Cheap bus tickets from Milwaukee to Detroit
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Bus from Milwaukee to Detroit: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Detroit usually takes around 12 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 252 mi (405 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $43.47 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Milwaukee to Detroit Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Milwaukee to Detroit?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Detroit.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$88.96Cheaper | Avg. Price$106.60 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration12h 1m | Duration9h 33mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Milwaukee to Detroit:
- Greyhound: 3 daily buses from $43
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from $44
- Indian Trails: 2 daily buses from $133
How much is a bus ticket from Milwaukee to Detroit?
Bus tickets for a trip from Milwaukee to Detroit cost $56.91 on average. Tickets cheaper than $56.91 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 Milwaukee to Detroit by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Milwaukee to Detroit in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $55 to $93. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 25, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit this week, bus tickets are available starting at $55.
Average bus ticket prices from Milwaukee to Detroit by month
Taking the bus from Milwaukee to Detroit is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $75. If you're planning to take the bus from Milwaukee to Detroit during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $99. 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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $53.41 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Detroit?
There are multiple buses that travel from Milwaukee to Detroit, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Indian Trails. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 3 | 10h 14m | $80.72 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 9h 50m | $74.62 |
| Indian Trails | 2 | 21h 3m | $136.87 |
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 Milwaukee to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 14 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from $43.47.
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 3 trips per day from Milwaukee to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only $74.62.
Book Indian Trails from Milwaukee to Detroit from $133. There are 2 trips per day offered by Indian Trails from Milwaukee to Detroit and you can expect on average to pay $136.87 for a Indian Trails ticket to Detroit. In Milwaukee, Indian Trails departs to Detroit from Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave. In Detroit, Indian Trails arrives at Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St.
An average trip on Indian Trails from Milwaukee to Detroit takes 21 hours and 3 minutes, while the fastest available Indian Trails trip will get you to Detroit in 19 hours and 40 minutes.
On weekends, Indian Trails offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $133 for a weekend trip to Detroit.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Detroit
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Milwaukee to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Milwaukee to Detroit; ticket prices start at $60.
TRIPS PER DAY
8
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 12 hours to cover the 252 miles from Milwaukee to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 5 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)
252
DISTANCE (KM)
405
The first bus leaves at 3:25am and the last bus leaves at 8:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Milwaukee to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
3:25am
LATEST BUS
8:35pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
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 Milwaukee?
Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.
All bus stations in Milwaukee:
- Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
- Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave
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
Need a return trip from Detroit to Milwaukee?
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