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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from East Lansing to Poughkeepsie. Traveling by train from East Lansing to Poughkeepsie usually takes 28 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 22 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 545 mi (877 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 13m |
| Lowest price | $173.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Poughkeepsie?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Poughkeepsie. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 1d 4h 20m | $248.42 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Poughkeepsie every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $173.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between East Lansing and Poughkeepsie is approximately 545 miles, or 877 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 13 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 Poughkeepsie tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Saturday 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 7:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Poughkeepsie 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.
Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie is nicknamed the second capital of New York for a good reason – the bustling city has breathtaking views of the Hudson River and is a quick weekend destination for New Yorkers. Art buffs can visit the Barrett Art Center and Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, while history lovers will enjoy the National Register of Historic Places. Poughkeepsie is a true university town with campuses for the Culinary Institute of America, Vassar College, and Marist College. If music is your thing, you can check what's playing at the iconic Barvadon Opera House. The city is also an excellent place for picnics and outdoor activities, especially on the riverfront.
Poughkeepsie is known for its wide range of restaurants, ranging from farm-to-table establishments to breweries and brewpubs. The craft beer scene is upcoming, with beer gardens and pubs to check out. Nightlife keeps the fun going with comedy clubs, champagne bars, and lounges.
Poughkeepsie is easily accessible via Amtrak. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Empire Service, and Ethan Allen Express stop in Poughkeepsie en route to New York City, Philadelphia, Rensselaer, Newark, and other cities. The central and busiest station is 41 Main St, and many other trains make stops in and around Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie is also accessible by Greyhound buses. Most visitors and locals use the Newburgh Airport, only about 15 miles away, for air travel.
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 Poughkeepsie?
Main arrival station: 41 Main St
Poughkeepsie has one train station.
All train stations in Poughkeepsie:
41 Main St
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