Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Detroit
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Detroit. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to Detroit usually takes 21 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 18 hours and 28 minutes.
- Distance
- 442 mi (711 km)
- Fastest train
- 18h 28m
- Lowest price
- US$140.00
- Trains per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Philadelphia to Detroit Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Philadelphia to Detroit?
There are usually 4 daily coach trips from Philadelphia to Detroit.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$302.04 | Avg. PriceUS$146.45Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration21h 56m | Duration17h 6mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Detroit?
In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to Detroit cost about US$188 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$259.90 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Detroit will cost between US$154 and US$431. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia 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 US$234. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to Detroit during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$295 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 Philadelphia to Detroit on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about US$259.90 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Detroit?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Detroit. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 21h 56m | US$302.04 |
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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Philadelphia to Detroit every day, as well as 4 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$140.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Philadelphia to Detroit
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Detroit. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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 hand 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 Detroit to Philadelphia. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Philadelphia to Detroit for US$93.
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
0
The distance between Philadelphia and Detroit is approximately 442 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 28 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
442
Distance (km)
711
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 7:40 while the last train of the day leaves at 13:07. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
7:40am
Last train
1:07pm
Trains from Philadelphia to Detroit are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Saturday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Philadelphia



We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
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. Coach 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 tram system. The station’s amenities include clean toilets, 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.
Train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to Philadelphia?
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