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Grand Rapids to East Lansing train

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Grand Rapids to East Lansing Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Grand Rapids and East Lansing. The average train journey from Grand Rapids to East Lansing takes 10 hours and 27 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours.

Distance62 mi (100 km)
Fastest train6h 0m
Lowest price$21.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

What is the price of a train ticket from Grand Rapids to East Lansing?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Grand Rapids and East Lansing cost $49.55, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to East Lansing. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $20.91 more.

Average train ticket prices from Grand Rapids to East Lansing by travel date

$90$60$30OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Grand Rapids to East Lansing will cost between $42 and $77. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Grand Rapids to East Lansing by month

$75$60$45$30$15NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $47. If you're thinking of traveling from Grand Rapids to East Lansing during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $72 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Grand Rapids to East Lansing. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around $20.91. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Grand Rapids to East Lansing?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Grand Rapids to East Lansing. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak210h 28m$57.00
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Grand Rapids to East Lansing every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Grand Rapids to East Lansing. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Grand Rapids and East Lansing is approximately 62 miles, or 100 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours,

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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Grand Rapids to East Lansing on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Grand Rapids at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 Grand Rapids 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 East Lansing to Grand Rapids.

City Information

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Grand Rapids, MI - GRR-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Blessed with unspoiled nature and a blossoming art scene, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination to enjoy a quick weekend getaway. To fully enjoy the vast swath of rolling hills and orchards the city has to offer, head towards Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery, where you can pick apples like a local and enjoy delicious regional wines. This location also features apple products such as apple ciders and apple pies, making it a true haven for foodies. If you wish to explore the historical values and heritage of the city, check out the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which features plenty of memorabilia of the former president. For even more local produce, head to the Downtown Market.

Due to its proximity to nature, Grand Rapids offers the freshest local home-cooked dishes. Some notable local favorites include The Sovengard, which makes Scandinavian dishes using local ingredients, and six.one.six, an upscale establishment that offers French-inspired dishes similarly featuring local produce.

Grand Rapids includes bus and train service throughout the Midwest and beyond. The nearest airport is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located 9.4 miles from the city center.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Grand Rapids?

Vernon J. Ehlers Station -{"city":"Grand Rapids","country":"US","postal":"49503","state":"MI","street1":"440 Century Ave SW"} - GRRAMT-0

Image credit: Russell Sekeet

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Vernon J. Ehlers Station, opened in 2014 and named after Congressman Vernon Ehlers, is Grand Rapids' primary Amtrak station. It is the terminus of the Amtrak Pere Marquette line that begins in Chicago. The station building has a uniquely lit, red-brick clock tower that has become a landmark of the city and has a large waiting area, restrooms, and vending machines. Located a bit south of downtown, the train station is near a strip of charming antique stores, the Grand Rapids Ballet, and Heartside State Park.

All train stations in Grand Rapids:

  • Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Where is the train station in East Lansing?

Main arrival station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

East Lansing has one train station.

All train stations in East Lansing:

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Get around town with Moovit

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