traveling by train from Grand Rapids to Detroit usually takes around 9 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance140 mi (226 km)
Fastest train5h 45m
Lowest price£27.52
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from Grand Rapids to Detroit is £42.97, By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £14.41 more.

Average prices by travel date

£73£49£24AprMay

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Grand Rapids to Detroit is expected to fluctuate between £36 and £67 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Detroit in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Grand Rapids is £36.

Monthly average prices

£101£81£61£40£20MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Grand Rapids to Detroit. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £52. If you're planning a trip from Grand Rapids to Detroit during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £90 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

£61£49£36£24£123020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Grand Rapids to Detroit. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around £14.41. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Grand Rapids to Detroit?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Grand Rapids to Detroit. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak49h 42m£46.23
  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Grand Rapids to Detroit every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Grand Rapids to Detroit. 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 Grand Rapids and Detroit is approximately 140 miles, or 226 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 45 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Grand Rapids to Detroit on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Grand Rapids at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 4 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 Detroit to Grand Rapids.

City Information

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.

Detroit

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

Station Information

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 departure 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.

All train stations in Grand Rapids:

  • Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Where is the train station in Detroit?

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

Image credit: JasonParis

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.

Train stations in Detroit:

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

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