Cheap train tickets from Grand Rapids to East Lansing
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Grand Rapids to East Lansing. Traveling by train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing usually takes 10 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours.
| Distance | 62 mi (100 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h |
| Lowest price | $22.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Grand Rapids to East Lansing Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Grand Rapids to East Lansing.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$58.44 | Avg. Price$17.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration10h 23m | Duration1h 35mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Grand Rapids to East Lansing:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Grand Rapids to East Lansing?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Grand Rapids to East Lansing was $51.31. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $17.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Grand Rapids to East Lansing by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Grand Rapids to East Lansing will cost between $42 and $91. 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
Taking the train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $63 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Grand Rapids to East Lansing doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 10h 23m | $58.44 |
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 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $22.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Grand Rapids to East Lansing
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Grand Rapids to East Lansing for $17.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
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 23 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.
Distance (mi)
62
Distance (km)
100
The earliest train departs Grand Rapids at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:55pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:00am
Last train
2:55pm
Trains from Grand Rapids to East Lansing are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Grand Rapids



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?
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
Need a return trip from East Lansing to Grand Rapids?
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