Cheap train tickets from South Bend to Detroit
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from South Bend to Detroit. Traveling by train from South Bend to Detroit usually takes 9 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 171 mi (275 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 36m |
| Lowest price | $73.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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South Bend to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from South Bend to Detroit?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from South Bend to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$114.37 | Avg. Price$58.16Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration9h 50m | Duration9h 37mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from South Bend to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from South Bend to Detroit?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from South Bend to Detroit was $93.38. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $54.19 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from South Bend to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from South Bend to Detroit will cost between $77 and $132. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from South Bend to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from South Bend to Detroit often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $89. If you're thinking of traveling from South Bend to Detroit during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $113 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from South Bend to Detroit on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $54.19 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from South Bend to Detroit?
There are multiple trains that travel from South Bend to Detroit, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 9h 50m | $114.37 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from South Bend to Detroit every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $73.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from South Bend to Detroit
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Detroit to South Bend. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from South Bend to Detroit for $37.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between South Bend and Detroit is approximately 171 miles, or 275 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 36 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
DISTANCE (MI)
171
DISTANCE (KM)
275
The earliest train departs South Bend at 7:51am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:59pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:51am
LATEST TRAIN
11:59pm
Trains from South Bend to Detroit are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
South Bend
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
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 train leave from in South Bend?
Main departure station: 2702 W Washington St
The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
All train stations in South Bend:
- 2702 W Washington St
Where does the train arrive in Detroit?
Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave
Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to South Bend?
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