Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Detroit
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Bus from Chicago to Detroit: Journey Information
There are 12 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Detroit usually takes around 8 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 237 mi (381 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $32.98 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 4 |
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Chicago to Detroit Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Detroit?
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Chicago to Detroit.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$57.61Cheaper | Avg. Price$91.73 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips12 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration8h 3m | Duration7h 5mFaster |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Detroit (Based on 19 ratings and reviews)
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November 23, 2022 - Visiting friends
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Chicago to Detroit Route Map
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Detroit:
- FlixBus US: 6 daily buses from $34
- Greyhound: 5 daily buses from $33
- Barons Bus Lines: 1 daily bus from $50
- Amtrak Thruway: 1 daily bus from $39
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Detroit?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Detroit cost $47.75 on average. Tickets cheaper than $47.75 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Detroit by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Detroit in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $40 to $65. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 15, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit this week, bus tickets are available starting at $44.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Detroit by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Detroit is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $49. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Detroit during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $62. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $24.17 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Detroit?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Detroit, including FlixBus US, Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 4 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 6 | 8h 30m | $60.81 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 7h 28m | $54.66 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 1 | 8h 50m | $53.37 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 5h 40m | $39.00 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 6 trips per day from Chicago to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only $60.81.
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus 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 5 bus trips from Chicago to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from $32.98.
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Detroit from $50. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Chicago to Detroit and you can expect on average to pay $53.37 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Detroit. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Detroit from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Detroit, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Detroit takes 8 hours and 50 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $50 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Detroit.
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Chicago to Detroit start at $39. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Detroit
There are about 20 scheduled bus trips per day from Chicago to Detroit, with 4 carriers that operate this route. Out of 20 scheduled bus trips, 10 of them are direct connections to Detroit. Greyhound has the most scheduled bus trips with an average of 12 per day. Other carriers include, Megabus, Miller Transportation and Indian Trails.
By bus it takes an average of 5 hours from Chicago to Detroit. The cheapest average bus ticket costs about $24.69. By booking early, you can typically save about $11 versus booking the day before your trip.
Even though the distance between Detroit and Chicago isn’t too far (about 300 miles), an overnight stay or weekend trip to Detroit is probably better than a day-trip. Even if you were to take a bus or train, the ride is about 4.5 hours each way.
There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Detroit; ticket prices start at $39.
TRIPS PER DAY
12
DIRECT TRIPS
5
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 237 miles from Chicago to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 45 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus 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 bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Detroit at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, 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 travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, 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’ favorite 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 travelers 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 does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Detroit leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
- Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in Detroit?
Main arrival 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 bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, 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 neighborhoods throughout Detroit.
All bus stations in Detroit:
- Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to Chicago?
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