Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Detroit to Chicago. Traveling by train from Detroit to Chicago usually takes 5 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Wolverine train can make the trip in 5 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance
237 mi (381 km)
Fastest train
5h 6m
Lowest price
$39.00
Trains per day
3
Most frequent service
Amtrak Wolverine
Train lines
1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Detroit to Chicago Train Schedule

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

There are usually 11 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Chicago.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$77.37Avg. Price$58.49Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips11
Duration5h 25mFasterDuration7h 44m
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Detroit to Chicago (Based on 41 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Emelia

September 24, 2025 - Business

Amtrak Wolverine
Pros: It was really great being able to ride with Amtrak and they have really improved their customer service Cons: N/a Tips: N/a

5.0

Jimil

August 22, 2025 - Vacation

Amtrak Wolverine
Pros: Watching my grandkids enjoy the scenery Cons: The Detroit train station is very shabby.

5.0

cyriac

August 2, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine
Pros: It was a pleasure to travel in Amtrak. Cons: Seat number was not provided. Tips: I will recommend my family and friends to travel in Amtrak.

5.0

James

June 7, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine
Pros: Stress free travel Cons: I would like to have the sleeper seat so that I can sleep while traveling Tips: Many people don’t know about the train services. Explore them

5.0

June

March 11, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine
Pros: Easy boarding and seating. Smooth ride Cons: Not much!

Detroit to Chicago Route Map

Route map from Detroit to Chicago
See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Chicago?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Chicago was $62.35. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $36.20 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Chicago by travel date

$105$70$35AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Chicago will cost between $39 and $94. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Chicago by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $81 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$2001020

By booking your train trip from Detroit to Chicago on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $36.20 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Detroit to Chicago?

There are multiple trains that travel from Detroit to Chicago, including Amtrak Wolverine. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Wolverine35h 25m$77.37
  • The Amtrak Wolverine provides rail service from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan, and offers 3 trips per day. Each train features amenities such as a cafe car and onboard WiFi. The average ticket price from Detroit to Chicago on the Wolverine is $77.37, but you can find deals for as low as $39.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to Chicago

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Detroit to Chicago. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Detroit. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Chicago for $34.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The distance between Detroit and Chicago is approximately 237 miles, or 381 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 6 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)

237

DISTANCE (KM)

381

The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:26am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:16pm. 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

6:26am

LATEST TRAIN

6:16pm

Trains from Detroit to Chicago are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Saturday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

Renaissance faires at both ends of the Detroit–Chicago line

Chicago is the practical base for the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which runs weekends from July 11 to September 7 just over the Illinois line at Kenosha, Wisconsin — closer to Chicago than to Milwaukee, and reachable on Metra or Amtrak's Hiawatha. At the Detroit end, the Michigan Renaissance Festival holds its Holly grounds from August 22 to October 4. Both, and every other faire in the country, are in our renaissance faires finder.

City Information

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.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 train leave from in Detroit?

Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

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

Where does the train arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0CHIUST-2

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Detroit?

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