Cheap bus tickets from Rockford to Detroit

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Bus from Rockford to Detroit: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Rockford to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Rockford to Detroit usually takes around 11 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours.

Distance
309 mi (497 km)
Shortest duration
11h
Cheapest price
$50.47
Trips per day
2
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
2

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Rockford to Detroit Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Rockford to Detroit.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$72.36CheaperAvg. Price$129.00
Daily Trips2Daily Trips6
Duration11h 58mDuration11h 13mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Rockford to Detroit?

Bus tickets for a trip from Rockford to Detroit cost about $65 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Rockford to Detroit by travel date

$90$60$30NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Rockford to Detroit in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $58 to $76. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit this week, bus tickets are available starting at $58.

Average bus ticket prices from Rockford to Detroit by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Rockford to Detroit is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $52. If you're planning to take the bus from Rockford to Detroit during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $74. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$200

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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $16.68 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Rockford to Detroit?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Rockford to Detroit that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US111h 30m$77.35
Greyhound112h 16m$68.95
  • 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 1 trip per day from Rockford to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only $77.35.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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 1 bus trip from Rockford to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from $50.47.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Rockford to Detroit

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Rockford to Detroit. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Rockford to Detroit; ticket prices start at $78.

Trips per day

2

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 58 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Rockford to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours. 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)

309

Distance (km)

497

The first bus leaves at 8:15 AM and the last bus leaves at 6:15 PM. To see the times for all buses from Rockford to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

8:15am

Latest bus

6:15pm

Because many passengers travel from Rockford to Detroit at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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

Monday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Rockford

Rockford, IL - RCK-0Rockford, IL - RCK-1Rockford, IL - RCK-2

Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.

Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.

Detroit

DET-0DET-1DET-2

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 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’ 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 Rockford?

Main departure station: E Side Tranfer Ctr

The East Side Transfer Center (commonly shortened to just “E Side”) is a bus station in Rockford. While some refer to it as just a Greyhound station, the center also services Van Galder Bus and Burlington Trailways. Together, the three carriers provide service across the Midwest, including Chicago. Within the transfer center, you can find a waiting room, vending machines, and restrooms. There are also benches outside if you'd prefer to get some fresh air while waiting. If you have time to kill, there's also a Subway and Cracker Barrel for a more substantial meal. For overnight connections, there are a number of convenient hotels just across I-90.

All bus stations in Rockford:

  • E Side Tranfer Ctr

Where does the bus arrive in Detroit?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

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

Need a return trip from Detroit to Rockford?

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