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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Detroit
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Chicago to Detroit. Travelling by train from Chicago to Detroit usually takes 7 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Wolverine train can make the trip in 5 hours and 20 minutes.
- Distance
- 237 mi (381 km)
- Fastest train
- 5h 20m
- Lowest price
- CHF 25.89
- Trains per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Wolverine
- Train lines
- 2
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Chicago to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Detroit?
There are usually 14 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 75.00 | Avg. PriceCHF 50.09Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips14 |
Duration | Duration7h 5mFaster | Duration7h 27m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Detroit (Based on 27 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
Chicago to Detroit Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Detroit?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Detroit cost about CHF 69 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 10.35 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Detroit will cost between CHF 50 and CHF 110. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Detroit often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 63. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Detroit during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 75 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Detroit on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 10.35 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Detroit?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Detroit. Amtrak Wolverine usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 8h 34m | CHF 85.92 |
| Amtrak Wolverine | 3 | 5h 31m | CHF 63.48 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Detroit every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 25.89.
The Amtrak Wolverine provides rail service from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan, and offers 3 trips per day. Each train features amenities such as a cafe car and onboard WiFi. The average ticket price from Chicago to Detroit on the Wolverine is CHF 63.48, but you can find deals for as low as CHF 33.41.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Detroit
The only train route offering direct service between Chicago and Detroit is the Amtrak Wolverine. Two trains depart each day, with the first train leaving at 7:00 a.m. and the second train leaving at 5:00 p.m. The average price for a ticket is $52.16, and the average travel time is 5 hours and 11 minutes.
The train from Chicago to Detroit is the fastest, most scenic way to get there. Parts of the ride circle the bottom of Lake Michigan, and the average travel time is just 5 hours and 11 minutes. The average travel time on the bus is anywhere from 5 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours and 40 minutes, depending on which bus you take.
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Detroit. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 3 are direct connections to Detroit. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Detroit to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Detroit for CHF 28.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
The distance between Chicago and Detroit is approximately 381 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 20 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
237
Distance (km)
381
The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:45 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:45am
Last train
9:30pm
Trains from Chicago to Detroit are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travellers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favourite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travellers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main departure station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Detroit?
Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave
Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travellers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean washrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighbourhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to Chicago?
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