Amtrak runs the passenger train The Pere Marquette on the 176-mile (283km) route between Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Train 370 eastbound and Train 369 westbound; funding for it comes partly from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The eastbound train departs Chicago during the afternoon rush, while the westbound train leaves Grand Rapids after the morning rush, facilitating same-day business travel between the two cities.
The train has the name of a named train of the defunct Pere Marquette Railway, in turn after Pere Marquette, Michigan, an early moniker for Ludington. Father Jacques Marquette, a French adventurer of the Great Lakes, helped to name the town.
Schedule Highlights
- Early evening train departures from Chicago
- Trains leave Grand Rapids first thing in the morning.
- Chicago to Saint Joseph’s travel time is around two hours.
- Chicago to Grand Rapids takes four hours or so for travel.
- While the other stations on the route operate Eastern, Chicago is on Central Time.
See the most recent timetables and schedules on Amtrak.com.
Overview of the Train’s Journey
The Amtrak Pere Marquette offers a scenic journey between Chicago, Illinois, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The approximate travel time is around 4-5 hours, depending on stops.
Scenic Highlights:
- Lake Michigan Shoreline: Enjoy stunning views of the Great Lakes as the train travels along the coast.
- Rural Michigan: Experience the beauty of the state’s countryside, with rolling hills, farms, and small towns.
- Urban Charm: Explore the vibrant cities of Chicago and Grand Rapids, offering diverse attractions and cultural experiences.
Popular Destinations Along the Route
- Chicago: A bustling metropolis known for its architecture, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Grand Rapids: Often referred to as “Beer City USA,” Grand Rapids offers a thriving arts scene, beautiful parks, and a variety of breweries.
- St. Joseph: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and a bustling harbor.
- Holland: Known for its Dutch heritage and the annual Tulip Time Festival, Holland offers a unique cultural experience.
Train Stops and Stations
Station stops
| State | Town/City | Station |
| IL | Chicago | Chicago Union Station |
MI | St. Joseph | St. Joseph–Benton Harbor |
| Bangor | Bangor | |
| Holland | Padnos Transportation Center | |
| Grand Rapids | Grand Rapids |
Top Cities Served by Amtrak Pere Marquette
| City | Route | Latest train | Earliest train |
| Chicago | 13 | 5:10 pm | 3:00 pm |
| Grand Rapids | 13 | 7:33 am | 3:49 pm |
| Holland | 2 | 6:50 am | 3:00 pm |
| St Joseph | 1 | 4:30 am | 3:00 pm |
| Bangor | 1 | 6:14 am | 3:00 pm |
The most popular Amtrak Pere Marquette routes
The most often used route of Amtrak Pere Marquette is the Holland to St Joseph train. Highly popular are also trips from Bangor to St. Joseph and Bangor to Grand Rapids.
Top Amtrak Pere Marquette routes
| Route | Price | Duration | Daily Trips |
| Holland to St Joseph | $11 | 1h 20m | 1 |
| Bangor to St Joseph | $10 | 0h 37m | 1 |
| Bangor to Grand Rapids | $10 | 1h 44m | 1 |
| Grand Rapids to St Joseph | $16 | 2h 9m | 1 |
| Holland to Grand Rapids | $5 | 1h 1m | 1 |
| Chicago to Bangor | $29 | 5h 25m | 1 |
| Chicago to St Joseph | $18 | 5h 29m | 1 |
| Chicago to Holland | $25 | 4h 19m | 1 |
| Grand Rapids to Chicago | $27 | 4h 8m | 1 |
Things to Know Before You Go on the Amtrak Pere Marquette
Planning your journey on the Amtrak Pere Marquette? Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Booking Tickets and Reservations
- Online or Mobile: Easily book your tickets through Amtrak’s website or mobile app.
- Reservation Types: Choose from coach seating, business class, or roomette options.
- Advance Booking: Booking in advance often secures better deals and seat availability.
Luggage Policies
- Carry-On Luggage: One personal item and one carry-on bag are generally allowed per passenger.
- Checked Luggage: Fees may apply for checked baggage. Check Amtrak’s website for current policies.
- Oversized Luggage: There may be restrictions or additional fees for oversized items.
Amenities on Board
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout your journey.
- Food and Beverages: Enjoy a variety of dining options, from snacks to full meals, in the café car.
- Seating: Choose from comfortable coach seats, business class, or roomette accommodations.
- Power Outlets: Most seats have power outlets for charging your devices.
Accessibility Options
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Amtrak is committed to providing accessible travel. Contact Amtrak directly for specific accommodations.
- Assistive Devices: Passengers can bring assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers free of charge.
Travel Tips
- Check Schedules: Verify departure and arrival times, as they may vary.
- Pack Accordingly: Dress comfortably for the weather and consider bringing snacks or drinks.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Amtrak’s website or app for any updates or announcements.
Practical Information
Amtrak Customer Service Contact Information
- Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
- TTY: 1-800-523-6590
- Website: https://www.amtrak.com/contact-us
Additional Resources
Amtrak Website: https://www.amtrak.com/home
Travel Blogs:
- The Points Guy: https://thepointsguy.com/
- One Mile at a Time: https://onemileatatime.com/
- Frequent Miler: https://frequentmiler.com/
These resources can provide valuable information on Amtrak travel, including tips, reviews, and deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
On their trains, Amtrak Pere Marquette provides WiFi. While most trains on Amtrak Pere Marquette will have Wi-Fi as stated, some may not, and onboard Wi-Fi sometimes loses connection in rural areas. Just to be sure, we suggest you pack the book or download the movie. Railroad Pere Marquette WiFi is typically used to browse the web, read emails, and chat with friends. You shouldn’t have to rely on Wi-Fi to watch your favorite shows.
Yes, there are power outlets on board trains of Amtrak Pere Marquette. Usually finding one or two outlets per row of seats, be a smart traveler and inquire if your seatmate would like to charge their equipment as well. Usually included with most phones and tablets, a USB power converter allows you to charge both a computer and a USB device using the onboard power outlets.
Not all journeys are certain to have power points as Amtrak Pere Marquette sometimes uses substitute train units. Just in case, we advise you to include a power bank to charge your phone for entire two-hour travels.
Amtrak Pere Marquette has a total of eight scheduled train trips in a typical day. However, the day and route will affect the exact departure and arrival times. Using the search engine on this website will help you locate the exact itinerary.
Not that Amtrak Pere Marquette provides will-call tickets. Before you go to the station, you should buy your tickets online and check you have everything you need to board.
To be allowed to board the train, Amtrak Pere Marquette does require that you show an ID to an agent. Make sure you are identified by a government agency that meets the carrier’s criteria. Other IDs, including college IDs, will not work.
Of course, Amtrak Pere Marquette trains have restrooms. The restrooms consist of a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer and are simple. Most of the toilets are missing running water. Please exercise caution and always hang on to the rail as you will be using the toilet in a moving vehicle.
Amtrak Pere Marquette’s snacks help you satisfy your hunger while on vacation. If you get hungry, make sure you carry some cash and a credit card.
There is no paper ticket needed to board Amtrak Pere Marquette. Rather, when you reserve an e-ticket is sent to you. As you board, present the ticketing agent this eTicket using your smartphone.
To provide superior amenities to its patrons, Amtrak Pere Marquette goes the extra mile. Do you find yourself cramped in a standard seat or appreciate having more room to spread out? You’re lucky Amtrak Pere Marquette has extra legroom seats. While the extra space you get may vary by train line, there is no set definition for what constitutes extra legroom, so it’s always wise to get more.