Pere Marquette — Schedules, Fares & Stops

The Pere Marquette connects Chicago, IL and Grand Rapids, MI over a 176-mile route operated by Amtrak (MDOT), calling at 6 stations across 3 states.

Quick Facts

Operator: Amtrak (MDOT)
Service type: State-Supported Corridor
Endpoints: Chicago ↔ Grand Rapids
Distance: 176 mi
Frequency: Daily
Stations: 6
States served: 3 (IL, IN, MI)
Typical fare range: $25 – $49

Route guide

The Pere Marquette is a state-supported corridor service operated by Amtrak (MDOT). Trains run Daily over 176 miles of mainline track between Chicago Union Station and Grand Rapids, calling at 6 intermediate and terminal stations across 3 states. For background reading on the corridor, several archival route histories are available alongside the operator's own marketing pages.

What to watch for: Lake Michigan dunes near St. Joseph; tulip country approaching Holland.

History & service notes

Inaugurated by Amtrak in 1984 over former Chesapeake & Ohio (Pere Marquette Railway) tracks. Riders interested in pre-Amtrak operating history of the line can consult classic timetable archives for fuller context.

Equipment

Typical consist on the Pere Marquette includes horizon and Amfleet coaches, Charger locomotive. Equipment assignments may vary by departure and season; consult the operator for the most current information.

Stops along the route

Stations are listed in geographical order from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Times and exact stop sequencing depend on the specific train number and direction; refer to the operator's timetable for departures.

Sample fares & travel times

Approximate one-way fare ranges and travel times for popular city pairs on this route. Fares vary widely by demand, time of booking, and class of service — these figures are reference midpoints suitable for planning, not booking. Click any pair for a fuller trip guide.

From	To	Distance	Time	Fare
Chicago	Hammond	35 mi	52m	$13 – $25
Hammond	St. Joseph	35 mi	52m	$13 – $25
St. Joseph	Bangor	35 mi	52m	$13 – $25
Bangor	Holland	35 mi	52m	$13 – $25
Holland	Grand Rapids	35 mi	52m	$13 – $25
Hammond	Grand Rapids	141 mi	2h 59m	$22 – $43
Chicago	St. Joseph	70 mi	1h 34m	$16 – $31
St. Joseph	Grand Rapids	106 mi	2h 17m	$19 – $37
Chicago	Bangor	106 mi	2h 17m	$19 – $37
Bangor	Grand Rapids	70 mi	1h 34m	$16 – $31
Chicago	Holland	141 mi	2h 59m	$22 – $43
Hammond	Holland	106 mi	2h 17m	$19 – $37
Chicago	Grand Rapids	176 mi	3h 41m	$25 – $49

Connections & transfers

Major hubs along the route offer cross-platform transfers to other intercity and commuter services. From Chicago, riders can change for connecting trains and intercity buses; the same is true at Grand Rapids. The corridor passes through cities including Chicago, Hammond, and Grand Rapids, each with its own onward service map. A useful reference for cross-network connections is the consolidated national rail connection guide, updated each timetable change.

Trip planning tip. The Pere Marquette's lowest fares typically appear when booked 14 days or more in advance, and on midweek departures. Same-day "walk-up" fares are usually closer to the upper end of the range shown. Saver and Value buckets sell out first.