Find trains from Grand Rapids to Chicago

Amtrak trains from Grand Rapids to Chicago are part of the Pere Marquette train line. They typically depart from Vernon J. Ehlers Station in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and makes three stops before pulling into Chicago Union Station. It’s roughly 40 min between each stop and the stops themselves last only a few minutes – just enough for passengers to safely get on or off the train. The first stop on trains to Chicago from Grand Rapids is in Holland, Michigan. The second stop is in Bangor, Michigan, and the third stop is in St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan. After this stop, passengers can look out their windows to have views of Lake Michigan. Roughly an hour or so after the third stop, the Grand Rapids to Chicago trains arrive at the Chicago Union Station in downtown Chicago.

Amtrak trains from Grand Rapids to Chicago are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi. Passengers with train tickets can engage in general web browsing as they enjoy their train ride. That being said, the public Wi-Fi isn’t meant to support high bandwidth activities like streaming movies or music. If you plan on doing high-bandwidth activities, it’s recommended to download any large files at the station before departure so that it doesn’t impact other passengers on the train. The Amtrak Wi-Fi is a public system that doesn’t require password logins – similar to what you would find at a cafe or library. Due to this, highly sensitive activities like entering personal or financial information should be kept to a minimum. Along with the complimentary Wi-Fi comes a variety of other amenities. This includes a cafe that sells breakfast food, light snacks, and hot and cold beverages. There is also a wheelchair ramp for passengers with reduced mobility.

If traveling with a human, then pets are allowed on trains to Chicago from Grand Rapids. However, there are a few regulations. The pet must be placed in a carrier case, and the combined weight of both can’t exceed 20 lbs. The carrier case counts as carry-on baggage and should be ventilated, leak proof, and allow the pet to stand up, sit down, and move around comfortably. Pets are fine in Coach Class, but are not allowed in non-Acela Business class seating or in food service cars. All pets traveling on Amtrak train lines should have the necessary vaccinations and be at least eight weeks old. A total of five pets may be brought on board, and they may travel for a total of seven hours. Before departing from Grand Rapids, passengers must sign a “Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement.” To ensure that’s done on time, it’s recommended to arrive at the station at least 30 min before departure.

Grand Rapids to Chicago trains allow passengers to have a total of six carry-on items and four checked items. The carry-on items include four free pieces of luggage – two personal items up to 25 lbs each and two carry-on items up to 50 lbs each. If you need extra luggage, you may also purchase up to two extra carry-on bags, each for a fee. All carry-on bags must be kept with you in the seat, stored in the overhead compartment, placed under your seat, or put in a designated area. Items for babies (strollers, diaper bags, etc.) may be carried on board for free and don’t count toward your carry-on luggage. Passengers may check up to four items of luggage as well. The first two items are free and can weigh up to 50 lbs each. You may also pay a fee for two extra items of luggage that don’t exceed 50 lbs each. Before departing from Grand Rapids, you can give checked bags to Amtrak staff and they will give you a ticket that allows you to pick up your bags when you arrive in Chicago.

The most time-efficient journey by train from Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford Intl to Chicago currently available is 4h 08m. Check Amtrak if you need to get to your destination as quickly as possible.

Amtrak will take you from Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford Intl to Chicago. Amtrak has been recently found as the cheapest option from $63 round-trip.

While Chicago is 125.0 mi away from Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford Intl, the distance by train is longer depending on the route. Most trains from Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford Intl to Chicago will get there in 4h 08m.