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Amtrak Blue Water is a daily train service that connects Chicago, Illinois, to Port Huron, Michigan. It is part of the Amtrak Midwest Corridor and offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience with nine stops.

This rail journey isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s an opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes and charming towns that define the region.

This post contains all the information you need to book your trip, including details about accommodations, add-ons, and the schedule. Come with me as we embark on this remarkable train journey.

Route overview

The Blue Water train departs from Chicago and travels to Kalamazoo, renowned for Bell’s Brewery, and then to Battle Creek, famously known as “Cereal City.” The route continues to East Lansing, home to the State Capitol and Michigan State University, with intermediate stops before reaching Port Huron. Port Huron is one of Michigan’s oldest cities, rich in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

This journey offers diverse urban and historical attractions, making it a unique travel experience through Michigan.

Blue Water Coach class

Each coach class seat has fold-down trays, individual reading lights, overhead luggage racks, and sometimes tables (though not all cars have them).

Additionally, there are grounded or three-prong 120v electric outlets on the wall, or in newer cars, USB chargers and outlets located between the two seats, providing an outlet for each passenger.

Kev’s coach class travel tips

When traveling in coach class, it’s essential to pack light for a comfortable journey. Snacks and a water bottle are recommended, as is having money for the cafe car.

Entertainment can significantly enhance your travel experience. Consider bringing a digital device or a book to pass the time. I’ve written an article about the best ways to stay entertained on Amtrak.

Bring an extension cord, chargers, cables, and headphones to power your electronic devices. Headphones are essential for listening to something other than the train’s sound.

Boarding the Blue Water

Like most Amtrak regional trains, there is no assigned seating, but you may get assigned a car to ride in. You can learn more about boarding Amtrak trains if you have more information.

Business class

The Amtrak Blue Water also offers business class, which includes extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, you are closer to the cafe car. At Chicago Union, you can use the lounge for a fee.

Additionally, Business Class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

Amtrak Quiet Car

The Amtrak Blue Water train provides a Quiet Car, a serene oasis for all coach passengers, on a fair first-come, first-served basis, with no extra charges.

Please note that you cannot book a seat in this car, ensuring everyone has an equal chance to enjoy its tranquility.

All passengers must follow specific rules to maintain a peaceful environment inside the quiet car. If you are unsure about its location, you may ask the conductor.

The Quiet Car is typically on the opposite end of the train from the cafe car.

Luggage on the Amtrak Blue Water

The Blue Water does not offer a checked bag service.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Amtrak Blue Water add-ons

For a fee, you can add the following to your reservation. Keep in mind that space can be limited:

Bringing Your Bike

• You can bring a standard bicycle with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and a maximum tire width of 2 inches.
• Bike service may not be available at all stations.
• Check the official Amtrak bike policy before booking your bike on this train.

Bringing Your Golf Clubs

• Golf clubs must be in an enclosed, securely fastened, full-length cover (vinyl, cloth, nylon, or hard-sided case) no larger than 72 inches and 50 pounds.
• Golf bag carts must be detached and checked separately.
• Check out the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date info on bringing golf clubs on trains.

Bringing Your Pet

• Amtrak allows dogs and cats weighing up to 20 pounds, including the carrier.
• Space for pets can be limited, so you need to add your pet to your reservation.
• After completing your reservation, you will receive the necessary paperwork, which you can find in the My Trip section.
• Before booking, review Amtrak’s pet policy and print out the documentation.
• If you have a service or comfort animal, read the Amtrak service animal policy before booking to ensure your critter qualifies and for booking instructions.

Amtrak Wi-Fi

Blue Water provides free Amtrak Wi-Fi.

This service is intended for emailing and web browsing and may not allow streaming, and there could be dead spots along the route.

Food on the Amtrak Blue Water

The Blue Water cafe car offers a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and hot, cold, and adult beverages. This car is open to all passengers for most of the journey.

The cafe car’s location varies depending on the direction, but it’s usually towards one end of the train. Throughout the journey, conductors and cafe staff announce its location to help passengers find it.

You may bring your food and drinks aboard the train, but please note that consuming personal alcohol is not permitted.

Amtrak Blue Water Schedule

The information in this section comes from the official Amtrak website. It’s important to note that times can change after the publish date, so it’s wise to check your e-ticket on your phone or log into your account on your travel day. This will keep you alert and prepared for any potential changes.

The times listed below are departures; trains may arrive before the listed below.

Use this timetable as a guide; check with Amtrak or your eticket for exact times. The information for these guides comes from Amtrak, and Amtrak can change them anytime.

Printable Amtrak Blue Water Schedule

Feel free to print out or download the PDF using the button below. You can print route schedules from Amtrak.com, including custom schedules with other Amtrak transportation. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules.

An alternative to the Blue Water: Amtrak Wolverine

If you plan a trip between Chicago, IL, and Battle Creek, MI, or need to stop at an intermediate location, consider the Amtrak Wolverine train. It covers most of the same stops as the Blue Water train, so it may be a good alternative.

Check out the Wolverine’s schedule to see if it can better suit your needs.

Safe Travels,

Kev