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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from East Lansing to Columbus. The train trip from East Lansing to Columbus is usually about 10 hours and 1 minute long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 233 mi (374 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 1m |
| Lowest price | €50.89 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Columbus?
In the last month, €50.89 was the average price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Columbus. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 12 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €62.20 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from East Lansing to Columbus often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only €64,
If you're thinking of traveling from East Lansing to Columbus during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €124 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Columbus?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Columbus. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 10h 1m | €99.29 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Columbus every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €51.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Columbus is approximately 233 miles, or 374 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 1 minute,
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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from East Lansing to Columbus. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday 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.
Trains leave the station in East Lansing 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 carry-on 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 Columbus 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.
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 Columbus?
Main arrival station: 359 N Ludington St
Columbus has one train station.
Train stations in Columbus:
359 N Ludington St
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