There are 7 ways to get from Chicago to East Lansing by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, plane, bus, or bus (Flixbus)
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Train (Amtrak)
best- Take the train from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Stationtrain Blue Water
4h 16m$58–124Bus via South Haven
cheapest- Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to South Havenbus FlixBus 2552
- Take the bus from South Haven Potatoes Plus to East Lansing Michigan Flyerbus 1483
6h 45m$39–73Bus (Amtrak)
- Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Stationbus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
4h 23m$72–99Drive 219.3 mi
- Drive from Chicago to East Lansingcar 219.3 mi
3h 44m$40–58Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Capital Region International Airport, line 01 bus
- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Capital Region International Airport (LAN)plane ORD - LAN
- Take the bus from CATA Trans Center to EBD Gr. River past Abbot Rdbus
4h 23m$42–269Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Bishop International Airport, bus
- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Bishop International Airport (FNT)plane ORD - FNT
- Take the bus from Flint Station to East Lansing Michigan Flyerbus
5h 11m$82–344Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Detroit, bus
- Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Detroit (DTW)plane MDW - DTW
- Take the bus from Detroit Metro Airport to East Lansing, MIbus
6h 1m$144–504
Chicago to East Lansing by train and bus (Amtrak)
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to East Lansing is to drive which costs $40 - $60 and takes 3h 44m.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to East Lansing is to drive which takes 3h 44m and costs $40 - $60.
No, there is no direct bus from Chicago station to East Lansing. However, there are services departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at EBD Michigan Ave before Delta St via NBD Harrison past Service. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 23m.
No, there is no direct train from Chicago station to East Lansing station. However, there are services departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at East Lansing Amtrak Station via . The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 16m.
The distance between Chicago and East Lansing is 209 miles. The road distance is 220.6 miles.
The best way to get from Chicago to East Lansing without a car is to train which takes 4h 16m and costs $55 - $130.
It takes approximately 4h 16m to get from Chicago to East Lansing, including transfers.
Chicago to East Lansing bus services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Chicago Union Station.
Chicago to East Lansing train services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Chicago Union Station.
The best way to get from Chicago to East Lansing is to train which takes 4h 16m and costs $55 - $130. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $70 - $100 and takes 4h 23m.
What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and East Lansing, MI, USA?
Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Station once daily. Tickets cost $55–130 and the journey takes 3h 55m. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a bus from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Station once a week. Tickets cost $65–100 and the journey takes 4h.
- Website
- southwest.com
Flights from Chicago Midway International Airport to Detroit
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 12m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $70–500
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Train from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Station
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 55m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $55–130
- Website
- Amtrak
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Bus from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Station
- Ave. Duration
- 4h
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- $65–100
- Website
- Amtrak
Want to know more about travelling around United States
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Related travel guides
Travelling to the US: What do I need to know?
Read the travel guide
Why you should take the train in the US
Read the travel guide
More Questions & Answers
Chicago to East Lansing bus services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at East Lansing Amtrak Station.
East Lansing is 1h ahead of Chicago. It is currently 3:56 PM in Chicago and 4:56 PM in East Lansing.
Chicago to East Lansing train services, operated by Amtrak, arrive at East Lansing Amtrak Station.
Yes, the driving distance between Chicago to East Lansing is 221 miles. It takes approximately 3h 44m to drive from Chicago to East Lansing.
Book your Chicago to East Lansing train tickets online with Omio.
There are 84+ hotels available in East Lansing.



