Westrain

Westrain is a coalition of members along the Pere Marquette rail line (GVMC in Grand Rapids, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council in Holland, City of Bangor, Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce for St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission) that promotes passenger rail in West Michigan. Westrain is not affiliated with the sale of Amtrak tickets. If you would like to become involved in this effort, contact K. John Egelhaff, Chairman of the Westrain Coalition.

Please visit Amtrak’s website to plan your trip!

A New Standard of Travel During COVID-19

Amtrak is leading the way by setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey — from time of booking to the moment of arrival. Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and launch new initiatives to support personal safety for passengers and employees. 

Ticket Information

Be sure to check fare discounts to save money when riding the train.

The seating on the Pere Marquette is reserved. You may purchase your tickets in advance on the Amtrak website, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), from participating travel agents, or at the ticketing machines located at the Grand Rapids, Holland, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor or Chicago stations. You may purchase your tickets on board the train if seats are available. The on-board purchase of tickets may result in higher ticket price. Amtrak accepts personal checks with the proper identification. Major credit cards and cash are also accepted.

Train Schedule

The Amtrak Pere Marquette schedule makes it very convenient for passengers to attend business, sporting, music and theater events in Chicago and also take advantage of improved connections with other Amtrak trains across the country.

Current Pere Marquette Schedule (effective as of June 30, 2020):

*Trains cannot depart from a station earlier than the scheduled departure time.

For Amtrak schedules and time tables, please click here. 
 

Travel Information

There is no checked baggage service on the Pere Marquette route. Each passenger is limited to two pieces of baggage. A wheelchair lift is available at the Grand Rapids and Holland station. This is a non-smoking train. A limited number of spaces are available to transport golf bags to/from all stations served by the Pere Marquette. Reservations are required; nominal charges apply. Passengers assist with loading, stowing, and unloading.

Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation now offer walk-up checked bike service aboard the Pere Marquette at the Chicago, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Holland and Grand Rapids stations for only $10. To learn more about bringing your bike on board, click here.

Plan to arrive at the station 30 minutes before your train leaves. All guests 18 years or older should be sure to carry a driver's license, passport, or other photo identification.

Train Status

Get the current status of the southbound (#371) or northbound (#370) train on the Pere Marquette line.

Station Information

Grand Rapids (Map)

The Grand Rapids station is located at 440 Century Avenue, just south of Wealthy Street. The station has an indoor waiting area for passengers and those waiting for incoming passengers. It also features level boarding from the platform directly into the rail cars.  In addition, it includes other features such as restrooms, vending machines, bike loops, a dedicated pick-up and drop-off area, a wheelchair lift for boarding the train if needed and a Quik-Trak ticketing machine. An adjacent parking lot for Amtrak use only contains more than 115 parking spaces with both lighting and security cameras. A bus pull-out for Amtrak Thruway service is also provided immediately adjacent to the station on Century Ave.

Holland

The Holland station, also known as the Padnos Transportation Center, is located at 171 Lincoln Avenue. The station has an indoor waiting area for passengers and those waiting for incoming passengers. It also includes other features such as restrooms, pay phones, wheelchair lift and the Quik-Trak ticketing machine.

Bangor

The Bangor station is located on Railroad Street and has an indoor waiting area for passengers and those waiting for incoming passengers. It also includes other features such as restrooms and an eating area.

St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor station has an indoor waiting area for passengers and those waiting for incoming passengers. It also includes other features such as restrooms, pay phones, and the Quik-Trak ticketing machine.

Chicago Union Station

Union Station is located at 225 S. Canal Street in downtown Chicago. Union Station is within walking distance of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Chicago Theatre, Daley Center, Sears Tower, Civic Opera House and the Art Institute of Chicago. Union Station is staffed with Amtrak personnel to assist passengers. The station offers features such as Quik-Trak ticket machines, enclosed waiting area, restrooms, pay phones, snack bar and long/short term parking. 

Related Links

The following links provide additional information. Westrain and the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council cannot vouch for the content at these external links, however.

• Amtrak Homepage

• Amtrak Pere Marquette Route: Train #370 & #371 - from Trainweb.

• Train Reservation

Banner photo courtesy of MODOT and MDOT.