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Detroit to Chicago train

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Detroit - Chicago Train Schedule

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fromPLN 119.58

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 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance237 mi (381 km)
Fastest train5h 6m
Lowest pricePLN 135.52
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Wolverine
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Detroit to Chicago

(Based on 27 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Antoinette

February 19, 2024- Business

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: The newer spacious train. Cons: If someone keeps coughing, they need to wear a mask or something. Train was full because there was no heat on one train car, so couldn't really move anywhere else. Tips: No.

5.0

Ronak

June 22, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: The train was comfortable. Cons: Maybe have menus at the seats in a QR form or laminated copy. Could even have someone share or notify passengers where we can find food. We didn’t realize there was food on the train at all until the last 30 minutes. First time on the train in Michigan. Also wifi wasn’t working well.

5.0

Addison

May 1, 2023- Business

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: I’m 6’5” and had no issues with leg room. Very clean train. Staff was great, and the ride was smooth. Thank you. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

4.0

Sarah G

January 30, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: Timely. Cons: Toilet could have been a bit tidier. No wifi nor warning of non-function.

4.0

Raghavendra

January 25, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Wolverine

Pros: Train was on time, no rush and clean. Cons: Train was at 6:20AM, have been asked to come 30 mins early but the station was opened only after 6AM. I was made to wait in cold for 15 mins. Tips: if you have an early morning train, know that the station is open only after 6AM.

Detroit to Chicago Route Map

Detroit Chicago

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

The average price for a train ticket from Detroit to Chicago is PLN 186.50, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 28 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay PLN 128.83 more.

Average prices by travel date

PLN 359PLN 239PLN 120MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Detroit to Chicago will range from PLN 147 to PLN 347. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Detroit you can find in the next 7 days is PLN 159. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

PLN 299PLN 239PLN 179PLN 120PLN 60AMJJASONDJFM
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 October when the average ticket price is only PLN 187. 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 PLN 227 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

PLN 299PLN 239PLN 179PLN 120PLN 603020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Detroit to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 28 days in advance. That way, you’ll save PLN 128.83 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Detroit to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Detroit to Chicago. Amtrak Wolverine usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak35h 21mPLN 394.05
Amtrak Wolverine35h 21mPLN 259.01
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Chicago every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from PLN 223.

  • 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 , but you can find deals for as low as PLN 136.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Detroit to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

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 21 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Detroit to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

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.

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 is the train station in Detroit?

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

Image credit: JasonParis

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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