The Amtrak Père Marquette is a daily train service that connects Chicago, Illinois, with Grand Rapids, Michigan. Along its route, the train makes stops in St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Bangor, and Holland. This provides travelers with access to Lake Michigan beaches, Holland’s Dutch heritage, and events like the annual Tulip Time Festival.
The train is a convenient option for traveling to Chicago or West Michigan, avoiding traffic, tolls, parking, and airport hassles.
Amtrak Père Marquette at a glance
The Père Marquette provides one daily round trip from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids. This 138-mile journey takes approximately four hours and crosses both the Central and Eastern time zones.
The train offers both Coach and Business Class seating, a café car, and complimentary basic Wi-Fi. Pets and bicycles can be included in eligible reservations; however, standard checked baggage service is not available.
Amtrak Père Marquette timetable/schedule
Here is the current Amtrak Père Marquette timetable. I created this table using information from Amtrak, but schedules may change. Before traveling, please verify your departure time on Amtrak.com, in the Amtrak app, or on your eTicket.
This timetable was last updated on June 27, 2026.
Time zone reminder: Chicago is in the Central Time Zone, while all Michigan stations along this route are in the Eastern Time Zone. Times are presented in the local time for each station.
Click a station to view the services offered at that stop.
| 370 Eastbound Read Down | Père Marquette Station Stops | Miles | 371 Westbound Read Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30p | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) CT | 0 | 9:08a |
| 9:13p | 9:14p | St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, MI (SJM) ET | 62 | 8:09a | 8:10a |
| 9:49p | 9:50p | Bangor, MI (BAM) | 89 | 7:31a | 7:32a |
| 10:31p | 10:33p | Holland, MI (HOM) | 102 | 6:47a | 6:49a |
| 11:34p | Grand Rapids, MI Vernon J. Ehlers Station (GRR) | 138 | 6:00a |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
Printable Amtrak Père Marquette Schedule
Feel free to print out or download this page from Amtrak. If you want to ensure you have the most up-to-date schedule (I do my best), this page explains how to print your Amtrak schedule. That link also shows you how to create custom schedules.
Amtrak Père Marquette Route Guide
Although this is an older document, many people find it useful for its brief history of the towns the train passes through.
How to Buy Amtrak Père Marquette Tickets
You can purchase Amtrak tickets through the Amtrak website or Amtrak app, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, at staffed Amtrak stations, or from ticket kiosks where available. You can also check with local or online travel agents.
For many travelers, using the Amtrak website or app is the easiest option. The Amtrak app allows you to store your eTicket, or you can print the PDF ticket that Amtrak emails to you. Conductors can also scan your eTicket directly from the email on your phone or another electronic device.
I recommend buying your ticket in advance, especially when traveling on weekends, during holidays, or at other busy times. Some trains, accommodations, and services can sell out quickly. It’s also a good idea to book early if you plan to travel with a bicycle or a pet, or if you want one of the limited premium accommodations on the train.
Amtrak Père Marquette Coach Class seating
The Père Marquette offers coach seating with the following:
- A fold-down tray
- Seat back pockets
- Individual reading lights
- 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets.
- Some cars have USB chargers between the seats.
- There is a restroom in or between the coach cars.
- Storage is available above and below the seat in front of you, and a luggage rack is provided.
Business class
Business Class provides additional legroom, seating in a designated area, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. This section may also be quieter than Coach, though some passengers may not realize they should speak more softly.
Business Class tickets are fully refundable when canceled before departure, and Amtrak Guest Rewards members earn a 25% bonus in points. Passengers traveling in Business Class can also purchase access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station.
Luggage: Checked and carry-on
This train does not offer checked baggage.
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
Charges apply to additional and oversized luggage; see Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Père Marquette Add-ons
Amtrak offers several options you can add to your reservation for a fee.
Pets
Small dogs and cats can travel on the Père Marquette with a reservation. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds, and the carrier must fit under your seat. Pets are allowed only in a designated Coach car and are not permitted in Business Class.
After booking your trip, please complete the required Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement on Amtrak.com, in the “My Trip” section, or through the Amtrak app. If you’re departing from a staffed station, arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in your pet. At unstaffed stations, the conductor will verify your pet reservation and paperwork on board.
Before booking, review Amtrak’s complete pet policy.
Trained service animals are not classified as pets. Comfort and emotional support animals are not considered service animals and must adhere to Amtrak’s standard pet regulations.
Bring your bike
The Père Marquette provides checked bicycle service at all stations along the route. Reservations are required in advance, and space is limited.
At staffed stations, arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to get a claim check. At unstaffed stations, take your bicycle to the platform, where an Amtrak crew member will assist you when the train arrives.
Review Amtrak’s bicycle policy before booking for the current size, weight, and reservation requirements.
Golf clubs
You can bring your putter for mini-golf or a complete set of clubs, provided you follow Amtrak’s golf club policy.
Food on Amtrak’s Père Marquette
The Père Marquette features a café car that serves hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. Because menu items and availability may vary, it’s a good idea to bring a snack or drink as a backup.
Bringing your own food and drinks
You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the train and enjoy them at your seat.
Personal alcohol consumption is prohibited on the Père Marquette, but alcoholic beverages purchased from the café may be consumed onboard.
Due to federal health regulations, Amtrak employees cannot store, heat, refrigerate, or handle any food brought on board. Personal food should be eaten in your seat rather than in the café car.
Père Marquette FAQ
Wi-Fi on the train
You can use Amtrak’s complimentary Wi-Fi service, which is intended for email and web browsing. Streaming may not be supported or allowed.
Does the Père Marquette run every day?
Yes. The Père Marquette operates one daily round trip between Chicago and Grand Rapids.
How long is the Père Marquette trip?
The entire trip lasts approximately four hours, though this may vary depending on the direction of travel.
Does the Père Marquette cross a time zone?
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone, while Michigan stops are in the Eastern Time Zone.
Does the Père Marquette have food service?
The train features a café car offering snacks, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and spirits.
Does the Père Marquette offer checked baggage?
No standard checked baggage service is available on this train, but limited bicycle service may be offered by reservation.
Is the Amtrak Père Marquette right for your trip?
The Amtrak Père Marquette is a convenient choice for traveling between Chicago and West Michigan. It offers daily service, comfortable seating, and a café car. The train stops in various locations, including St. Joseph, Holland, and Grand Rapids, making it an easy alternative to driving.
Before your trip, verify the current schedule, note the time zone difference, and review your ticket for the departure time and station details. A bit of preparation can make your journey much smoother.
For more travel tips, route guides, and beginner-friendly advice about Amtrak, consider signing up for the Travels with Kev newsletter. You can also support my work through Patreon or other support options available on this site. Your contributions help me continue creating valuable Amtrak content for travelers like you.
Safe Travels,
Kev
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