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Detroit to Chicago bus

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

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Detroit to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Bus from Detroit to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Detroit to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Detroit to Chicago usually takes around 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 price$31.48
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines3

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Detroit to Chicago

(Based on 14 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Ambreen

September 9, 2022- Solo travel

Greyhound

Started at time, and arrived exactly the same time they mentioned

5.0

Robert

February 3, 2021- Visiting family

Greyhound

Everything

5.0

Ricardo

November 27, 2019- Solo travel

OurBus

The experience of the driver

4.0

Brittney

October 25, 2019- Visiting family

Greyhound

I GOT A DEAL ON MY ROUND TRIP!

4.0

Aundreana

October 15, 2019- Business

Megabus

Pros: Quick and efficient. Affordable. Cons: WiFi reliability. Leg space. Tips: Bring a blanket! Temperature was uncomfortable. Leg space was tight.

Detroit to Chicago Route Map

Detroit Chicago
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How much is a bus ticket from Detroit to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Detroit to Chicago cost $37.47 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Detroit to Chicago by travel date

$75$50$25OctOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Detroit to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $35 to $68. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 29, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $39.

Average bus ticket prices from Detroit to Chicago by month

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from Detroit to Chicago is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only $39. If you're planning to take the bus from Detroit to Chicago during July, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $48. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 $25.50 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Detroit to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Detroit to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 6 daily trips, Greyhound 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 15m$75.00
FlixBus US27h 0m$50.41
Greyhound67h 43m$44.69

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Detroit to Chicago from $75. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Detroit to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Detroit, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St . In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Detroit to Chicago takes 9 hours and 15 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago 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 Chicago.

  • 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 2 trips per day from Detroit to Chicago, 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 6 bus trips from Detroit to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 43 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $31.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Detroit to Chicago

The cheapest way to get from Detroit to Chicago is by bus. Bus 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 traveling 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 round trip from Detroit to Chicago in one day. The fastest possible duration is 5 hours and 20 minutes, which means a round 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.

The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 44 minutes to cover the 237 miles from Detroit to Chicago. 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Detroit to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Detroit to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 Detroit to Chicago; ticket prices start at $37.00.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Detroit?

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

Image credit: Dane

Link to image attribution

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 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

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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