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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between East Lansing and Ann Arbor. The average train journey from East Lansing to Ann Arbor takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 49 mi (79 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 32m |
| Lowest price | $27.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Ann Arbor?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from East Lansing to Ann Arbor was $37.54. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Ann Arbor if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $11.27.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from East Lansing to Ann Arbor is expected to fluctuate between $34 and $55 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Ann Arbor in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from East Lansing is $34.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from East Lansing to Ann Arbor, book online with Wanderu at least 14 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $11.27 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Ann Arbor?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Ann Arbor. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 7h 12m | $41.32 |
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 Ann Arbor every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $27.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Ann Arbor is approximately 49 miles, or 79 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 32 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.
Trains departing from East Lansing to Ann Arbor tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs East Lansing at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Ann Arbor 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.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.
Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.
The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.
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 Ann Arbor?
Image credit: jpmueller99
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area of Ann Arbor at 325 Depot St and handles most of the city’s rail transportation. The station is served by the Wolverine line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago three times each day. Intercity bus service from Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Greyhound also stop at the Depot St station. Metered parking is available on-site, and the station building includes public restrooms and a convenient taxi stand. Several restaurants are in the surrounding area, and if you have time to kill before your train, take a short walk to the scenic Broadway Park along Huron River.
All train stations in Ann Arbor:
325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
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