Cheap bus tickets from Columbus to Detroit

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Bus from Columbus to Detroit: Journey Information

There are 13 intercity buses per day from Columbus to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Columbus to Detroit usually takes around 11 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance
164 mi (264 km)
Shortest duration
3h 20m
Cheapest price
$28.48
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
Barons Bus Lines
Bus lines
3

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Columbus to Detroit Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Columbus to Detroit (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Paul

December 1, 2025 - Visiting friends

Barons Bus Lines
Pros: Bus driver was friendly and informative. Like you got time for a half cigarette

5.0

Sharon

August 24, 2025 - Regular commuter

Barons Bus Lines
Pros: Comfortable Cons: AC was off throught out

5.0

Sharon

April 27, 2025 - Business

Barons Bus Lines
Pros: Everything Cons: Cleanliness

4.0

Gabe

October 2, 2022 - Visiting family

Barons Bus Lines

5.0

Gabe

July 23, 2022 - Visiting friends

Barons Bus Lines
Pros: Bus driver was very competent and kept things on track

How much is a bus ticket from Columbus to Detroit?

Bus tickets for a trip from Columbus to Detroit cost $42.57 on average. Tickets cheaper than $42.57 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 Columbus to Detroit by travel date

$90$60$30AugAug

If you're planning to travel by bus from Columbus to Detroit in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $41 to $84. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 29, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit this week, bus tickets are available starting at $47.

Average bus ticket prices from Columbus to Detroit by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Columbus to Detroit is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $53. If you're planning to take the bus from Columbus to Detroit during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $64. 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$2001020

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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $37.87 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Columbus to Detroit?

There are multiple buses that travel from Columbus to Detroit, including Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines1114h 49m$66.45
Greyhound37h 8m$61.62
Tornado Bus13h 20m$105.00
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Detroit from $40. There are 11 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Detroit and you can expect on average to pay $66.45 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Detroit. In Columbus, Barons Bus Lines departs to Detroit from Columbus (E Mound St) and 2 other stations. In Detroit, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St.

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Detroit takes 14 hours and 49 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Detroit in 4 hours and 40 minutes.

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 11 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $40 for a weekend trip to Detroit.

  • 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 3 bus trips from Columbus 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 $27.48.

    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
  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Columbus to Detroit

Bus tickets for a trip from Columbus to Detroit cost $42.57 on average. Tickets cheaper than $42.57 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.

There are 13 scheduled buses that travel from Columbus to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

TRIPS PER DAY

13

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 164 miles from Columbus to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 20 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)

164

DISTANCE (KM)

264

The first bus leaves at 4:15am and the last bus leaves at 3:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Columbus to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

4:15am

LATEST BUS

3:35pm

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, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

City Information

Columbus

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Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.

As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.

Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.

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 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 Columbus?

Main departure station: Columbus (E Mound St)

Buses to Detroit leave from 5 stations in Columbus.

All bus stations in Columbus:

  • Columbus (E Mound St)
  • Columbus (Airport)
  • Columbus (E Mound St)
  • 845 N Wilson Rd
  • La Plz Tapatia #302

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
  • 1938 Campbell St

Need a return trip from Detroit to Columbus?

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