5.0
Pros: Roominess of seats/space. Tips: If you don't mind the long transport versus an airplane as part of your trip this is a viable and Pleasant option.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between East Lansing and Rensselaer. The average train journey from East Lansing to Rensselaer takes 20 hours and 57 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 19 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 545 mi (877 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 53m |
| Lowest price | $145.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from East Lansing to Rensselaer
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Which train should you take from East Lansing to Rensselaer?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Rensselaer. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 20h 57m | $168.00 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Rensselaer every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $145.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from East Lansing to Rensselaer, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between East Lansing and Rensselaer is approximately 545 miles, or 877 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 53 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 Rensselaer tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs East Lansing at 7:00pm 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 3 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 Rensselaer 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.
Rensselaer
Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.
Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.
The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International 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 Rensselaer?
Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
Rensselaer has one train station.
All train stations in Rensselaer:
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
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