Cheap train tickets from Chicago to East Lansing
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to East Lansing. Traveling by train from Chicago to East Lansing usually takes 8 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Blue Water train can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 171 mi (276 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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4.8 Rating
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4.5 Rating
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Chicago to East Lansing Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to East Lansing (Based on 36 ratings and reviews)
4.0
June 11, 2026 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
October 8, 2025 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
May 12, 2024 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water4.0
October 6, 2023 - Business
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
June 21, 2023 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
June 18, 2023 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
April 27, 2023 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
April 21, 2023 - Vacation
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
March 4, 2023 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
December 27, 2022 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
November 29, 2022 - Vacation
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
October 13, 2022 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Blue Water4.0
September 5, 2022 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
September 1, 2022 - Vacation
Amtrak Blue Water5.0
July 9, 2022 - Visiting family
Amtrak Blue WaterThere are several train options that can take you from Chicago to East Lansing:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to East Lansing?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to East Lansing was $65.08. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to East Lansing by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to East Lansing will cost between $75 and $102. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to East Lansing by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to East Lansing often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $77. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to East Lansing during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $93 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Chicago to East Lansing by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
What train companies travel from Chicago to East Lansing?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to East Lansing, including Amtrak, Amtrak Blue Water. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 10h 32m | $109.45 |
| Amtrak Blue Water | 1 | 4h 4m | $48.26 |
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 Chicago to East Lansing every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.
The Blue Water is a higher-speed Amtrak train line that travels 319 miles between Chicago, IL and Port Huron, MI. Both Coach and Business Class tickets are available to purchase on the Blue Water, but if you’re looking to save, make sure to book early and you could find tickets for as low as $29. Blue Water trains include amenities like free WiFi, cafe service, and power outlets at every seat.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to East Lansing
The distance between Chicago and East Lansing is approximately 171 miles, or 276 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
171
DISTANCE (KM)
276
The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:45am
LATEST TRAIN
9:30pm
Trains from Chicago to East Lansing are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
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 does the train leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Union Station
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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in East Lansing?
Main arrival station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
East Lansing has one train station.
All train stations in East Lansing:
- Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
Need a return trip from East Lansing to Chicago?
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