Wanderu Logo
United States flag
$
Log in

Chicago to Grand Rapids train

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Chicago - Grand Rapids Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Train Trip Information: Chicago to Grand Rapids

There are 4 daily trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Traveling by train from Chicago to Grand Rapids usually takes around 4 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pere Marquette train can make the trip in 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance125 mi (201 km)
Fastest train4h 4m
Lowest price$35.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids

(Based on 23 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Kalina

November 20, 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.

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

November 17, 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.

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

October 21, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

It was quiet on the train.

It was quiet on the train.

5.0

Gabriella

October 1, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: I liked that I was able to nap, the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the train! Cons: I’m not a big fan of these new seats as they don’t recline and are very limited in room, a four-five hour commute can be intense in these seats .

Pros: I liked that I was able to nap, the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the train! Cons: I’m not a big fan of these new seats as they don’t recline and are very limited in room, a four-five hour commute can be intense in these seats .

4.0

Robert

August 10, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Pere Marquette

Pros: Nice Peace full and relaxing!! Cons: Make arrangements with hotels to pick up passengers. Tips: Beware of $ 50.00 to $ 60.00 fares to and fro from Hotels.

Pros: Nice Peace full and relaxing!! Cons: Make arrangements with hotels to pick up passengers. Tips: Beware of $ 50.00 to $ 60.00 fares to and fro from Hotels.

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

Typically $38.06 is the average price you should expect to pay for a train ticket to Grand Rapids. At this price a train trip is a cheap way to travel from Chicago to Grand Rapids. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Grand Rapids will vary between $37 and $57. 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 $37. 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

$150$120$90$60$30AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Grand Rapids by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for November. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $43 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Grand Rapids in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $135 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Grand Rapids from Chicago will be about $5.25 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak34h 44m$41.10
Amtrak Pere Marquette24h 22m$40.36

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Grand Rapids every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $38.

  • 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 22 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

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

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 4 hours and 36 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.

Thursday is usually the day of the week when trains are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Grand Rapids. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer 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: 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

  • 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.

All train stations in Grand Rapids:

  • Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Grand Rapids by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Grand Rapids

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android