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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from East Lansing to Jackson. The train trip from East Lansing to Jackson is usually about 26 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 25 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 785 mi (1264 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 18m |
| Lowest price | $143.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Jackson?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Jackson. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 2h 58m | $179.67 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Jackson every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $143.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Jackson is approximately 785 miles, or 1264 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 26 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 hours and 18 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 Jackson tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves East Lansing at 8:00am and arrives in Jackson around 25 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Jackson 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.
Jackson
Image credit: Ken Lund
Link to image attributionThe City of Jackson (or just Jackson to friends) is the capital of Mississippi and the most populous city in the state. The town has fantastic museums and historical sites covering different topics, including civil rights, arts, natural sciences, and African-American culture. The Mississippi Freedom Trail runs through Jackson and displays several important historic sites in the civil rights movement. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science includes nature trails for hiking and an aquarium in a family-friendly location. Meanwhile, LeFleur's Bluff State Park & Mayes Lake is a popular spot for families and friends going fishing, camping, and golfing.
Despite the deep history, Jackson also offers a vibrant nightlife, attractions, and entertainment. In Downtown Jackson, often called the Heart of Mississippi's Metropolitan, you can explore restaurants for fine dining, sports bars, lounges, and clubs. Plus, there are art galleries and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries, like Fertile Ground and Bicentennial. Jackson is bustling with festivals, too, including antique shows, arts events, spring festivals, and the City of Jackson Holiday Parade.
Jackson offers excellent transport links within the city, with buses provided by JTRAN. In addition, you can easily visit Jackson via train service, primarily by Amtrak, or bus service by Jefferson Lines.
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 Jackson?
Main arrival station: 300 W Capitol St
Jackson has one train station.
All train stations in Jackson:
300 W Capitol St
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