chiku-desktop

Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Detroit

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & 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 travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to Detroit Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Detroit.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
HRK 338.22
Avg. Price
HRK 593.93
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
12
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
7h 53m
Duration
6h 31m

Bus from Chicago to Detroit: Journey Information

There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Detroit usually takes 7 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance237 mi (381 km)
Shortest duration5h 10m
Cheapest priceHRK 212.62
Trips per day5
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines3

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Detroit

(Based on 17 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Hani

October 9, 2025- Vacation

FlixBus US

The legroom distance. The amenities and entertainment, the comfortability of seats

5.0

cyriac

August 6, 2025- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: pleasant journey. Cons: wash room in the waiting was not clean. Tips: Economic and affordable.

5.0

Gabrielle

August 11, 2024- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: True bus was on time to arrive in both places. Cons: Could be cleaner, I smelled pee very strong every time someone opened the bathroom door. The accent could be reclining! 5 hours trip is difficult without sleep. Tips: No.

5.0

Madison

November 23, 2022- Visiting friends

OurBus

Pros: very nice driver and bus! Cons: showing up to stop early! Tips: no.

4.0

Michael

September 22, 2022- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: Wasn’t crowded so I was able to sit alone. Cons: Clean bathroom and bus more frequent and change outlets so plugs stay in.

Chicago to Detroit Route Map

Chicago Detroit

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Detroit?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Detroit was HRK 281.64. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around HRK 172.29 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Detroit by travel date

HRK 589HRK 393HRK 196NovNov

The average cost of a one-way bus trip from Chicago to Detroit is expected to fluctuate between HRK 262 and HRK 537 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a bus trip to Detroit in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Chicago is HRK 262.

Monthly avg. prices

HRK 491HRK 393HRK 295HRK 196HRK 98DJFMAMJJASON
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 October when the average ticket price is only HRK 295. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Detroit during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of HRK 373 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

HRK 491HRK 393HRK 295HRK 196HRK 983020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your bus trip from Chicago to Detroit. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 16 days before departure, you can save around HRK 172.29. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Detroit?

There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Detroit available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 7 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines19h 5mHRK 510.77
FlixBus US78h 7mHRK 371.49
Greyhound47h 8mHRK 306.20
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Detroit from HRK 511. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Chicago to Detroit and you can expect on average to pay 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 9 hours and 5 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Detroit in 5 hours and 10 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Detroit.

  • 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 7 trips per day from Chicago to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from HRK 213.

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.

The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 44 minutes to cover the 237 miles from Chicago to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 10 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.

Buses from Chicago 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 bus tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

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 HRK 255.38.

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?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Detroit leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in Detroit?

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

Image credit: Dane

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Detroit by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Detroit to Chicago?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules 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 bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.