Amtrak's Blue Water

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

However, this journey is more than just transportation; it immerses you in the scenic landscapes and charming towns that characterize the region. There’s just something about train travel.

This post includes everything you need to book your trip, including accommodations, add-ons, and the schedule. Join me as we embark on this remarkable train journey together!

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 these).

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 café 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 sounds.

Boarding the Blue Water

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

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 café 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.

The Blue Water Quiet Car

The Amtrak Blue Water train offers a Quiet Car for all coach passengers at no additional charge. The car is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You cannot reserve seats in this car, ensuring everyone has equal access to its peaceful atmosphere.

All passengers must adhere to Quiet Car rules to maintain a tranquil environment, typically at the opposite end of the train from the café car.

If you have trouble finding it or have any questions, please consult the conductors for assistance.

Luggage on the Amtrak Blue Water

Amtrak’s Blue Water does not offer a checked bag service.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, up to 25 pounds (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) that is no larger than 72 inches and weighs no more than 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. There could be dead spots along the route.

Food on the Amtrak Blue Water

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

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

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

Join the Travels with Kev Community!

🚂 Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains! Get details on train equipment, dining options, and more—in one handy, free guide. Enjoy the latest travel tips, Amtrak insights, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox.

💌 Support my work and help keep Travels with Kev on track! Join my Patreon at $5 or more to receive a limited-edition postcard featuring photos from my travels, or check out my Support Page for other ways to contribute, including my wishlist and one-time donations. Every bit of support keeps the journey going!

If you want to check me out on social media, the links are further down!

Don’t miss out—join the adventure today!

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 this post’s publication date, so it’s wise to check your e-ticket on your phone or log into your account on your travel day. This action will keep you alert and prepared for any potential changes.

The times listed below are departures; trains may arrive before those listed below. Last checked May 2025.

Use this timetable as a guide; check with Amtrak or your ticket for exact times. The information for these guides comes from Amtrak, which can change it at any time.

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 that it may be a good alternative.

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

Safe Travels,

Kev