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Chicago to Grand Rapids train

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Chicago - Grand Rapids Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Chicago and Grand Rapids. The average train journey from Chicago to Grand Rapids takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, but some Amtrak Pere Marquette train trips are as short as 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance125 mi (201 km)
Fastest train4h 4m
Lowest price€18.37
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pere Marquette
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids

(Based on 28 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Gabriel

28 February 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Everything was perfectly on time, stations were clean and maintained

4.0

Diana

6 May 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

it was safe and on time

4.0

Kalina

20 November 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: Being on the train is really fun! The staff was helpful. Cons: The Chicago Union Station experience was terrible. There were barely any signs telling riders where to go or how to check bags.

5.0

Gabrielle

17 November 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: I like that it was on time. They left right on time and we arrived right on time. Cons: I'm not sure if there was working WiFi on board; I used my personal hot spot.

4.0

Daniel

21 October 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

It was quiet on the train.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and Grand Rapids cost €30.50, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Grand Rapids. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €21.17 more.

Average prices by travel date

€55€37€18MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Grand Rapids will vary between €28 and €51. 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 €28. 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

€115€92€69€46€23AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to Grand Rapids, with the average price at just €37. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to €108. 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

€69€55€41€28€143020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Chicago to Grand Rapids, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €21.17 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Grand Rapids. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 45m€44.80
Amtrak Pere Marquette14h 32m€38.36
  • 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 Chicago to Grand Rapids every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €31.

  • 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 32 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

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.

The distance between Chicago and Grand Rapids is approximately 125 miles, or 201 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 37 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.

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

The earliest train departs Chicago at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Grand Rapids faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch 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?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

  • 171 Lincoln Ave

  • 410 1/2 Vine Street

  • 541 Railroad Street

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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