Grand Rapids to Chicago on Amtrak

Traveling from Grand Rapids to Chicago via Amtrak? Trip time is about four hours and you can choose from a rail-only commute via the Pere Marquette route or board an Amtrak bus from Grand Rapids to reach the Wolverine route in Kalamazoo. See more details below to plan your trip.

Schedule

There is only one Pere Marquette train each day and it departs from the Grand Rapids Station at 6 a.m. Trains arrive in Chicago just after 9 a.m. (note that Chicago is on Central Time, so it appears that the trip time is three hours because of the time change). Trains are rarely late because the Pere Marquette route begins in Grand Rapids. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

If the 6 a.m. time doesn’t work for you, there is a bus that departs after 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. that goes to the Kalamazoo Amtrak Station, where you can transfer to the Wolverine train to Chicago.

For the return trip, there is a 6:30 p.m. Pere Marquette train that departs from Chicago so you can do a day trip or work day in Chicago without having to stay overnight. Be sure to verify departure times when booking your tickets.

Other Things to Know

The Pere Marquette does not have a quiet car, but the Wolverine does. Otherwise, enjoy free WiFi, cafe and business class seating on both routes.
You can’t check bags at the Grand Rapids Amtrak Station, but there are limited spaces for bikes and golf clubs. You can reserve a storage spot as an “Add-On” when booking your ticket.
There is parking at the station, but fees may apply and spaces fill up quickly.