Cheap coach tickets from Detroit to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Detroit to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 15 intercity coaches per day from Detroit to Chicago. Travelling by coach from Detroit to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 4 hours and 50 minutes.
- Distance
- 237 mi (381 km)
- Shortest duration
- 4h 50m
- Cheapest price
- US$31.00
- Trips per day
- 15
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Coach lines
- 4
Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:
Detroit to Chicago Coach Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Detroit to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily train trips from Detroit to Chicago.
Coach | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$61.73Cheaper | Avg. PriceUS$72.77 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips15 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration7h 42m | Duration5h 24mFaster |

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Detroit to Chicago (Based on 19 ratings and reviews)
4.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
Detroit to Chicago Route Map

There are several coach options that can take you from Detroit to Chicago:
- Amtrak Thruway: 1 daily coach from US$31
- Barons Bus Lines: 2 daily coaches from US$50
- FlixBus US: 3 daily coaches from US$33
- Greyhound: 10 daily coaches from US$33
How much is a coach ticket from Detroit to Chicago?
Coach tickets for a trip from Detroit to Chicago cost about US$53 when you book at the cheapest time, 20 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than US$53 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Detroit to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Detroit to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$41 to US$74. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 8 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$47.
Average coach ticket prices from Detroit to Chicago by month
Taking the coach from Detroit to Chicago is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only US$51. If you're planning to take the coach from Detroit to Chicago during November, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$62. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 20 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$17.92 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Detroit to Chicago?
There are 4 coach lines from Detroit to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 10 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most coaches running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 5h 37m | US$31.00 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 9h 6m | US$53.52 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 6h 33m | US$66.10 |
| Greyhound | 10 | 8h 1m | US$61.16 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger coaches operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railways. On the coach, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard toilet facilities. Amtrak Thruway coach tickets from Detroit to Chicago start at US$31. On average, there is 1 Amtrak Thruway coach trip on this route every day.
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transport company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of “ride like royalty” with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travellers' Favourite.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 3 trips per day from Detroit to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$66.10.






Greyhound is the largest nationwide coach carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 10 coach trips from Detroit to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 8 hours and 1 minute to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from US$32.98.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Detroit to Chicago
The cheapest way to get from Detroit to Chicago is by coach. Coach tickets start at just $10 and average $26, while train tickets from Detroit to Chicago cost at least $31.
The Megabus and Greyhound both have their pros and cons when travelling from Detroit to Chicago. Greyhound has 16 trips per day, while Megabus has only 3. Also, on average, Greyhound tends to be almost $5 cheaper, with tickets averaging $24.98. For comparison, Megabus tickets average $29.08. That said, Megabus typically arrives about an hour faster because it does not need to make as many stops. In addition, Megabus tickets for this route can be found as cheap as $10 if booked in advance.
It would be difficult to make a return trip from Detroit to Chicago in one day. The fastest possible duration is 5 hours and 20 minutes, which means a return trip would consist of almost 11 hours of driving time. Megabus offers the fastest average travel time at 5 hours and 38 minutes, but even then it probably makes more sense for you to spend the night in Chicago and return to Detroit the following day.
There are 15 scheduled coaches that travel from Detroit to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 direct coaches, where you can stay on the same coach without having to transfer to a connecting coach at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Detroit to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$40.
Trips per day
15
Direct trips
7
The coach takes an average of 7 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 237 miles from Detroit to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
237
Distance (km)
381
The first coach leaves at 7:15 and the last coach leaves at 23:15. To see the times for all coaches from Detroit to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
7:15am
Latest coach
11:15pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Detroit to Chicago for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the coach, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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 coach terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travellers can catch coaches 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.
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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Detroit?
Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other coach carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travellers’ convenience, the station offers massive car parks, clean toilets, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighbourhoods throughout Detroit.
All coach stations in Detroit:
- Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Coaches arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which coach line you are travelling with.
Coach stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Detroit?
Search Coach TicketsPlan your next adventure
More coaches from Detroit
Continue by coach from Chicago
Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.




