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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from East Lansing to Peoria. The train trip from East Lansing to Peoria is usually about 9 hours and 51 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 9 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 46m |
| Lowest price | $70.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Peoria?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Peoria. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 9h 51m | $100.33 |
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 Peoria every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Peoria is approximately 299 miles, or 481 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 46 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from East Lansing to Peoria. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs East Lansing at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 Peoria 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.
Peoria
Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is one of the best vacation destinations in Illinois. Peoria's irresistible midwestern charm, history, and unique attractions make it a must-see city when in the area.
To learn more about what attracted the late 17th-century French settlers to the area, visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Planetarium. Exhibitions here vary yearly, emphasizing local history, natural history, art, and science, with many interactive exhibits for the kids to enjoy.
Take a stroll through Luthy Botanical Garden on a sunny day and enjoy the magnificent conservatory full of orchids and tropical plants. Peoria Zoo offers over 100 different animal species from all over the world. The zoo is open year-round, with many seasonal events throughout the year.
And bring your dancing shoes because Peoria also hosts a vibrant nightlife scene, from live music shows to performing arts events.
Peoria's central location makes it easy to reach. Peoria International Airport provides daily flights from several major cities. Peoria's Amtrak station offers access to various major cities, with trains arriving regularly. Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway buses provide affordable transport in and out of the city, too.
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 Peoria?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: City Link Transit Ctr - 407 SW Adams St
The CityLink Transit Center bus Station is a large, covered bus depot in downtown Peoria, right at the start of the Illinois River. Buses stop here en route to Urbana-Champaign and Normal, with connections across Illinois. There are indoor seats at the bus terminal, plus plenty of restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance. The Peoria Mariott and Staybridge Suites both have plenty of rooms if you're staying in the city.
All train stations in Peoria:
City Link Transit Ctr - 407 SW Adams St
Bradley University Student Ctr - 915 Elmwood Ave
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