The Amtrak Pere Marquette will take you from Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan. This service is partially funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Along the way there is a stop at the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area which gives you easy access to the lakefront. This is a great getaway from the big city.
The Pere Marquette train will take you from Chicago to Grand Rapids via St.Joseph-Benton Harbor, Bangor and Holland.
Contents
Train Info
 | Wifi | Yes |
 | Quiet Car | No |
 | Dining Car | No |
 | Cafe | Yes |
 | Distance | 176 Miles |
 | Time | 4 Hours |
Ticket Options
On the Pere Marquette you can purchase tickets in these categories (summer sample fares for 2 people):
- Coach ($70)
- Business ($104)
Scenic Views
The Pere Marquette is a convenient way to get from Chicago to Grand Rapids. You will get to enjoy the views as you depart Chicago and quickly make your way into the cool calm of Michigan. About halfway through the train ride you will encounter Benton Harbor. This is a great place to escape the big city vibes and take a some time in this sweet town.
Major Stations
The Amtrak Pere Marquette has some notable major stations that include Chicago, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Bangor, Holland and Grand Rapids.
States Visited
The Amtrak Pere Marquette train travels quickly through Illinois before spending the rest of the journey in Michigan.
Station Reviews
The Pere Marquette train has terminus stations of Chicago on one end and Grand Rapids, Michigan on the other. Chicago Union Station has a lot to offer from restaurants, ATM’s, a Metropolitan Lounge and baggage service. The Vernon J. Ehlers Station in Grand Rapids has minimal services. It opened recently and provides a covered waiting area. There are restrooms, but you can not check your baggage at this station.
Chicago Union Station
Union Station in Chicago is perhaps the finest Amtrak station in the country. It offers easy access in the heart of Downtown Chicago and features the best Metropolitan Lounge you will find. There are plenty of fast food restaurants within the station where you can get food to bring back to the new 2 level Metropolitan Lounge. The entire station has a nice decor that makes you feel like you are about to take a special trip.
If you’d like to stay close to Union Station before or after your visit we recommend the Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown – The Loop, which is about a 5 minute walk from the station.
Vernon J. Ehlers Station – Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Station is a small new station. It has a waiting area and restrooms but does not have baggage check service. The station is not far from the downtown area. You can access some shops outside the station if you want to pick up food or necessary items.
The closest hotel to the station is the Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown.
Trip Planning
The Pere Marquette can be paired with several other trains for a longer vacation. You can jump on any train leaving Chicago, of which some of our favorites are the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Lake Shore Limited and the Cardinal.
Booking Tickets
Tickets for Amtrak can be booked at Amtrak.com or by using their app on your phone. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
