Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Erie

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Detroit to Erie. Travelling by train from Detroit to Erie usually takes 15 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 48 minutes.

Distance: 152 mi (245 km)
Fastest train: 9h 48m
Lowest price: $107.58
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Detroit to Erie Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Detroit to Erie?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Erie.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. Price$188.54	Avg. Price$85.31Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration15h 28m	Duration11h 51mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Erie:

Amtrak tickets: $108 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Erie?

In the last month, train tickets from Detroit to Erie cost about $171 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $118.85 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Erie by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Erie will cost between $123 and $307. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Erie by month

Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Erie 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 $152. If you're thinking of travelling from Detroit to Erie during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $203 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Detroit to Erie on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $118.85 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Detroit to Erie?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit to Erie. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	15h 28m	$188.54

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 4 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Erie every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $107.58.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Detroit to Erie

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Detroit to Erie. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Erie to Detroit. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Erie for $60.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Detroit and Erie is approximately 245 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 48 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)

152

Distance (km)

245

The earliest train departs Detroit at 9:35 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

9:35am

Last train

9:30pm

Trains from Detroit to Erie are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

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.

Erie

Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.

One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.

Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Detroit?

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Erie?

Main arrival station: 125 W 14th St

Erie has one train station.

All train stations in Erie:

125 W 14th St

Need a return trip from Erie to Detroit?

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