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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from East Lansing to Royal Oak. The train trip from East Lansing to Royal Oak is usually about 8 hours and 20 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 70 mi (113 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 55m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Royal Oak?
The average price for a train ticket from East Lansing to Royal Oak is $39.50, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 16 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $34.60 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Royal Oak?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Royal Oak. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 8h 20m | $65.03 |
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 Royal Oak every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Royal Oak is approximately 70 miles, or 113 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 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.
Trains from East Lansing to Royal Oak are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
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 Royal Oak 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.
Royal Oak
Image credit: Dave Walker
Link to image attributionRoyal Oak is a trendy Detroit suburb located in Oakland County. It is popular for the Woodward Dream Cruise sponsored by the city, a family-friendly, one-day automotive event that attracts millions worldwide. Suppose you're visiting Royal Oak with your family. In that case, different animal exhibits like the Detroit Zoo, which houses acclaimed polar bears, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center are available. The city also houses different parks and playgrounds like Starr Jaycee Park. Art and architecture are also prominent in Royal Oak, as it houses the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and the Royal Oak Historical Society.
During the weekend, Royal Oak has a lively nightlife and entertainment scene. Check out their famous comedy clubs, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, or watch shows at the Royal Oak Music Theatre and Stagecrafters Baldin Theatre. The Habatat Galleries has a fantastic collection of glass pieces, and the city also features cinemas, craft breweries like the Royal Oak Brewery, wineries, and vineyards.
The best way to get to Royal Oak is by train, with lines provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Wolverine. The SMART Royal Oak Transit Center provides bus routes within the city, and the government offers special transportation for seniors and disabled persons.
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 Royal Oak?
Main arrival station: 202 S Sherman Dr
Royal Oak has one train station.
All train stations in Royal Oak:
202 S Sherman Dr
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